October 1, 2019
Comments Requested: Rural Access to Health Care Services – Response deadline October 9
Secretary Alex M. Azar II created a Rural Health Task Force at HHS, with key leaders and stakeholders from across the Department, to identify the needs of rural communities, how to meet those needs, and what HHS policy changes can address those needs. The intent is to determine not only how to deliver care in rural areas in a sustainable manner but also how rural health care may change in the future to ensure that it is accessible, high quality, value-based, and provided at the lowest cost possible. As part of the Rural Health Task Force, HRSA is soliciting public input on how best to conceptualize and measure access to health care in rural communities. HRSA seeks responses to the “Questions for Public Comment” section of this notice.
Response Format: Responses must be provided via email to hrsacomments@hrsa.gov and must reference “Rural Access to Health Care Services RFI” in the title.
Additional details about the opportunity, including the question list: https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/rfi-rural-health-care-access
Vulnerable Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Applications – Open until October 31
The HRSA-funded Vulnerable Rural Hospital Assistance Program application period is open. This program aims to provide targeted in-depth assistance to rural hospitals so they may provide continued access to essential health services. Please note the application is an abbreviated process and is not a full grant application. For this program, 30 hospitals will be selected for technical assistance in 2020: 5 will receive on-site technical assistance and 25 will receive remote facilitation. The program offers technical assistance only; there are no grant funds available for hospitals. The work between the technical assistance provider and the hospitals is a partnership. In collaboration with the technical assistance team, hospitals will take an active role in identifying priorities and implementing action plans
Additional details about the opportunity and the application itself: http://www.optimizingruralhealth.org/wp_2019/application-faqs/.
Comments Requested: Rural Health Grants Eligibility – Response Deadline November 2
HRSA seeks public input on whether or how eligibility criteria governing community-based grant programs administered by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy affect rural health organizations’ ability to apply for and leverage grant funding. In particular, HRSA seeks responses to the “Questions for Public Comment” section of this notice.
Response Format: Responses must be provided via email to RFIComments@hrsa.gov and must reference “Rural Health Grants Eligibility RFI” in the title.
Additional details about the opportunity, including the question list: https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/rfi-rural-health-grants-eligibility