February 24, 2022 What's New New RMOMS Program Awardee Summaries. The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy released new Summaries of the FY2019 Cohort Award Recipients of the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) Program – the Bootheel Perinatal Network in Missouri, the Rural OB Access and Maternal Services Network (ROAMS) in New Mexico, and the TX-RMOMS Comprehensive Maternal Care Network in Texas. The summaries describe the network structures and strategies awardees are using to expand care, such as telehealth and patient navigation. Applications for the next cohort are due on April 5. HRSA Telehealth Learning Series: A Session on Innovative Rural Health Programs – Monday, February 28 at 3:00 pm ET. This session features two recipients from HRSA's Telehealth Network Grant Program that delivers consultation services for Emergency Departments in rural areas. Comments Requested: CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids – Deadline April 11. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is in the process of updating the 2016 guidelines and values feedback from health care professionals and members of the public who experience acute or chronic pain. New Considerations for Assessing Seasonal Farmworker Communities (pdf). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an addendum to their Rapid Community Assessment (RCA) field guide. An RCA is a process for quickly collecting community insights – e.g., observations, surveys, listening session – about a public health issue to inform program design. The addendum was developed in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority, the National Center for Farmworker Health, CDC's Global Migration Task Force, and Oregon and Yuma County Farmworker Deployment Teams. Spread the Word About Vaccine Boosters. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) released new resources – posters, flyers, videos, and talking points – to help promote the extra protection from COVID-19 boosters. All vaccinated adults aged 18+ are eligible for a booster. A few weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded booster eligibility to include adolescents ages 12 to 17, recommending that they receive a booster shot five months after their initial vaccination. The CDC also released a new resource, based on input from rural health departments and organizations, with 12 strategies to increase vaccine uptake in rural communities (pdf). Search by zip code to find nearby locations providing adult and pediatric vaccines and boosters for COVID-19 and the flu at vaccines.gov. Ongoing: HRSA Payment Program for RHC Buprenorphine-Trained Providers. In June 2021, HRSA launched an effort to improve access to substance use disorder treatment by paying for providers who are waivered to prescribe buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) still have the opportunity to apply for a $3,000 payment on behalf of each provider who trained to obtain the waiver necessary to prescribe buprenorphine after January 1, 2019. Approximately $1.5 million in program funding remains available for RHCs and will be paid on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Send questions to DATA2000WaiverPayments@hrsa.gov. There is ongoing availability of a free online course for waiver eligibility training from the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine and the Providers Clinical Support System. COVID-19 Resources Provider Relief Fund (PRF). The reporting portal is open for providers required to report on PRF payments during Reporting Period 2, and will remain open until March 31, 2022. NARHC Assistance with Federal Programs for COVID-19 Testing, Vaccine Distribution, and Provider Relief Fund. The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) has background information and guidelines in its collection of technical assistance webinars for all COVID-related programs designated for Rural Health Clinics. Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Resources for COVID-19. A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from our grantees and stakeholders. Rural Health Clinic Vaccine Distribution (RHCVD) Program. Under the program, Medicare-certified RHCs will receive direct COVID-19 vaccines in addition to their normal jurisdictions' weekly allocation. Contact RHCVaxDistribution@hrsa.gov for more information. Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation. The new resources help individuals, teachers, school administrators, librarians, faith leaders, and health care professionals to understand, identify, and stop the spread of misinformation. The toolkit includes common types of misinformation and a checklist to help evaluate the accuracy of health-related content. Online Resource for Licensure of Health Professionals. As telehealth usage increased during the pandemic, FORHP funded new work with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards to reduce the burden of multi-state licensure. The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing in each state for psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists assistants, and social workers. HRSA COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund. HRSA will provide claims reimbursement at the national Medicare rate for eligible health care providers administering vaccines to underinsured individuals. HHS Facts About COVID Care for the Uninsured. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) helps uninsured individuals find no-cost COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines. The HRSA Uninsured Program provides claims reimbursement to health care providers generally at Medicare rates for testing, treating, and administering vaccines to uninsured individuals, including undocumented immigrants. There are at-a-glance fact sheets for providers (pdf) and for patients in English and Spanish. CDC COVID-19 Updates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides daily updates and guidance, including COVID-19 Vaccination Trainings (pdf) for new and experienced providers, and Tips for Talking with Patients about COVID-19 Vaccination. Don't Miss: Rural Considerations for Vaccine Confidence and Uptake Strategies (pdf). HHS/DoD National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network. A joint program of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is available at no cost to hospitals caring for COVID-19 patients and struggling with access to enough critical care physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialized clinical experts. Teams of critical care clinicians are available to deliver virtual care through telemedicine platforms, such as an app on a mobile device. Hear from participating clinicians, and email to learn more and sign up. Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth. ProviderBridge.org was created by the Federation of State Medical Boards through the CARES Act and the FORHP-supported Licensure Portability Grant Program. The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing by state as well as a provider portal to connect volunteer health care professionals to state agencies and health care entities. Reaching Farm Communities for Vaccine Confidence. The AgriSafe Network is a nonprofit organization that provides information and training on injury and disease related to agriculture. Their health professionals and educators created a social media toolkit that aims to provide clear messages about COVID-19 vaccination for agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers. Funding and Opportunities NACCHO Building Rural/Frontier Workforce Capacity for COVID-19 – March 16. The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) will make approximately 35 awards of up to $35,000 each to build workforce capacity in rural and frontier health departments. Applicants must have at least 50 percent of their jurisdiction designated as rural or frontier according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kresge/Kellog Community Innovations for Racial Equity – March 18. Through the Build Health Places Network, the Kresge Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will provide funding, technical assistance, and a peer learning cohort to support race-conscious partnerships in minority communities. Ten awards will be made with up to $40,000 to support staff, $60,000 of in-kind technical support, and facilitated connections to a national network of peer support. HRSA State Loan Repayment Program – April 8. The American Rescue Plan expands the investment to $25 million to help states operate their own educational loan repayment programs. Recipients are afforded flexibility to choose the disciplines and Health Professional Shortage Areas that meet their unique workforce needs. IHS Tribal Management Grant Program – April 25. The Indian Health Service (IHS) anticipates making 15 awards of up to $150,00 each to tribes and tribal organizations developing a health management infrastructure. The program consists of four project types: feasibility study, planning, evaluation, and health management structure. Rural Health Research Research in this section is provided by the HRSA/FORHP-supported Rural Health Research Gateway. Sign up to receive alerts when new publications become available. Research Recap: Opioid Use Disorder and Treatment: Rural-Urban Comparisons. This resource includes research from the last three years that compares the rural-urban prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD), the impact of OUD on hospitals and emergency departments, and prescribing buprenorphine for OUD treatment. Rural-Urban Differences in Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences. This brief from the Rural and Minority Health Research Center uses results from the National Survey of Children's Health to compares the types and counts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) for rural and urban children. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. CMS Removes ACO Track from CHART Model. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) removed the Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) Transformation Track from the Community Health Access and Rural Transformation (CHART) Model. CMS is developing an agency-wide vision and strategy for accountable care, including opportunities to increase ACO adoption in rural areas. As a recent part of this effort, CMS is examining lessons learned from the Innovation Center's ACO Investment Model (AIM) to inform future ACO policies, advance health equity, and to increase the number of beneficiaries in accountable care relationships. CMS Posts New MIPS Resources for Small Practices. Last week, CMS posted two new resources to help small practices navigate the Medicare Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2022. The first is the 2022 MIPS Quick Start Guide for Small Practices that explains how small practices (15 or fewer clinicians) can get started with MIPS. The other, What's New In 2022 for Small Practices, explains the performance year (PY) 2022 MIPS policies for small practices that are changing or new as well as the PY 2022 timeline. Request for Information: Access to Care and Coverage for People Enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP – April 18. Last week, CMS issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking feedback on access to care in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The RFI solicits public input on topics related to health care access, such as enrolling in and maintaining coverage, accessing health care services and supports, and ensuring adequate provider payment rates to encourage provider availability and quality. CMS is issuing this RFI as part of a comprehensive access strategy for Medicaid and CHIP. Medicaid is an important source of health care coverage for rural Americans, covering nearly a quarter of rural residents under age 65. See the Events section below for details on a call for stakeholders on March 1st. Learning Events and Technical Assistance White House Weekly Rural Stakeholders Call – Thursday, February 24 at 3:00 pm ET. On this week's call, the White House Office of Public Engagement will be joined by White House American Rescue Plan Coordinator Gene Sperling who will provide an update on the impact that the American Rescue Plan Act has made and continues to make in rural communities. HRSA Telehealth Learning Series: A Session on Innovative Rural Health Programs – Monday, February 28 at 3:00 pm ET. This session features two recipients from HRSA's Telehealth Network Grant Program that delivers consultation services for Emergency Departments in rural areas. CMS Request for Information (RFI) on Medicaid/CHIP Access – Tuesday, March 1 at 3:30. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a call to provide details on the RFI on access to Medicaid and CHIP, review how to access the online form, and outline the importance of providing feedback on this topic. This call is designed for all stakeholder groups that interact with Medicaid and CHIP. This includes but is not limited to: health care providers, consumer groups and advocates, managed care organizations, and people enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. HRSA Center for Innovation: International Models in Community Health – Thursday, March 3 at 1:00 pm ET. HRSA is joining with the White House Office of Science and Technology to host a series roundtables to look at the use of technology in community-based health settings. This session will feature a discussion on how to advance health through community-centered models from around the world. Surviving and Thriving. Overcoming Trauma through Recovery Housing and Programming – Thursday, March 3 at 2:00 pm ET. Presenters will discuss how trauma and adverse childhood experiences have a significant impact on individuals in recovery programs for substance use disorder. Attendees will learn the role trauma has played in the lives of those they serve, learn how to better work with this population and address their needs, and operate under a trauma-informed lens. Emphasis will be placed on issues relevant to rural areas. This event is supported by the Fletcher Group, one of three FORHP-funded Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorders. PTAC Meeting on Population-Based Payment Models – Monday, March 7 at 10:00 am ET. The Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) is hosting a series of discussions throughout 2022 on topics important to physician-focused payment models. This is the first public meeting, taking place over two days, with a focus on issues and opportunities for population-based Alternative Payment Models (APMs). A recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office examines barriers to participation in APMs for rural providers. Impact of CMS Rule Changes on Rural GME, Part II – Tuesday, March 8 at 12:00 pm ET. In this one-hour webinar session, the FORHP-supported Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) -Technical Assistance Center will share information about several Medicare graduate medical education (GME) policy changes and issues to consider for rural hospitals and other organizations training physicians in Medicare-supported residency programs. View a recording of Part I of this series, previously presented on February 8 by the RRPD Technical Assistance Center. Long COVID ECHO Webinar Series – Thursday, March 10 at 3:00 pm ET. The Health Centers of San Diego, the ECHO Institute, University of Washington, and University of Colorado have collaborated to provide CDC-funded monthly webinar-style ECHO learning sessions to rapidly disseminate findings and best practices related to patients experiencing ongoing health challenges after COVID-19 infection, a condition generally known as "Long COVID." This is a monthly webinar series with sessions currently scheduled from February through June. Project ECHO (pdf) began as an effort to support the management of patients with the hepatitis C virus in rural New Mexico, and has since been adapted to a number of other health conditions and settings. Resource of the Week FCC Affordable Connectivity Program. Throughout the pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has guided a federal program providing low-cost internet connection for individuals and households. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Households that were enrolled in the previous Emergency Broadband Benefit program may need to take steps to stay enrolled after March 1st. Approaching Deadlines Comments Requested: Changes to Graduate Medical Education Payments – February 25 National Indian Health Board/CDC Infectious Disease Learning Community Facilitation (pdf) – February 25 AMA Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships – February 28 NIH Preventing Opioid Misuse by Intervening on Social Determinants – March 2 Appalachian Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) – Letters of Intent March 3 Comments Requested: Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Advance Notice – March 4 Comments Requested: 2023 Proposed Updates to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Program – March 7 HRSA Rural Health and Economic Development Analysis Program – March 8 National Environmental Public Health Internship – March 9 Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Behavioral Health Care Technical Assistance (RCORP-BHCTA) – March 9 CDC Rigorous Evaluation of Recovery Support Services – March 14 NIH Health Disparities Research Institute – March 14 Native American Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program – March 14 U.S. Dept of Treasury Community Development Financial Institution – March 14 CDC Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country – March 16 NACCHO Building Rural/Frontier Workforce Capacity for COVID-19 – March 16 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholars Program – March 16 HRSA Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program – March 18 Kresge/Kellog Community Innovations for Racial Equity – March 18 HRSA Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program – March 21 DOJ Grants to Tribal Governments/Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction – March 22 USDA Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program – March 23 ONC Seeks Public Input on Electronic Prior Authorization – Comment by March 25 CMS Funding for Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment – March 28 USDA Grants for Higher Education Distance Learning in Insular Areas – March 28 HRSA Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program – March 31 Medicare-Funded Residency Slots – March 31 USDA Program for Women and Minorities in STEM Fields – March 31 FCC/USAC Rural Health Care Connect Fund – April 1 FCC/USAC Telecommunications Program – April 1 NIH Innovations for Improving Minority Health/Eliminating Health Disparities – April 4 HRSA Pediatric Mental Health Care Access – New Area Expansion – April 5 HRSA Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program – April 5 USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance Program – April 5 HRSA Area Health Education Centers – April 6 NIH Evaluating Pandemic-related Food/Housing Policies on Disparity Populations – April 7 HRSA State Loan Repayment Program – April 8 Comments Requested: CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids – April 11 CDC Drug Free Communities New Areas – April 11 DOT RAISE Grants for Transportation Infrastructure – April 14 HRSA Health Workforce Research Centers – April 14 USDA Rural Business Development: Technical Assistance for Rural Transportation Systems – April 14 ACF Early Childhood Home Visiting Program for Tribal Communities – April 15 ACF Social and Economic Development Strategies for Tribal Communities – April 15 Request for Information: Access to Care and Coverage for People Enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP – April 18 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) – Behavioral Health Care Support – April 19 USDA Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) – April 19 Ongoing Opportunities CFPB Rental Assistance Finder HHS/DoD National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network Extended Public Comment Period for FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program FCC Affordable Connectivity Program FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance HRSA Payment Program for Buprenorphine-Trained Clinicians – Until Funds Run Out AgriSafe Nurse Scholar Program – March 2022 AHRQ Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Grants – September 2022 AHRQ Research to Improve Patient Transitions through HIT – December 2022 American Indian Public Health Resource Center Technical Assistance ASA Rural Access to Anesthesia Care Scholarship Burroughs Wellcome Fund Seed Grants for Climate Change and Health – Quarterly through August 2023 CDC Direct Assistance to State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Health Agencies CDC Training Pediatric Medical Providers to Recognize ACEs Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program Department of Commerce American Rescue Plan Funding for Indigenous Communities – September 2022 Department of Commerce: Economic Development Assistance Programs Department of Labor Dislocated Worker Grants DRA Technical Assistance for Delta Region Community Health Systems Development EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund FEMA/SAMHSA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) GPHC & RWJF: Rapid Cycle Research and Evaluation Grants for Cross-Sector Alignment HRSA Seeking Nominations for Migrant Health Advisory HRSA Technical Assistance for Look-Alike Initial Designation for the Health Center Program Housing Assistance Council: Housing Loans for Low-Income Rural Communities HUD Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program IHS Tribal Forensic Healthcare Training IHS/DOD Medical Supplies and Equipment for Tribes (Project TRANSAM) NARHC Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional Course Host Sites for National Environmental Public Health Internship NIH Project Talk Initiative Host Site Applications NIH Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health – May 2022 NIH Practice-Based Research for Primary Care Suicide Prevention – June 2022 NIH Research – Alcohol and Other Substance Use – Various Dates Through August 2022 NIH Research: Intervening with Cancer Caregivers to Improve Patient Outcomes – September 8, 2022 NIH Research on Minority Health/Health Disparities – September 8, 2022 NIH Research on Palliative Care in Home/Community Settings – September 8, 2022 NIH Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health – Various Dates Until September 2023 NIH Researching the Role of Work in Health Disparities – Various Dates Until September 2024 NIH Special Interest Research – Pandemic Impact on Vulnerable Children and Youth – May 2024 Nominations for Federal Advisory Commission on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Primary Care Development Corporation Community Investment Loans Rural Graduate Medical Education Planning and Development RWJF Investigator-Initiated Research to Build a Culture of Health RWJF Pioneering Ideas Brief Proposals SBA Guaranteed Loans for Small Business Southeast Rural Community Assistance Loans Tribal Grant Writing Training USDA Community Facilities Program USDA Community Food Projects Technical Assistance USDA Drinking Water and Waste Disposal for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages USDA Economic Impact Initiative Grants USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants USDA Healthy Food Financing Initiative Technical Assistance USDA Intermediary Relending Program USDA Rural Business Development Grants USDA Rural Business Investment Program USDA Rural Energy Savings Program USDA SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (for Water/Waste Projects) USDA Summer Food Program USDA Technical Assistance for Healthy Food Financing Initiative USDA Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans USDA Funding for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Projects USDOT Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (R.O.U.T.E.S) | 
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