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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Type: Document

MedPAC Comment on CMS's Proposed Rule on Contract Year 2021 and 2022 Policy and Technical Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D
Responds to a proposed rule to revise regulations for Medicare Advantage (MA) and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit program (Part D). Provides comments on CMS proposals regarding out-of-network telehealth benefits, updates to the quality rating models for MA and Part D plans, and changes to MA network adequacy standards. Discusses how changes to network adequacy standards would impact access to dialysis facilities for beneficiaries in micropolitan counties, rural counties, and counties with extreme access considerations (CEAC).
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
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Hospital Experiences Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a National Pulse Survey March 23–27, 2020
Reports on hospitals' challenges and needs in responding to the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Addresses access to testing, supplies, and equipment; workforce issues; facility capacity; the need for financial assistance; and information needs. Identifies strategies hospitals reported using the help protect staff and manage patient care. Includes information on rural hospitals' concerns.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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The Respiratory Therapist Workforce in the U.S.: Supply, Distribution, Education Pathways, and State Responses to Emergency Surges in Demand
An overview of the respiratory therapist workforce across the U.S. including their practice scope and settings, supply and distribution, education and credentialing, and work force capacity with an additional focus on the emergency related concerns of COVID-19.
Author(s): Susan M Skillman, Bianca K Frogner, Arati Dahal, Benjamin A Stubbs, Grace Guenther
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: UW Center for Health Workforce Studies
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Rural Health Care and Medicaid Telehealth Flexibilities, and Guidance Regarding Section 1009 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act (Pub. L. 115-271), entitled Medicaid Substance Use Disorder Treatment via Telehealth
Discusses the benefits of utilizing telehealth services to expand access to Medicaid services in rural areas and the flexibility states have in covering these services. Provides guidance on options states have to receive federal reimbursement for substance use disorder treatments provided via telehealth services.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Nonfatal Drug Overdoses Treated in Emergency Departments — United States, 2016–2017
Examines nonfatal overdoses for all drugs, all opioids, nonheroin opioids, heroin, benzodiazepines, and cocaine. Looks at changes from 2016 to 2017, with data by drug type, patient, facility, and visit characteristics. Includes data by county urbanization level for metropolitan and nonmetro counties.
Author(s): Alana M. Vivolo-Kantor, Brooke E. Hoots, Lawrence Scholl, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(13), 371-376
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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CARES Act: Provisions to Help Rural Hospitals
Provides an overview of aspects of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act designed to support rural hospitals. Highlights provisions related to access to capital, Medicare payments, and telehealth, among others.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Cybersecurity Toolkit for Rural Hospitals and Clinics
Describes 4 steps to help rural clinics and hospitals develop and maintain cybersecurity programs: awareness, assessment, implementation and remediation, and education. Includes a list of resources, checklists, and tools appropriate for all users.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Resource Center
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Public Law 116-136: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Text of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136 (March 27, 2020). Outlines telehealth flexibilities to support providers and enhance access to care during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Among other things, the CARES Act allows Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to serve as distant sites to provide telehealth services to patients in their homes during the public health emergency (PHE); establishes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); extends the ability to order home health services to physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse specialists; and provides additional funding to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enable the provision of telehealth services.
Date: 03/2020
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Congress
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Cross-Sector Collaboration for Vulnerable Populations Reduces Utilization and Strengthens Community Partnerships
Describes the process and outcomes of a cross-sector, interprofessional collaborative strategy to address the needs of vulnerable community members, in a rural area, who are high utilizers of emergency services, social service providers, criminal justice departments, and healthcare systems. Discusses approaches shown to reduce challenges during the collaborative process and offers insights to communities wishing to pursue similar projects.
Author(s): Lauran Hardin, Shelly Trumbo, Dawn Wiest
Citation: Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, 18
Date: 03/2020
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Population Health in the State of North Dakota
Presents a number of measures of population health in North Dakota. Highlights data on age, poverty, and insurance coverage, among other measures, in rural and urban areas across the state.
Date: 03/2020
Sponsoring organization: University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences
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