| View in browser. August 11, 2024 What's New Expanding the opioid use disorder medication treatment workforce in rural communities through the RCORP initiative. Key findings from this study suggest that the RCORP initiative may have played an important role in expanding the supply of buprenorphine prescribers nationally. While the impacts of the removal of the DEA-waiver since 2023 have not yet been identified, counties where RCORP grantees operated showed larger increases in the number of DEA-waivered clinicians over the study period compared to non-RCORP counties, amounting to an average of almost four more clinicians per 100,000 than non-RCORP counties. A Healthy Mouth for Every Body, led by HRSA's Office of Special Health Initiatives, raises awareness about the connection between oral health and overall health. HRSA now has new content on oral health and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of healthy eating as a foundation for good oral health. Additionally, new resources highlight the critical role of oral health during pregnancy, including the importance of maintaining dental care for the well-being of both pregnant people and baby. Discover the latest content and resources to support oral health in the community. COVID-19 Resources Learn About Long COVID & Fatiguing Illness – Thursday, August 8 at 3:00 pm Eastern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds this monthly webinar-style Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) 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. Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period 7. The Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal opened July 1 and will remain open until September 30, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Providers who received one or more PRF (General or Targeted) and/or American Rescue Plan Rural payments exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, from January 1 to June 30, 2023 must report on their use of funds during Reporting Period 7 to comply with PRF Reporting Requirements. More information and resources can be found on the PRF Reporting webpage. 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 The PFund Foundation: Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities (PRISM) Grant – September 9. The Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization will provide grants for organizations in its service area for projects that promote interconnections for LGBTQIA2S+ populations in rural areas. Projects that address physical, mental, and behavioral health are encouraged. PFund Foundation's service area: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and/or the native nations therein. Foundation for Appalachian Ohio: African American Community Fund – September 10. The African American Community Fund provides grants for Black-led nonprofit and public organizations in Appalachian Ohio working to address disparities in the African American community and helping to improve the physical, economic, and structural conditions that affect quality of life. Eligible applicants include Black-led nonprofit and public organizations serving African American communities in the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio service area. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows – November 3. RWJF offers a fellowship program designed to develop the capacity of mid-career health professionals and behavioral and social scientists with an interest in health and healthcare policy. Individuals with diverse and unique perspectives are strongly encouraged to apply, and the foundation has an interest in rural. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. CMS Updates Hospital Policies for Fiscal Year 2025 and Finalizes a New Payment Model for Select Surgeries. Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule for the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-term Care Hospital payments (LTCH-PPS) for fiscal year 2025. Effective October 1, 2024, the IPPS rates will increase by 2.9% for hospitals that successfully report quality measures and are meaningful electronic health record users. CMS finalized policies to extend the low wage index adjustment; provide a separate payment to small, independent IPPS hospitals to establish and maintain a buffer stock of essential medicines for use during future shortages; distribute an additional 200 Medicare-funded residency payment slots to train physicians as required by statute; adjust hospital payments when patients have inadequate housing and housing instability; and extend certain COVID-19 and influenza data reporting requirements for hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). They did not finalize a proposal to define 'new' in the context of residency training programs. In this rule, CMS also finalized a new, mandatory Innovation Center episode-based payment model entitled Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM). For this model, acute care hospitals in select geographic areas will be accountable for ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries receive coordinated, high-quality care during and after five surgical procedures: coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), lower extremity joint replacement (LEJR), major bowel procedure, surgical hip/femur fracture treatment (SHFFT), and spinal fusion. Additionally, within TEAM, CMS finalized a voluntary Decarbonization and Resilience Initiative, in which participants will collect and share greenhouse gas emissions data with CMS and CMS will provide technical assistance to enhance climate sustainability for their organizations. Comments Requested on Information Collection for Hospital and CAH CoPs – October 7. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to reinstate the information collection for the Hospital Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and Supporting Regulations (Office of Management and Budget control number 0938- 0328) that expired in 2017 and update the annual hourly burden. The previous iteration of this document and supporting materials can be found here. CMS Updated the 2025 Contract Year Medicare Part D Bid Information and Premium Stabilization Demonstration. On July 30th, CMS released the technical Medicare Part D bid information for the 2025 contract year to help Part D plan sponsors finalize their Part D and Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings and prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment. For 2025, the base beneficiary premium will be $36.78, which is $2.08 more than 2024. Other significant changes include the out-of-pocket spending capped at $2,000 and elimination of the drug coverage gap (also known as the "donut hole"). New Changes to Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program Coverage in Medicare. The Center for Health Care Strategies published a policy cheat sheet highlighting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' coverage of intensive outpatient program (IOP) services. As of January 1, 2024, Medicare now covers IOP services. IOPs are structured treatment programs that take place on an outpatient basis. IOPs are designed for individuals with mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) conditions, including those with co-occurring mental health and SUD conditions, who have treatment plans demonstrating a need for 9-19 hours a week of therapeutic services. The cheat sheet highlights the latest policy changes in IOP covered services, how changes impact dually eligible individuals, Medicaid-only enrollees, and new billing requirements and guidance for crossover claims. 2025 Proposed CMS Rules - What's in the Rules for RHCs & How You Can Get Involved in Regulatory Advocacy – Thursday, August 15 at 2 pm Eastern. The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) will host the free webinar with details on the recently released Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Calendar Year 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule. This annual regulatory update contains Rural Health Clinic (RHC) specific proposals to eliminate productivity standards, remove hemoglobin/hematocrit from the six required lab services, reform care management billing, and allow RHCs to bill for administration of part B preventive vaccines at time of service, among other proposals. Additional time for Q&A will be provided. Advanced registration is required. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Ending HIV in the Southeast: Strategies to Increase PrEP Uptake in Rural and Underserved Communities – Friday, August 9 at 12:00 pm Eastern. This is a two-part series designed for primary care clinicians, pharmacists, social workers/case managers, and other members of the health care team who serve patients in rural and underserved areas in the Southeast. The AIDS Education & Training Center is a federally funded program administered by HRSA's Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. Part two will take place on Friday, August 16. HRSA National Minority Donor Awareness Month Webinar – Tuesday, August 20 at 1:00 pm Eastern. Register to join HRSA's Health Systems Bureau and Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs for a National Minority Donor Awareness Month webinar, on Tues., Aug. 20, from 1 – 2 p.m. E.T. This event will explore the vital need for minority organ donors, address cultural barriers, and share effective donation outreach strategies. Hear from experts and personal stories that highlight the impact of donation and transplantation. Live translation will be available in Spanish and English. Northeast Telehealth Resource Center 10th Annual Conference – September 16-18. Registration is open for this in-person event taking place in Nashua New Hampshire, bringing together stakeholders from across New England, New York, and beyond. The Agenda includes two pre-conference workshops, and more than 15 sessions on key topics in telehealth led by regional and national thought leaders. The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center (NETRC) is one of twelve regional resource centers and two national centers supported by HRSA's Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. Reach out to the NETRC team at netrc@mcd.org with any questions. Approaching Deadlines 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 USDA Native Community Development Financial Institution Relending Demonstration Program – August 9 National Medical Fellowships – Health Equity Leaders Program for Underrepresented Professionals – August 12 USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service – Delta Health Care Services Grants – August 12 DOJ Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions – August 13 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 Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute Executive Academy – August 16 DOL Mine Health and Safety Grants – August 20 USDA Broadband Technical Assistance Program – August 20 CMS Announces Proposed Changes to Medicare Home Health Program – Comment by August 26 Payment Updates in CY 2025 End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Proposed Rule – Comment by August 26 HHS Proposal to Improve Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability – Comment by September 1 HRSA Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program (for Academic Year (for Academic Year 2024-2025) – September 5 Deptartment of Labor YouthBuild Grants – September 6 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 The PFund Foundation: Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities (PRISM) Grant – September 9 CMS Innovation in Behavioral Health Model – September 9 Proposed Updates to Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Payments for Calendar Year 2025 – Comment by September 9 Proposed Updates to Medicare Outpatient Payments for Calendar Year 2025 – Comment by September 9 NRHA Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program – September 12 AmeriCorps Senior Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – September 18 CMS Transforming Maternal Health Model – September 20 HRSA Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program (for Academic Year 2025-2026) – September 20 Dept of Commerce Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program – September 23 Comments Requested on Information Collection for Hospital and CAH CoPs – October 7 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows – November 3 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 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 | 
No comments:
Post a Comment