Licensure for Behavioral Health Providers

November 28, 2023

Licensure for Behavioral Health Providers

To increase access to care, states are creating new pathways for out-of-state providers to practice, including for behavioral health and prescribing of medication online.

Learn how states are increasing access to care by creating pathways for out-of-state providers to practice.

Learn More

November RQITA Monthly Newsletter

November 27, 2023

November RQITA Monthly Newsletter

The Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORHPC) is happy to share the November RQITA Monthly Newsletter. Included in this edition:

  • Questions from the Field
    • Discusses common questions or challenges seen in the MBQIP program
  • Resources and Tools
    • What new resources are available to help navigate the MBQIP program
  • Upcoming Deadlines and Reporting Reminders
    • Submission due January 3, 2024 – HCAHPS Q3 encounters (7/1/23 – 9/30/23)
    • Submission due February 1, 2024 – OP-18 Q3 encounters (7/1/23 – 9/30/23)
    • Reporting due February 24, 2024 – Safe Use of Opioids – Concurrent Prescribing measure for CY 2023 encounter (1/1/23 – 12/31/23)
  • Upcoming Events

November Monthly Newsletter

Updated RHIhub Topic Guide

November 27, 2023

Updated RHIhub Topic Guide

The Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub) recently updated their topic guide that shares resources and information to help rural communities address their emergency preparedness and response needs.

Included in the topic guides:

  • How-to-Guides
  • Rural Healthcare Delivery
  • Current & Critical Issues
  • Rural Health Needs & Services
  • Rural Healthcare Workforce
  • Rural Population Health
  • Specific Populations

RHIhub Topic Guides

Additional Emergency Preparedness Resources

Rural Emergency Preparedness and Response

Rural Emergency Preparedness Toolkit

HRSA IEA Regions 5 & 7 Grants 101 Workshop, December 7

November 22, 2023

HRSA IEA Regions 5 & 7 Grants 101 Workshop, December 7

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (IEA), Regions 5 and 7 invite you to this free Grants 101 Workshop in Quincy, Illinois, on December 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This workshop is being offered in person only; there will not be a virtual option. This workshop is free with limited space.

Topics at a Glance:

  • Federal Grant Application Process
  • Grantee’s Perspective: Writing a Competitive Proposal
  • Federal and State Funding Opportunities
  • Common Mistakes and Tips
  • Technical Assistance and Resources
  • How to Engage Foundations

Who Should Attend:

  • Health and Social Services Providers
  • Health Centers and Public Health Departments
  • Hospitals
  • Tribes and Tribal Organizations
  • Faith and Community-Based Organizations
  • Community Colleges
  • Universities

Please note that lunch will NOT and it is on your own. Lunch will be from 12 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Register Now

For questions, please contact Kim Shiu at KShiu@hrsa.gov

Inflation Reduction Act – Funding and Tax Credits for Rural Health Organizations

November 22, 2023

Inflation Reduction Act – Funding and Tax Credits for Rural Health Organizations

On Friday October 20th, Assistant Secretary for Health, Admiral Rachel Levine announced that OCCHE will be launching a “catalytic program” early in 2024 to support health care providers and especially safety net organizations in taking advantage of the tax credits, grants and other supports made available by the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This legislation creates unprecedented opportunities for health sector organizations to make investments in clean energy, building efficiency, infrastructure resilience and more.

OCCHE’s planned initiative will occur through collaboration with federal partners including the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy and will feature national webinars as well as breakout sessions by provider type to help organizations’ assess their needs and opportunities.

Sign Up for the November 30 information session in which you will learn more details on this initiative.

When: November 30, 11:00 a.m. CT

Sign Up Now

Upcoming Webinar – Navigation Change: Strategies for Critical Access Hospitals in a Rising Rate Environment, January 17

November 21, 2023

Upcoming Webinar – Navigation Change: Strategies for Critical Access Hospitals in a Rising Rate Environment, January 17

In today’s evolving landscape, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) face pressing challenges requiring substantial financial investments.

This study delves into the complexities of securing resources for CAHs, factoring in:

  • Interest rates
  • Project costs
  • Cash flow
  • Cost-based payments

The analysis reveals that, despite the backdrop of rising interest rates and construction costs, current trends should not deter CAHs from pursuing long-term capital investments.

The reimbursement system acts as a safeguard, softening the impact of market fluctuations on rural healthcare.

Join Brian Haapala, CEO of Stroudwater Capital Partners, to explore project sizing, early investments, and the advantages of the cyclical interest rate cycle for your organization’s benefit. Discover how to address the unique needs of rural healthcare amidst a rapidly changing financial environment.

When: Wednesday, January 17, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CST

Register Now

Upcoming Webinar – Navigating the Future of EMS: Empowering Through Telemedicine, December 14

November 21, 2023

Upcoming Webinar – Navigating the Future of EMS: Empowering Through Telemedicine, December 14

Explore the Future of EMS with Telemedicine. In a time when EMS faces declining professionals and department closures, telemedicine emerges as a game-changer. Thanks to a $1.7 million state grant EMS agency ambulances now feature telehealth tablets, offering seamless connectivity with Avel eCare clinical providers. This innovation ensures expertise is on hand during emergencies and transport.

Discover how this approach, showcased in South Dakota, connects EMS with physicians early in the care process, enhancing patient outcomes. Learn how telemedicine is improving EMS efficiency, preventing burnout, and adapting to various regions. Join the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) to explore the transformative potential, especially in mental and behavioral health crisis calls.

OBJECTIVE 1: Upon completion, participants will be able to describe and understand implementation strategies and operations of an EMS telemedicine program

OBJECTIVE 2: Upon completion, participants will be able to illustrate effective partnerships between public and private organizations.

OBJECTIVE 3: Upon completion, participants will be able to list the benefits to the community and EMS person.

When: Thursday, December 14, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CST

Register Now

Upcoming Webinar – Unlocking the Potential of Rural Emergency Hospitals: Strategies for Success and Positive Change

November 21, 2023

Upcoming Webinar – Unlocking the Potential of Rural Emergency Hospitals: Strategies for Success and Positive Change

Join the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) for a comprehensive guide on how your community hospital can become a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) and unlock the benefits of this new Medicare provider type. With 20% of Americans living in rural areas and facing limited access to healthcare, the need for REHs has never been greater.

This webinar will feature a panel discussion with the CEO of Java Medical Group who will share his personal experience with the conversion process and offer insights into his strategies for success moving forward.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get an in-depth look at the benefits of converting to an REH, the eligibility criteria for conversion, limitations, and the steps involved in the conversion process.

When: Tuesday, December 12, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CST

Register Now

Upcoming Webinar – Driving Employee Engagement through Tactical Approach of Leader Rounding, December 11

November 21, 2023

Upcoming Webinar – Driving Employee Engagement through Tactical Approach of Leader Rounding, December 11

Join the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) for an educational webinar focused on the strategic use of Leader Rounding to transform rural healthcare. Discover how this practice can drive cultural change and improve overall care quality in rural healthcare settings.

In this informative webinar, participants will:

  • Explore Leader Rounding in Rural Healthcare
    • Understand the significance of Leader Rounding and its impact on rural healthcare.
  • Learn Effective Practices
    • Discover practical strategies to boost employee engagement and leadership development in rural healthcare organizations.
  • Cultural Transformation
    • Gain insights into using Leader Rounding as a tool for fostering cultural change within rural healthcare settings.

This webinar will provide real-world examples and actionable strategies to enhance the quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance of your rural healthcare institution.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an enlightening discussion that can empower your rural healthcare organization to excel in the face of unique challenges. Register today and be prepared to lead your organization toward a brighter, more sustainable future in rural healthcare.

When: Monday, December 11, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CST

Register Now

Upcoming Webinar – What Critical Access Hospitals Should Know About Partnerships, Thursday, December 7

November 20, 2023

Upcoming Webinar – What Critical Access Hospitals Should Know About Partnerships, Thursday, December 7

Rural and community hospitals and health systems often encounter a major challenge when crafting and operationalizing partnerships with other organizations: partners don’t understand the unique attributes and value rural affiliates provide. These misconceptions can lead to faulty strategic decisions, so it is critical for rural healthcare organizations to understand and communicate their value proposition to existing and prospective partners.

Join this webinar to learn more.

When: Thursday, December 7, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CST

Register Now