Legislation and regulation issues affecting rural health and human services are complex and far-reaching. Aside from Congress and federal regulatory agencies, each state’s legislature and state agencies also have a huge impact on programs and service providers.
The resources in this topic guide are intended to give a broad overview of available resources. For legislation and regulations on specific topics, consult the appropriate topic guide or your state’s resource guide.
Related Guides
Tools
ARRA Registering and Reporting Guide
Web site
Helps water/wastewater systems with loans/grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Utilities Service to properly register and report their activities. Includes information on registering for a DUNS number, Central Contractor Registration (CCR), registering and reporting at Federalreporting.gov, and using copy forward and linking.
Authoritative Resources on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)
Web site
Designed to assist in responding to a broad range of constituent questions and concerns about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), P.L. 111-5. Includes links to the full text of the act, Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates, White House fact sheets, and federal, state, and municipal government websites.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Web site
Codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. It is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. Each volume of the CFR is updated once each calendar year and is issued on a quarterly basis.
Directory of Rural Health Contacts: Congressional Committees and Advisory Bodies
Web site
Contact information for Congressional committees and advisory bodies of interest to the rural health community.
Directory of Rural Health Contacts: House Rural Health Care Coalition
Web site
Contact information for members of the U.S. House of Representatives' Rural Health Care Coalition.
Directory of Rural Health Contacts: Senate Rural Health Caucus
Web site
Contact information for U.S. Senators who are members of the Senate Rural Health Caucus.
Federal Health Reform: State Legislative Tracking Database
Web site
Searchable database on bills from 2011 and 2012 legislation filed in response to the Affordable Care Act by state, year, topic, keyword, status, and/or primary sponsor.
FederalReporting.gov
Web site
The central government-wide data collection system for Federal agencies and recipients of Federal awards under Section 1512 of the Recovery Act.
Health Professions Programs: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Section 1512 Reporting
Technical assistance
Provides recovery grantee reporting assistance for HRSA health professions programs.
HHS.gov/Recovery
Web site
Provides information and resources on the programs invested in improving health and human services supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
HIPAA Topic Guide
Web site
Presents information, resources and frequently asked questions related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for rural communities.
Indian Health Legislation
Web site
Legislative tracking of federal bills related to Indian health, with a focus on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). While the sponsoring organization is focused on urban health, the legislation covered is relevant to tribal health in non-urban areas as well.
Organizational Effectiveness Series Manuals Available for Download
Web site
A series of 14 organizational effectiveness manuals available for download in English and Spanish. Topics include: strategic planning, starting a nonprofit, program evaluation, board development, grantwriting, leadership development, volunteer management, technology development and needs assessment.
Rural Health Clinics Center
Web site
Provides links to manuals, billing codes, enrollment and certification information, legislation, regulations, and contacts related to Medicare and Medicaid services in the rural health clinics.
Rural Health Research: Legislation and regulation
Web site
Provides summaries of current and completed rural health research projects and related publications addressing the topic of legislation and regulation, produced by the Office of Rural Health Policy's funded rural health research centers.
THOMAS
Database
The THOMAS web site, a function of the Library of Congress, makes Federal legislative information freely available to the public. Its features include searchable databases of Congressional information, including bill text, committee information and the Congressional Record.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Regions
Web site
Displays a color-coded map showing the ten designated HHS regions in the United States and Territories. Includes links and contact information for each region.
Regulations, Forms & Other Useful Documents
Access To Medical Care For Individuals With Mobility Disabilities
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Assists health care providers to better serve persons with disabilities, protect persons with disabilities and your staff from injury, and comply with federal law.
Date: 07 / 2010
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Frequently Asked Questions
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Community Health Centers
Answers initial questions about several sections of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) with the most direct impact on health centers and the patients they serve. Includes contact information for NACHC staff who can provide additional guidance.
Date: 2009
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Working for Rural Communities
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture
An overview of how Federal investments under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) are helping rural communities across the United States win the future by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building our global competition, as President Obama articulated in his 2011 State of the Union address.
Date: 02 / 2011
Americans with Disabilities Act: ADA Guide for Small Towns
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Justice
Presents an informal overview of some basic ADA requirements and provides cost effective tips on how small towns can comply with the ADA.
Date: 12 / 2007
Child Tax Credit Expansion Increases Number of Families Eligible for a Refund
Author(s): Marybeth J. Mattingly
Sponsoring organization: Carsey Institute
Reports that more than 500,000 rural families, or almost 9 percent of rural families, will become newly eligible for the Child Tax Credit under the expansion included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Date: 2009
Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005
This bill, from the Drug Enforcement Administration, responds to the illegal production, distribution, and use of methamphetamines in the United States. Governs the retail sale of all cough and cold medications that contain the methamphetamine precursor chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine.
Date: 05 / 2006
Compilation of the Social Security Laws
Sponsoring organization: Social Security Administration
Compilation of the Social Security Laws including the Social Security Act, as amended, and related enactments through January 1, 2003.
Davis-Bacon Act: Public Law 107-217 - Aug. 21, 2002 [as amended]
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Labor
The Davis-Bacon Act, as amended, requires that each contract over $2,000 to which the United States or the District of Columbia is a party for the construction, alteration, or repair of public buildings or public works shall contain a clause setting forth the minimum wages to be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics employed under the contract.
Date: 03 / 1931
Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Justice
The Executive Order that requires Federal agencies to examine the services they provide, identify any need for services to those with limited English proficiency (LEP), and develop and implement a system to provide those services so LEP persons can have meaningful access to them.
Date: 08 / 2000
Health Center Quarterly Report (HCQR): ARRA Reporting Manual
Sponsoring organization: Bureau of Primary Health Care
This updated manual supports submission of the Health Center Quarterly Report (HCQR) for health centers receiving funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Date: 06 / 2011
Medicare’s Accountable Care Organization Regulations: How Will Medicare Beneficiaries who Reside in Medically Underserved Communities Fare?
Author(s): Sara Rosenbaum, Peter Shin
Sponsoring organization: George Washington University Department of Health Policy
Examines impact of ACO rule on medically underserved areas.
Date: 04 / 2011
NRHA 2011 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
Outlines rural health care policy issues in order to promote legislative and regulatory issues for action by Congress, federal regulatory agencies, the White House, states, and the health care industry.
Date: 2011
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Government Printing Office
Includes the entire text of the 2010 health care reform law - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Date: 01 / 2010
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: A Summary of Provisions Important to Rural Health Care Delivery
Author(s): Keith Mueller
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
Provides a summary of legislative provisions contained in P.L. 111-148 (the Patient Protection and Affordability Act of 2010) that have particular meaning to rural residents and to the delivery of services in rural areas.
Date: 06 / 2010
Public Health Service Act, Section 330
Section 330 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act defines the requirements for Health Centers. Title 42 of the U.S. Code, Chapter 6A is the Public Health Service Act, and
section 254b is the equivalent of Section 330 of the PHS Act.
Public Law 104-191: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
Contains the entire HIPAA law of August 21, 1996.
Date: 08 / 1996
Social Security Act, Section 1832 (a)(2)(D): Scope of Benefits
This section of the Social Security Act lists Rural Health Clinic and Federally Qualified Health Center services as within the scope of benefits.
Social Security Act, Section 1833 (f) and (h): Payment of Benefits
Payment limits for Rural Health Clinics and clinical laboratory services under the Social Security Act.
Social Security Act, Section 1861 (aa): Rural Health Clinic Services and Federally Qualified Health Center Services
Rural Health Clinic Services and Federally Qualified Health Center Services as defined in the Social Security Act. Scroll down to section (aa).
Social Security Act, Section 1902 (bb): State Plans for Medical Assistance
Part (bb) covers state plan requirements for payment for services for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Social Security Act, Section 1905 (l): Definitions for RHCs and FQHCs
Definitions of terms used in the Social Security Act related to Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Spur Job Creation and Revitalize Rural America
Sponsoring organization: Office of Management and Budget
Fact sheet that summarizes the main rural‐specific proposals of President Obama's FY 2011 budget proposal to Congress. Also includes proposals that could have important implications for rural communities.
Date: 02 / 2010
State HIV Testing Laws; 2011 Compendium of State HIV Testing Laws
A compendium of State HIV laws that describes the policies, rules and regulations for standard and rapid HIV testing.
Date: 04 / 2011
State Mandates for Treatment for Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders
Author(s): Gail K. Robinson, Jerome B. Connolly, Melanie Whitter, Candy A. Magaña
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Reports on state-mandated benefits, state laws regulating mental health and addiction treatment workers, and state-recognized mental health clinicians with authority to prescribe psychotropic medications.
Date: 2007
State Rural Initiatives: Where the Money Comes From
Discusses how states are financing rural programs, projects and initiatives. Includes descriptions of over 40 programs, projects or initiatives that are statewide in scope.
Date: 01 / 2006
Successful Employer Implementation of the Federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
Author(s): Mark Attridge
Sponsoring organization: American Psychiatric Foundation
Designed to help employers with the implementation of the Paul Wellstone and Pete
Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction
Equity Act of 2008 requiring employers that
offer mental health/addiction coverage to do
so at parity to their offering of medical/surgical health care benefits.
Date: 12 / 2009
Text of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Senate
Text of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, PUBLIC LAW 101-336, JULY 26, 1990, 104 STAT. 327. An Act to establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability.
Date: 07 / 1990
Wait is Over, the Work Begins: Implementing the New TANF Legislation
Sponsoring organization: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices
Discusses new provisions in the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) and the impact these provisions will have on states' welfare programs.
Date: 06 / 2006
Workforce Investment Act of 1998
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Labor
Consolidates, coordinates, and improves employment, training, literacy, and vocational rehabilitation programs in the United States, and for other purposes.
Date: 1998
Journals
Federal Register
Official daily publication for Rules, Proposed Rules, and Notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as Executive Orders and other Presidential Documents. Among its numerous notices are notices of funding availability.
State Legislatures
Issued 10 times a year. Reports on legislation in the 50 states, best practices, the legislative process and institution, and leadership and federal initiatives.
Organizations
Library of Congress (LC)
Federal government
Recognized as the national library of the United States. The Library's mission is to make its resources available and useful to the Congress and the American people and to sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations.
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
National organization
National organization for state lawmakers and legislative staff members.
Terms & Acronyms
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the areas of employment, transportation, telecommunications, and public accommodation.
Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Provides compensation for people who suffer personal injury due to negligent or wrongful action by federal employees. Replaces need for malpractice coverage for federal health care providers, including federally qualified health centers.
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Federal law that spells out broad mandates for services to all children with disabilities.
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) The legislation that preceded TEA-21.
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) Legislation passed in 2003 that included significant Medicare reforms including a prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries and reimbursement improvements for rural healthcare facilities.
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) Known as "welfare reform." PRWORA implemented a number of significant changes in the welfare system such as the imposition of time limits and work requirements on recipients, and the devolution of welfare program administration authority to state governments.
PHS 330 grantees Grant recipients under the Public Health Service Act Section 330, which includes Community Health Centers (CHC), Migrant Health Centers (MHC), Health Care for the Homeless (HCH), Public Housing Primary Care (PHPC), and Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities (HSHC).
Ryan White C.A.R.E. Act Through the Ryan White
Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (C.A.R.E.) Act, health
care and support services are provided for persons living with HIV/
AIDS. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
administers this Act. The metropolitan areas most affected by the
HIV epidemic are awarded Title I grants to improve and expand health care. Title II grants to states and territories support health care and support services for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Title III(b) supports early intervention in clinical settings. Title IV supports services for women, children, adolescents, and families affected by
the HIV epidemic. Part F of the Act supports Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) and AIDS Education and Training
Centers (AETCs).
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) TEA-21 authorized over $200 billion to improve the nation's transportation infrastructure, enhance economic growth and protect the environment. A wide array of environmental and water quality improvement projects were eligible for TE funding, including pollution abatement and mitigation projects.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Directs local areas to give priority for intensive training services to welfare recipients and other low-income individuals. These include the types of services that promote career advancement.
Workforce Investment Boards (WIB) The creation of local workforce investment boards (WIBs) is a major provision of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998, the federal legislation that consolidated scores of employment and training programs. WIBs are responsible for establishing local performance standards; chartering one stop service delivery centers and selecting qualified service providers, and monitoring performance to ensure accountability. They are prohibited from delivering services.
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