Friday, July 5, 2024

FORHP Announcements - July 5

New funding: technology-enabled learning
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July 5, 2024

What's New

New Funding Opportunity: Technology-Enabled Collaborative Learning Program – Apply by August 2.  HRSA's Office for the Advancement of Telehealth will invest approximately $3,800,000 for up to eight new cooperative agreements. Awarded entities will evaluate, develop, and expand the use of technology-enabled learning models to build capacity, improve retention of health care providers, and increase access to services.  Eligible applicants include entities that provide, or support the provision of, health care services in rural areas, frontier areas, health professional shortage areas, or medically underserved areas, or to medically underserved populations or Native Americans, including Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations.

New: Rural SUD Info Center. This exciting new clearinghouse highlights the work of three different Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorders (SUD), all of which are funded by FORHP's Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). Visitors to the website will find current information and technical assistance opportunities on SUD through a rural lens. 

SAMHSA Rural Recovery Innovations Virtual Conference – Thursday, July 11 at 11:00 am Eastern.  Register for this two-day conference, held online, to learn how peer-based and other SAMHSA recovery support programs are meeting the challenges of providing help to individuals and families facing behavioral problems in in Rural, Frontier and Tribal Communities. The conference is sponsored by the Office of Recovery at the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

CDC Update on Avian Flu – Tuesday, July 16 at 2:00 pm Eastern.  Through its Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity Group, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will give updates on highly pathogenic A (H5N1) virus, also known as avian flu.  On the hour-long call, speakers will provide clinicians with information on testing, using antivirals, and infection prevention and control recommendations. Continuing Education credits are available.  The CDC continues to provide written guidance and updates on their H5N1 Bird Flu website.

Ongoing: Requirements for Buprenorphine PrescribingAs announced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in January 2023, clinicians no longer need a federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder.  Clinicians are still required to register with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe controlled medications.  On June 27, 2023, the DEA began to require that registration applicants – both new and renewing – affirm they have completed a new, one-time, eight-hour training.  Exceptions for the new training requirement are practitioners who are board certified in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry, and those who graduated from a medical, dental, physician assistant, or advanced practice nursing school in the U.S. within five years of June 27, 2023.  Watch this 11-minute video that explains the changes.  Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) still have the opportunity to apply for a $3,000 payment on behalf of each provider who trained between January 1, 2019 and December 29, 2022 (when Congress eliminated the waiver requirement).  Approximately $756,842 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.


COVID-19 Resources

Learn About Long COVID & Fatiguing Illness  – Thursday, July 11 at 3:00 pm Eastern.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds this monthly webinar-style ECHO learning session to rapidly disseminate findings about Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The series offers presentations by subject matter experts, examples of emerging best practices and models of care, and a facilitated Q&A. This program is intended primarily for providers who care for patients with PCC and ME/CFS but is open to all healthcare professionals and all Long COVID and ME/CFS patient-lived experience experts interested in learning more about the treatment of Long COVID and ME/CFS.

Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth.  ProviderBridge.org was created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act by the Federation of State Medical Boards and HRSA's Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. 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. 


Funding and Opportunities

National Medical Fellowships – Health Equity Leaders Program for Underrepresented Professionals – August 12.  The program provides students from groups that are underrepresented in health care, medical, and allied health professions with a learning opportunity in health equity service, scholarship, leadership, and policy.  Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited medical, graduate-level nursing, or physician assistant school, interested in working in underserved communities, and part of a group NMF designates as underrepresented: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American (Vietnamese or Cambodian only), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. 

DOL Mine Health and Safety Grants – August 20.  The Mine Safety and Health Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides grants to prevent fatalities, disease, and injury from mining and to secure safe and healthy working conditions for miners through laws, regulations, safety improvements, education, and training.  DOL expects to make 56 awards with total funding of $10.5 million for state and local governments, public/state-controlled institutions of higher education, federally recognized Tribal governments, Tribal organizations and minority-serving educational institutions. 

USDA Broadband Technical Assistance Program – August 20.  The Rural Utilities Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training that promotes the expansion of broadband into rural areas. 

California Department of Health Care Access – Small and Rural Hospital Relief Program – Ongoing.  The state government program provides funds for small, rural, and Critical Access Hospitals in California for seismic safety compliance


Policy Updates

Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov.

CMS Proposed Rule on Anomalous DME Spending and MSSP Financial Calculations – Comment by July 29. This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule for mitigating the impact of significant, anomalous, and highly suspect (SAHS) billing activity on the Medicare Shared Savings Program financial calculations in calendar year 2023. This proposed rule is part of a larger strategy to address significant, anomalous, and highly suspect (SAHS) within ACO reconciliation, and additional information will be forthcoming in the Physician Fee Schedule. Due to a recent, observed increase in Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics & Supplies (DMEPOS) billing to Medicare for selected intermittent urinary catheter supplies in CY 2023, CMS  proposes to exclude use of these codes from any supplier in 2023 from ACO expenditure and revenue calculations.

HHS Finalizes Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Rule – Impacts for RHCs – Monday, July 15 at 2:00 pm Eastern. The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) will host the free, FORHP-supported webinar, with information on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services final rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities and the RHC impacts, including: 

  • Requirement to post a notice of nondiscrimination.
  • Requirements to post notice of availability of translation and auxiliary aid services in top 15 foreign languages.
  • Requirement to establish and train employees on policies and procedures related to nondiscrimination.

Additional time for Q&A will be provided. Advanced registration is required.

ACO PC Flex Model Office Hour – Tuesday, July 16 at 2:00 pm Eastern. In this hour-long session, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation will provide an overview of the new ACO Primary Care Flex Model (ACO PC Flex Model), which will focus on primary care delivery in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (SSP).  CMS has released a Request for Applications  and the application portal is open until August 1 for new or renewing ACOs who submitted an application to SSP by June 17, 2024.  CMS plans to announce applicants selected to participate in October 2024.  This model seeks to increase accountable care relationships for people with Medicare, especially those in rural and underserved communities.


Learning Events and Technical Assistance

A Practical Guide to Landlord/Tenant Issues in Recovery Housing – Thursday, July 11 at 2:00 pm Eastern.  The Fletcher Group is one of three FORHP-supported Rural Centers of Excellence on substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery.  This open-access presentation will cover best practices for recovery home owners and operators. 

Register for the National Telehealth Conference – Tuesday, July 16 at 9:30 am Eastern.  Join HRSA's Office for the Advancement of Telehealth for an online conference featuring health care professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from around the country.  Among topics for sessions during the all-day event: licensing across state lines for behavioral health professionals, and ensuring access to telehealth for low-income individuals.  If you would like to receive announcements from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, you can sign up here.  


Approaching Deadlines

USDA WIC State Agency General Infrastructure Grants – July 5

CMS Funds for States Using Federally Facilitated Exchanges – July 8

Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors/Rural Medical Training Collaborative – National Institute for Program Director Development Rural Scholarship – July 8

HRSA Center for Maternal and Child Health Medicaid Partnerships – July 10

HRSA Maternal and Child Health Policy Innovation Program – July 10

Call for Nominations to the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee – Submit by July 10

USDA Rural Housing Service Community Development Initiative – July 10

CMS Seeks Feedback on Two Agency Information Collection Activities – Comment by July 11

First Nation's Development Institute – Native Agriculture and Food Systems College Scholarship Program – July 11

CMS Rural Hackathon Interest Survey – July 12

Call for nominations for a CMS Maternal Health Technical Expert Panel – Submit by July 12

CMS Increasing Organ Transplant Model – Comment by July 16

IHS Addressing Dementia in Indian Country: Enhancing Sustainable Models of Care – July 16

ACF Community Economic Development Project – July 17

HUD Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program – July 18

Telehealth Resource Centers: Telehealth Implementation Bootcamp – July 18

Call for Rural Health Papers - CDC's Preventing Chronic Disease Journal – July 19

DoD announces Removal of Certain Temporary Regulation Changes Made in Response to COVID-19 for TRICARE – Comment by July 23

DHS 2024 Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grants – July 25

HRSA Nurse, Education, Practice, Quality and Retention – Workforce Expansion Program – July 26

HRSA Rural Hospital Stabilization Pilot Program – July 26

CMS Proposed Rule on Anomalous DME Spending and MSSP Financial Calculations – Comment by July 29

DOJ Meeting the Basic Needs of Underserved Crime Victims – July 29

DOJ National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative – July 29

Medicare ACO Primary Care Flex Model Request for Applications – August 1

HRSA Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program – August 2

HRSA Technology-Enabled Collaborative Learning Program – August 2

Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) Opioid Crisis Innovation Challenge – August 8

DHS Funding One Entity for Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project – August 9

National Medical Fellowships – Health Equity Leaders Program for Underrepresented Professionals – August 12

NIH Advancing HIV Service Delivery Through Pharmacies and Pharmacists – August 13

HRSA New Access Points for Health Center Program – August 15

HRSA Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – August 15

DOL Mine Health and Safety Grants – August 20

USDA Broadband Technical Assistance Program – August 20

NIH Health Care Models for Persons with Multiple Chronic Conditions from Populations that Experience Health Disparities: Advancing Health Care towards Health Equity – September 7

NIH Notice of Special Interest:  Telehealth Strategies for Individuals with HIV and Substance Use Disorders – September 7

CMS Innovation in Behavioral Health Model – September 9

CMS Transforming Maternal Health Model – September 20

AHRQ TeamSTEPPS®: No Cost Training for Patient Safety – Sessions through November 2024

EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants – November 21


Ongoing Opportunities

HRSA Needs Rural Reviewers for Grant Applications

Medicaid and CHIP Renewal and Transition Resources for Partners

Extended Public Comment Period for FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program

National Indian Health Board Vaccination Event Funding – Ongoing while funds last

SAMHSA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Volunteer and Job Opportunities

USDA Disaster Repair Grants for Rural Communities

USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants

ACF Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

ACF Rural Community Development Program for Rural Water Systems

Addiction Policy Forum: Sites for Anti-Stigma Pilot

AgriSafe Mental Health Training for Agricultural Producers & Families

American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) Foundation - Accreditation Grants

American Heart Association Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator

American Indian Public Health Resource Center Technical Assistance

AmeriCorps American Connection Corps for Broadband in Rural Areas

Appalachian Community Fund Technical Assistance Grants

Appalachian Regional Commission J-1 Visa Waivers for Doctors

Association of American Indian Physicians Tribal Grant Writing Training

ASA Rural Access to Anesthesia Care Scholarship

California Department of Health Care Access – Small and Rural Hospital Relief Program

CDC Direct Assistance to State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Health Agencies

CDC Training Pediatric Medical Providers to Recognize ACEs

CORH Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program

Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program

Delta Regional Authority Community Infrastructure Fund

Delta Doctors J-1 Visa Waiver Program

Department of Commerce: Economic Development Assistance Programs

DRA Technical Assistance for Delta Region Community Health Systems Development

EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

EPA Water Infrastructure and Innovation Act Program

FEMA/SAMHSA Post-Disaster Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program

GSA Federal Surplus Property Available for Public Use

GPHC & RWJF: Rapid Cycle Research and Evaluation Grants for Cross-Sector Alignment

HRSA/SAMHSA Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Training and Mentoring

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 Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance Program

HUD Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program

IHS Tribal Forensic Healthcare Training

IHS/DOD Medical Supplies and Equipment for Tribes (Project TRANSAM)

Licensure Portability: the Multi-Discipline Licensure Resource Project

NARHC Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional Course

National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence Technical Assistance

National Indian Health Board Tribal Environmental Justice Technical Assistance Center

National Indian Health Board Tribal Environmental Impact Network Call for Technical Assistance Providers

National Indian Health Board Vaccination Event Funding

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center Technical Assistance for Domestic Violence Programs

Native Americans into  Medicine

Host Sites for National Environmental Public Health Internship

NIH Research to Improve Native American Health – October 2024

NIH Researching Mental Health Practices in Low-Resource Settings – September 2024

NIH Researching Social, Behavioral, and Economic Impact of COVID-19 in Underserved/Vulnerable Populations – September 2024

NIH Researching the Role of Work in Health Disparities – Various dates until September 2024

NIH Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination – Various dates until October 2025

NIH Researching Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention – February 2026

NIH Research to Address Vaccine Hesitancy in Health Disparity Populations – June 2026

NIH Planning Grants for Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) – various dates until July 2026

NIH Research to Understand Disparities in Maternal Morbidity and Mortality – Various dates until October 2026

NIH Data Informed, Place-Based Community-Engaged Research to Advance Health Equity – January 2027

NIH/UVA Seeking Rural Individuals to Participate in Weight Loss Study (iREACH) – until 2027

NIH Project Talk Initiative Host Site Applications

NOSORH Rural Primary Care Institute

Nominations for Federal Advisory Commission on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

NRHA Chief Nursing Officer Certification Program for Rural Hospitals

Opportunity Finance Network/Partners for the Common Good – Economic Justice Partnership Fund

Oweesta Native CDFI Loan Funds and Technical Assistance

Primary Care Development Corporation Community Investment Loans

Rural Community Assistance Corporation Community Facility Loans for Western States and Pacific Islands

Rural Community Assistance Corporation Environmental Infrastructure Loans for Western States

Rural Graduate Medical Education Planning and Development

Rural Grocery Transition Specialist Program

RTT Collaborative: Rural Training Track Directors University

RWJF Investigator-Initiated Research to Build a Culture of Health

RWJF Pioneering Ideas Brief Proposals

SAMHSA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program for Communities Post-Disaster

SAMHSA Training to Provide Medication Assisted Treatment

SBA Guaranteed Loans for Small Business

Southeast Rural Community Assistance Loans

Treasury Department Opportunity Zone Economic Development Program

United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc Tribal Health Program Support

USDA Circuit Rider Program – Technical Assistance for Rural Water Systems

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 Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantees

USDA National School Lunch Afterschool Snack Program

USDA/NRHA Rural Hospital Technical Assistance

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 and Loan Guarantees

USDA Funding for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Projects

USDA Water and Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias

USDOT Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (R.O.U.T.E.S)

Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program

Veterans Affairs Virtual Living Room - Using Technology to Address the Critical Healthcare Needs of Veterans in Rural Areas

Western Region Public Health Training Center – Future Leaders Program

WWAMI Area Health Education Center Scholars Program

3RNET Recruitment and Retention Assistance


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