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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Policy

Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) Model
Provides information on a CMS model that permitted ambulance care teams to use alternate models of emergency healthcare, such as telehealth treatment and transport to alternative destinations, to improve quality and lower costs of care. Rural Medicare-enrolled suppliers or hospital-based ambulance providers without current medical dispatch and/or telehealth were eligible to participate. Concluded December 31, 2023.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Pennsylvania Rural Health Model
Provides information on a joint CMS and the Pennsylvania Department of Health model designed to improve the financial viability of rural Pennsylvania hospitals and reduce the growth of hospital expenditures across payers, including Medicare. Includes information on participating hospitals and details about the performance period and model targets.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Indian Health Service: Sexual Abuse Prevention
Features news, policies, and trainings regarding the prevention of sexual abuse in Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities. Details policies to oversee patient safety in healthcare settings.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Indian Health Service
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Nurse Practitioner State Practice Environment
Interactive map providing an overview of nurse practitioner (NP) licensure for all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. Shows states and territories in which NPs are permitted full, reduced, or restricted practice, and provides definitions of these terms.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
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CMS Open Door Forum Podcast and Transcripts
Provides audio recordings and transcripts of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Door Forum calls since January 2020, including the Rural Health Open Door Forums.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Telehealth.HHS.gov
Features information about U.S. government efforts to support and promote telehealth services, including information on how to start a telehealth program, billing and reimbursement, and policy. Includes links to toolkits and resources on behavioral health, maternal health, training and workforce development, and more.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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The EMS Compact
Information on the agreement enabling emergency medical service (EMS) personnel licensed in Compact member states to cross state borders to practice and work in other Compact states without getting an EMS license in the remote state. Describes ways in which this agreement may enhance communities' responses to COVID-19 when local resources are reduced. Includes a map showing locations of EMS Compact states and contact information for each member state's Compact Commissioner.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice
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CLOUD (Curated Library about Opioid Use for Decision-makers)
Searchable library of curated, evidence-based resources on opioids and the opioid crisis. Includes documents and reports, legislation, videos, and websites on topics such as addiction treatment, harm reduction, prevention, recovery, and pain management. Provides information targeted to policymakers and community leaders; payers and providers; and patients and caregivers.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Center for Evidence-based Policy
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State Operations Manual Appendix W - Survey Protocol, Regulations and Interpretive Guidelines for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and Swing-Beds in CAHs
Provides details from the State Operations Manual on swing beds for Critical Access Hospitals.
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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AAFP Rural Health
Describes an initiative to improve rural health with a focus on the role of family physicians. Lists related resources, events, news, and more.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: American Academy of Family Physicians
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