Rural Health Policy – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Dec 20, 2024 - Announces the release of a new U.S.-Mexico border region health framework created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Global Affairs. Highlights features of the publication including health data assessment, identification of priority issues, and strategic recommendations for governmental and community-based stakeholders.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Dec 6, 2024 - Announces the start of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
(USDA) National Milk Testing Strategy in response to the
spread of avian influenza in dairy cattle. Describes the
implementation of a nationwide testing system to identify
infected herds and protect the health of farmers,
farmworkers, and the public. Notes the issuance of a new
Federal Order and outlines compliance requirements for
dairy industry stakeholders.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Nov 27, 2024 - Notice of final rule with comment period from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ACS) payment system for calendar year 2025. This rule also updates the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR) Program, Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting (REHQR) Program, Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program, and Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program and finalizes updates to the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) for obstetrical services. Among other things, this rule summarizes comments received in response to an information request on potential modifications to the Safety of Care measure group in the Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating methodology. This rule also finalizes exceptions to the Medicaid clinic services benefit four walls requirement for Indian Health Service and Tribal clinics, and, at state option, for behavioral health clinics and clinics located in rural areas. The provisions of this rule are effective January 1, 2025. Comments are due by December 31, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 22, 2024 - Summarizes the Biden-Harris Administration's investments in rural healthcare. Details funding for workforce development, technical assistance to improve healthcare facilities' economic viability, and access to primary care, maternal, HIV, mental health, and substance use disorder services.
Source: Health Resources and Services Administration
Last Updated: 12/23/2024