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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Policy

Rural Delivery System Reform Takes Center Stage for National Advisory Committee
Reports on discussion at a September 2015 meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services focused on the need for rural healthcare providers to be involved in health system changes related to payment and service delivery.
Author(s): Kate Menzies, Brandon Baumbach
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 10/2015
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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National Advisory Committee Tackles Delivery System Reform, Child Poverty
Describes a September 2015 meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services held in Mahnomen, Minnesota, which focused on rural child poverty and healthcare delivery system reform.
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 10/2015
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Hospital Value-based Purchasing: Initial Results Show Modest Effects on Medicare Payments and No Apparent Change in Quality-of-Care Trends
Evaluates the initial effects of the Hospital Value-based Purchasing (HVBP) program on Medicare bonus payments and penalties, the quality of care provided, and selected quality improvement efforts during FY 2013-15. Analyzes data from safety net, small urban, and small rural hospitals.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 10/2015
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Where Is Buprenorphine Dispensed to Treat Opioid Use Disorders? The Role of Private Offices, Opioid Treatment Programs, and Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities in Urban and Rural Counties
Examines the impact of 2006 federal legislation allowing waivered physicians to prescribe and expand FDA approved buprenorphine as a treatment for opioid use disorder to a maximum of 100 patients. Discusses buprenorphine distribution by both urban and rural waivered physicians, opioid treatment programs, and treatment facilities for substance abuse.
Author(s): Bradley D. Stein, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, Adam J. Gordon, et al.
Citation: The Milbank Quarterly, 93(3), 561-583
Date: 09/2015
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Environmental Scan of Programs and Policies Addressing Health Disparities Among Rural Children in Poverty
Examines policies and programs that address health disparities of rural children living in poverty and offers recommendations based on the findings. Provides an environmental scan of community- and state-level interventions aimed to address obesity, behavioral health, oral health, prenatal and postnatal care, and respiratory health.
Author(s): Brenda Natzke, Luke Horner
Date: 09/2015
Sponsoring organization: Mathematica Policy Research
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NRHA Rural Proofing Tool
Policy paper describing the process of rural proofing in policy development, strategic planning, and implementation. This structured approach ensures that government policy and legislation recognizes the unique needs of healthcare in rural communities.
Author(s): David Schmitz, Elizabeth Johnsen
Date: 09/2015
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Promoting Active Living in Rural Communities
A summary of research, observations, policy statements, and lessons learned from rural active living interventions identifying factors within the rural environment that may contribute to higher rates of obesity in rural children and adults.
Author(s): David Hartley, Anush Hansen
Date: 09/2015
Sponsoring organization: Active Living Research
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Overcoming Obstacles to Health Care: Transportation Models that Work
Describes effective patient-centered transportation models, provides guidance on advancing healthcare access, and addresses transportation barriers among people living in rural areas, children and the elderly, and low-income populations. Identifies recommendations and strategies that may influence state and federal transportation polices.
Date: 09/2015
Sponsoring organization: Health Outreach Partners
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Realizing the Promise of Telehealth for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Describes how telehealth can improve access for children with special healthcare needs in California, particularly those living in rural areas. Provides an overview of California's telehealth policies, and describes how telehealth is being used in the state to meet the needs of this population.
Author(s): Jacob Vigil, Jenny Kattlove, Rebecca Litman, et al.
Date: 08/2015
Sponsoring organization: The Children's Partnership
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Rural Health Care Disparities Created by Medicare Regulations
Transcript of a July 28, 2015, U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Health hearing concerning rural healthcare disparities created by Medicare regulations. Features testimony from the Arizona Center for Rural Health and leaders from two Critical Access Hospitals and one rural hospital. Covers physician shortages; graduate medical education; the impact of regulatory changes such as the 96-hour rule, the two-midnight rule, and physician supervision requirements; and more.
Additional links: Carrie Saia, Holton Community Hospital - Testimony, Daniel Derksen, Arizona Center for Rural Health - Testimony, Shannon Sorensen, Brown County Hospital - Testimony, Tim Joslin, Community Regional Medical Centers - Testimony
Date: 07/2015
Sponsoring organization: House Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Health
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