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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Legislation and regulations

Home Health Agencies: CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19
Outlines specific regulatory waivers and Medicare flexibilities for home health agencies issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Includes information on whether each waiver or flexibility has been terminated, will end at the conclusion of the public health emergency, or has become permanent.
Date: 05/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Mental Health Visits via Telecommunications for Rural Health Clinics & Federally Qualified Health Centers
Details regulatory changes for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) regarding mental health visits provided through real-time audio-video and audio-only technologies. Includes information on coding for RHC and FQHC claims, in-person mental health visit requirements, and exceptions to the in-person requirement.
Date: 05/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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New and Expanded Flexibilities for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Provides an overview of changes to Rural Health Clinic (RHC) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) requirements and payment policies in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and subsequent changes at the end of the PHE on May 11, 2023. Includes information on telehealth flexibilities that have continued through 2024.
Date: 05/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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The End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency - Impact for RHCs
Recording of an April 5, 2023, webinar regarding how the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) impacts regulatory waivers and flexibilities related to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Q&A Follow-Up, Transcript
Date: 04/2023
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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Telehealth and the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, with Kathy Wibberly
An episode of the Exploring Rural Health podcast featuring Kathy Wibberly, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center. Discusses the impact of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on rural access to telehealth services and adjustments patients and providers can anticipate as the PHE comes to an end May 11, 2023.
Date: 04/2023
Type: Audio
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Emergency Hospital Requirements: CMS Emergency Preparedness Final Rule
Provides a reference source for Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) requirements related to the final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), "Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers." Includes excerpts from the REH Conditions of Participation regarding emergency preparedness, as well as CMS interpretive guidelines for 17 other provider types. Covers the development of an emergency plan, related policies and procedures, communications, training, and more.
Date: 03/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response
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Orientation to Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion and Technical Assistance, Additional Guidance
Recording of a March 1, 2023, webinar discussing the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) program. Provides an overview of January 2023 guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including REH action plans, transfer agreements, self-attestation to Conditions of Participation, the REH application process, and the rural status distance exception. Transcript available in the video description.
Additional links: Presentation Slides
Date: 03/2023
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organizations: Mathematica, Rural Health Redesign Center
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Gun Violence in Arizona: Data to Inform Prevention Policies
Provides information on firearm violence in Arizona, including mass and school shootings, suicides, homicides, injuries, police shootings, and more, with data broken down by demographics, county, and rural versus urban location. Discusses gun safety policies and prevention strategies.
Author(s): Julia Jackman, Allan N. Williams
Date: 03/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Arizona Public Health Association
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Rural Track Program Funding: An Erosion in Definitions of Rural Places Requires New Action
Policy position paper discussing graduate medical education (GME) in rural areas. Discusses policy changes to rural hospital classification and the impact of these changes on rural GME and rural training track programs.
Date: 03/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Understanding Disabilities in American Indian & Alaska Native Communities Toolkit Guide
Provides an overview of federal laws, initiatives, agencies, and organizations that support work with American Indian and Alaska Native communities and individuals with disabilities. Includes dedicated sections with links to organizations and resources on healthy living, education, independent living, vocational rehabilitation and employment resources, assistive technology, housing and facilities, and transportation.
Date: 02/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: National Council on Aging, National Council on Disability
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