Rural Health
News by Topic: Sexual and reproductive health
Dec 17, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) finalizing certain provisions of the August 5, 2024, proposed rule titled "Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability." Specifically, this rule finalizes a definition of reproductive healthcare for the purpose of information blocking regulations, revises two existing information blocking exceptions, and establishes a new information blocking exception referred to as the Protecting Care Access Exception. This rule is effective December 17, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 6, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "HHS 42 CFR subpart B; Sterilization of Persons in Federally Assisted Family Planning Projects." This consent form solicits information to assure voluntary and informed consent to persons undergoing sterilization in health services programs supported by federal financial assistance administered by the United States Public Health Service (PHS). Comments are due by January 6, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
EBSA, HHS, IRS: Enhancing Coverage of Preventive Services Under the Affordable Care Act
Federal Register
Oct 28, 2024 - Notice of proposed rules from the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), proposing to amend regulations regarding coverage of certain preventive services under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which requires non-grandfathered group health plans and non-grandfathered group or individual health insurance coverage to cover certain over-the-counter and prescription contraceptive items without cost sharing. These proposed rules would not modify federal conscience protections related to contraceptive coverage for employers, plans, and issuers. Comments are due by December 27, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 24, 2024 - Iowa legislators have requested the U.S. Government Accountability Office share information regarding access to birth control for Iowan families. Notes the particular barriers for rural families in obtaining safe and effective contraception.
Source: Office of Senator Joni Ernst