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Rural Health
News by Topic: Telehealth

Jan 17, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) authorizing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare practitioners acting within the scope of their VA employment to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine to a VA patient with whom they have not conducted an in-person medical evaluation. VA practitioners can prescribe controlled substances to VA patients if another VA practitioner has previously conducted an in-person medical evaluation of the VA patient at any time, subject to certain conditions. This final rule is effective February 18, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 17, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) amending their regulations to increase access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorders (OUD) through a telemedicine encounter. This rule expands the circumstances under which individual providers are authorized to prescribe buprenorphine for OUD via telemedicine, including an audio-only telemedicine encounter. This final rule is effective February 18, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 17, 2025 - Notice of proposed rulemaking from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposing regulatory changes aimed at expanding patient access to controlled substance medications via telemedicine while mitigating the risks of diversion associated with such expansion. Proposed changes would establish a Special Registration framework and authorize three types of Special Registration that would allow more comprehensive prescribing, including prescribing of Schedule II and narcotic and non-narcotic controlled substances in limited circumstances, by properly registered physicians and mid-level practitioners and dispensing by online telemedicine platforms that constitute covered online telemedicine platforms. Comments are due by March 18, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 17, 2025 - Interviews a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh nursing student about her experience with telehealth education as part of the nursing school curriculum. The goal of the program is to train the workforce and in turn increase access to healthcare, particularly in rural communities.
Source: UW Oshkosh Today
Jan 13, 2025 - Highlights a new report on mental healthcare awareness among and access for veterans in New York. Discusses reductions in stigma, rural community focused networks, rural culture, and telehealth.
Source: North Country Public Radio
Jan 6, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is accepting applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program for fiscal year 2025, subject to the availability of funding. DLT grant funds support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. Applications that will help rural communities recover economically, ensure all rural residents have equitable access to USDA Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects, and reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support are encouraged. Applications are due by March 6, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grants
Jan 4, 2025 - Highlights efforts by a Georgia veteran to promote awareness of VA telehealth tools and services among rural veterans. Describes the distribution of informational handouts at a campground frequented by rural veterans, located over an hour from the nearest VA facility. Provides overview of telehealth services, including specialty services, now available through the VA.
Source: VA News
Jan 3, 2025 - Describes how a temporary extension of telehealth rules impacts rural healthcare providers. Discusses quality of care concerns, benefits for rural residents, and broadband investments.
Source: Public News Service
Dec 23, 2024 - Discusses a successful case using a telestroke program in a rural Oklahoma hospital. Notes plans to grow the program throughout the state.
Source: KFOR
Dec 18, 2024 - Describes a telehealth program for critically ill patients implemented in 2 hospitals in rural Mississippi. Notes that 53 of Mississippi's 82 counties are more than 40 minutes away from specialty care. Discusses challenges with implementation, the increase in revenue for the 2 facilities, and planned use of AI for patient care and financial analysis.
Source: SmartBrief