Rural Health
News by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response
FEMA: National Advisory Council
Federal Register
Apr 8, 2024 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for the FEMA National Advisory Council (NAC), which advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management, incorporating input from and ensuring coordination with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and the non-governmental and private sectors. Applications are due by May 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
DHS: Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act
Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking comments on the practical and policy issues related to the implementation of regulations regarding covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities, as required by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Includes rural references throughout and encourages comments regarding the impact of proposed requirements on small entities. Comments are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 28, 2024 - Highlights a helpline offered for farmers in the Texas panhandle following recent wildfires.
Mar 14, 2024 - Funding for rural Federally Qualified Health Centers in Tennessee and across the South has been awarded for installing solar panels and battery systems. The mini grid systems will allow the facilities to continue offering critical services during power outages.
Source: WPLN, NPR
Mar 13, 2024 - A new mobile crisis response program is launching in rural Oregon, aiming to bring mental healthcare access to residents that may be far from services or without transportation. Discusses current and planned future funding, workforce challenges, and support for other first responders.
Source: KLCC, NPR
Mar 12, 2024 - Offers overview of a meeting between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, other Administration officials, and healthcare stakeholders related to the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Highlights key actions taken by the Administration to address impacts.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Mar 7, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services statement that they are coordinating efforts in response to the recent Change Healthcare cyberattack. Notes they are aware of the disparate impact on small practices and community-based providers and considering their needs in the response.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Mar 7, 2024 - Highlights recovery efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for communities in Texas and Oklahoma impacted by recent wildfires. Notes assistance available for farmers and other rural residents.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
CDC: Meeting of the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF)
Federal Register
Mar 6, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a virtual public meeting of the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) on April 17-18, 2024. The CPSTF is charged with identifying community preventive programs, services, and policies that increase healthy longevity and improve quality of life while saving money. Agenda items include deliberation on systematic reviews of the literature on substance use, public health emergency preparedness and response, oral health, and social determinants of health. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 5, 2024 - Announces steps being taken by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services related to the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group. Notes flexibilities in place for claims processing, prior authorization, and electronic billing.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services