Category: HRSA

Upcoming Webinar: HHS Finalizes Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Rule – Impacts for RHCs, July 15

June 24, 2024

Upcoming Webinar: HHS Finalizes Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Rule – Impacts for RHCs, July 15

Join this webinar, hosted by the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC), for information on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid final rule regarding section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities and the RHC impacts.

Over the next year, several requirements established in this rule will go into effect for RHCs, 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.

NARHC offers an in-depth analysis of this rule and the need to knows for RHCs in becoming compliant before each effective date during this webinar.

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

Cost: Free

When: Monday, July 15, 2:00 p.m. ET

Click Here to Register

New Information on Federal Financing of Medicaid IT for Behavioral Health

June 24, 2024

New Information on Federal Financing of Medicaid IT for Behavioral Health

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an informational bulletin, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

The guidance describes opportunities for state Medicaid agencies to receive enhanced federal matching rates for certain health Information Technology aimed at increasing access to behavioral health treatment and improving coordination of care for co-occurring physical health conditions, such as telehealth and electronic connections to Health Information Exchanges.

It also reminds state Medicaid agencies how to apply for enhanced Medicaid matching rates for these types of expenditures.  Medicaid is an important source of insurance in rural areas, and leveraging federal dollars can help rural communities expand their capacity to deliver behavioral health services.

Click Here to Read CMS Informational Bulletin

Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth

June 24, 2024

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 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.

Go to ProviderBridge.org

New Funding Opportunity: Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) – Workforce Expansion Program (WEP) HRSA-24-098

June 21, 2024

New Funding Opportunity: Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) – Workforce Expansion Program (WEP) HRSA-24-098

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to increase the nursing workforce in rural (non-metro) and underserved areas to address the critical shortage of nurses, specifically in acute and long-term care settings.

The Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) – Workforce Expansion Program (WEP) enhances nursing education and baccalaureate degree nursing students.

HRSA will award approximately $4.7 million to up to five grantees over a period of four years through this funding opportunity.

Eligible Applicants include:

  • Accredited schools of nursing
  • Entities that offer associate degrees in nursing, such as community colleges
  • Hospitals and nurse-managed health centers
  • Nursing homes and hospice facilities
  • Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics
  • Native American tribal governments and organizations

View funding opportunity for complete eligibility information

There is Still Time to Become an NHSC Site!

June 21, 2024

There is Still Time to Become an NHSC Site!

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) New Site Application is currently open for eligible health care sites.

NHSC-approved sites provide outpatient, comprehensive primary health care services to people in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

As an NHSC site, you can recruit and retain qualified providers using NHSC Loan Repayment Programs and attract NHSC Scholars who are ready to fulfill their service obligation.

NHSC Leads and State/Territorial Primary Care Office (PCO) staff are available to answer questions about eligibility and the application process.

The application is open now through Tuesday, June 25 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Helpful Resources:

Click Here to review the Site Reference Guide (it details everything that is expected of NHSC-approved sites).

Apply Here

Northwest Missouri Maternal Health Partnership Meeting – July 11

June 18, 2024

Northwest Missouri Maternal Health Partnership Meeting – July 11

Join Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) IEA Region 7 for a Maternal Health meeting in St. Joseph on July 11.

Learn about HRSA maternal health programs and resources, and join the discussion about maternal health issues, including:

  • Challenges in serving mothers and families
  • Strategies and models to support maternal health
  • Current technical assistance needs
  • Opportunities for collaboration

This meeting is offered in person only; there will not be a virtual option.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, July 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Where:

East Hills Library

502 N. Woodbine Rd

St. Joseph, MO 64506

Register Here

St. Joseph Grants 101 Workshop – July 10

June 18, 2024

St. Joseph Grants 101 Workshop – July 10

HRSA IEA Region 7 will host a free Grants 101 Workshop in St. Joseph, at the East Hills Library.

Attendees will learn about the federal grant application process, where to find funding opportunities, strategies for putting together a successful application, and resources to support grant writing efforts.

This workshop is offered in person only; there will not be a virtual option.

You must register to attend this workshop.

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, July 10, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Where:

East Hills Library

502 N. Woodbine Road

St. Joseph, MO 64506

 

Register Here

Webinar: Combatting the Rise of Syphilis Through State Communication Campaigns, June 20

June 13, 2024

Webinar: Combatting the Rise of Syphilis Through State Communication Campaigns, June 20

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) will be conducting a webinar focused on the development of targeted, state specific communication blueprints for syphilis prevention.

Historically, communication campaigns play an important role in addressing public health issues. In partnership with CDC, this webinar will provide an overview of a year-long project to update communication campaigns to address rising syphilis rates.

Each jurisdiction will share their campaign

S target audience, draft messages and creative concepts, and planned next steps for testing and implementation.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, June 20, 2:00 – 3:00 ET

Register Here

**Please note you will need to login to the ASTHO website to complete the registration process.

New Resources for Occupational Licensure Compacts

June 12, 2024

New Resources for Occupational Licensure Compacts

The licensure process is intended to protect the general public and to ensure patient safety. Health professionals must meet the licensure requirements of the state where they are located and be licensed or legally permitted to practice in the state where the patient is located.

To practice in a state, providers must meet the requirements. Requirements include education exams and background checks. Health care providers are expected to maintain and renew their license. Maintenance may require an annual fee, continuing education and self-reporting disciplinary actions.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) supported Multi-Discipline Licensure Resource Project aims to improve licensure portability for health care professionals working between states and for people who are geographically isolated.

The site now includes compact information for professions such as:

  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Counseling
  • Dentistry
  • Dieticians
  • Physician Assistants
  • Nursing
  • School Psychologists

Learn More

List of all topics for licensure

See Licensing Across State Lines

Save the Date: National Telehealth Conference

June 12, 2024

Save the Date: National Telehealth Conference

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is hosting a virtual National Telehealth Conference that brings public and private sector leaders together to discuss telehealth best practices.

Conference topics include:

  • Licensing across state lines to increase access to behavioral health care
  • Implications of health policy to inform telehealth’s future
  • Expanding access to services for underserved and low-income communities
  • Exploring health care innovations and future telehealth technologies
  • Improving health equity through expansion of broadband connectivity and adoption of telehealth

Cost: Free

When: Tuesday, July 16, 9:30 – 5:00

Register Here