Category: Current Affairs

Emerging Issue: Increased Oropouche Virus Activity

September 30, 2024

Emerging Issue: Increased Oropouche Virus Activity

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory and released a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report about Oropouche virus.

This virus is spread to humans by infected biting midges and some mosquito species. Parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean are experiencing an increase in infections.

The health advisory advises evaluating and testing travelers who have been in these impacted areas and who show signs and symptoms consistent with Oropouche virus infection. The advisory raises awareness of the possible risk of transmission during pregnancy to the fetus and of associated adverse effects on pregnancy. It also highlights prevention measures to reduce spread of the virus.

Click Here to read Health Alert

Click Here to read Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Annual Time Burden on CAHs for New Medicare Data Collection – Comment by October 7

August 19, 2024

Annual Time Burden on CAHs for New Medicare Data Collection – Comment by October 7

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requests public input on the annual hourly burden for Critical Access Hospitals to collect and report data on obstetrical services, as proposed in the Outpatient Prospective Payment System Rule, and on acute respiratory illnesses, as finalized in the Inpatient Prospective Payment System Rule.

The new Conditions of Participation (CoPs) in these rules include multiple information collection requirements that are one-time burdens for developing new policies, protocols and ongoing reporting requirements, such as daily or biweekly reporting of respiratory illnesses as well as maternal deaths.

More information can be found HERE in the rules and in the information collection supporting documentation.

Comments must be made by October 7, 2024

See Outpatient Prospective Payment System Rule

See Inpatient Prospective Payment System Rule

Click Here to submit a formal comment

FREE 60 Minute Live Webinar – Introduction to Medicare Cost Report Compliance, September 10

August 12, 2024

FREE 60 Minute Live Webinar – Introduction to Medicare Cost Report Compliance, September 10

This introduction to the Medicare Cost Report Webinar will touch on the following topics:

  • What providers are required to file a Medicare cost report and what forms to use
  • What are the cost reporting due dates
  • Compliance related to the cost report
  • Q&A

This webinar has been approved for 1 continuing education unit by the American Institute of Healthcare Compliance for AIHC Certified Professionals.

Cost:  FREE

Click Here to Register Now

Rural Medical Center to End ‘Facility Fee’ for Obstetrics

August 12, 2024

Rural Medical Center to End ‘Facility Fee’ for Obstetrics

With anticipated additional state funding specifically for obstetric and neonatal services, Meadville Medical Center in Pennsylvania will drop facility fees for OB patients.

Recent passage of the state budget means an estimated $39 mission will be invested in rural hospitals, with a $7 million increase in Medicaid supplemental payments.

Click Here to find out how maternal health deserts in rural Kansas and across the country lead to hardships for mothers, communities, and providers.

DHSS Requests Public Comment on Missouri WIC State Plan for Upcoming Year

July 25, 2024

DHSS Requests Public Comment on Missouri WIC State Plan for Upcoming Year

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is soliciting public comment on the proposed Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025 State Plan, which covers the period of October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025.

The State Plan describes the state agency’s objectives and procedures for all aspects of WIC program administration for the 2025 FFY.

Comment Submission:

All public comments are welcome and should be directed to:

  • WICinfo@health.mo.gov, or
  • Fax to 573 526-1470, or
  • Mail to Angie Oesterly
    • WIC and Nutrition Services
    • PO Box 570
    • 930 Wildwood Dr.
    • Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

All comments should be submitted by August 12, 2024. Comments will be included in the final copy of the plan, which must be submitted to the United State Department of Agriculture by August 15, 2024.

Click Here to access the State Plan

Hepatitis C Testing Event – Monday, July 29

July 24, 2024

Hepatitis C Testing Event – Monday, July 29

Hepatitis C affects over 2.4 million adults in the United States. Most people living with the disease are not aware of their status because often Hepatitis C does not have any symptoms.

Hepatitis C can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer, as well as transmission to others. However, Hepatitis C is curable.

As a part of Missouri’s Project Hep Cure and Elimination plan, the State aims to eliminate Hepatitis C by making universal testing accessible and prevent new infections while increasing dignity and reducing stigma.

In celebration of World Hepatitis Testing Day, the free testing event will offer the following:

  • Screening and free rapid finger-stick Hepatitis C point of care tests, with results in 20 minutes
  • Educational materials on Hepatitis B and C
  • Referral and linkage to care to treating physicians
  • Risk reduction materials

Cost:  Free

When: Monday, July 29, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where:

Missouri River Regional Library Art Galley East

214 Adams St

Jefferson City

CMS Publishes Annual Proposed Rules with Significant RHC Provision

July 23, 2024

CMS Publishes Annual Proposed Rules with Significant RHC Provision

On July 10, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule.

This annual rule provides regulatory updates to the fee schedule and contains a significant section specifically for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs).

The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) will be analyzing all the RHC and related provisions and providing a full summary over the next few weeks and will later submit comments on behalf of the RHC community. If finalized, these changes would go into effect January 1, 2025.

For a brief overview of what this proposed rule means for RHCs click Here.

FEMA and HHS Announce Resources and Tips to Address Extreme Heat Sweeping the Nation

July 11, 2024

FEMA and HHS Announce Resources and Tips to Address Extreme Heat Sweeping the Nation

FEMA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are encouraging everyone to plan and act now to protect themselves against the dangers of heat-related hazards in the U.S., but this health impact is largely preventable.

Heat Related Resources:

Click Here to Learn More

NIH Request for Information: Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative

July 11, 2024

NIH Request for Information: Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) seeks public input on how scientific research can address opioid use disorder, overdose and chronic pain.

All interested parties should submit questions and responses to: HEALquestion@od.nih.gov. Please put HEAL RFI in the subject line.

Interested Parties include the following:

  • The Scientific community
  • The private sector
  • Community based organizations
  • Health professionals
  • Professional societies
  • Advocacy groups
  • Patient communities
  • People with living/lived experience
  • Caregivers
  • Funding agencies
  • Other interested members of the public

Send your comments and questions to: HEALquestion@od.nih.gov with “HEAL RFI” in the subject line.

Comments and Questions must be submitted by July 31.

Supplemental Health Care Service Agencies Urged to Register with the State

July 2, 2024

Supplemental Health Care Service Agencies Urged to Register with the State

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented workforce challenges in the health care industry that led to an increase in supplemental health care service agencies in operation which help fill critical gaps in staffing. In 2022, a law was passed in Missouri requiring these agencies to register with the State of Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

DHSS was tasked with building the new program and regulations. Since September 2023, DHSS has had oversight of supplemental health care service agencies if such agency provides or procures temporary health care personnel to a licensed hospital (as defined under section 197.020, RSMo), or a licensed assisted living facility, intermediate care facility, residential care facility, or skilled nursing facility (as defined under section 198.006, RSMo), including the registration and inspection process of such agencies and the investigation of complaints.

A supplemental health care services agency is defined in Missouri law as a person, firm, corporation, partnership or association engaged for hire in the business of providing or procuring temporary employment in health care facilities for health care personnel, including a temporary nursing staffing agency, or that operates a digital website or digital smartphone application that facilitates the provision of the engagement of health care personnel and accepts requests for health care personnel through its digital website or digital smartphone application.

Agencies are to register online annually to remain compliant. Changes to the agency, such as contact information or ownership, shall also be reported to DHSS within 30 days of the change.

To view a supplemental health care service agency’s application status, view this dashboard. To report an agency not yet registered with the State, email SHCSA@health.mo.gov or call 573-526-5335.

For more information about regulation of supplemental health care service agencies, visit the DHSS website.