Telehealth and Health Information Technology in Rural Healthcare – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Public Inspection: HHS: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy
Federal Register
Apr 23, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) modifying the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (Privacy Rule). This rule limits the circumstances in which provisions of the Privacy Rule permit the use or disclosure of an individual's protected health information (PHI) about reproductive healthcare for certain non-healthcare purposes that could be detrimental to privacy of the individual or another person or the individual's trust in their healthcare providers. This rule is effective 60 days after the publication of this notice, which is scheduled for April 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 17, 2024 - Summarizes recent research finding that telepharmacy increased access to pharmacy services following the pandemic. Telepharmacy records in a Midwest health system show that use of the service increased significantly between 2019 and 2022, attributed to COVID-19 impacts. Discusses the impact on rural residents.
Source: Specialty Pharmacy Continuum
Apr 8, 2024 - Describes the impact of a new federal grant on telehealth access in rural Alabama. Notes that substance use disorder and mental health disorder healthcare in particular is expected to increase.
Source: Alabama Daily News
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
Apr 2, 2024 - Highlights the Affordable Connectivity Program and the increase in telehealth access it offers. Discusses the potential impact of ending the program, particularly for rural and tribal residents.
Source: Marketplace, KFF Health News
Mar 27, 2024 - Request for comments on the draft 2024-2030 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. The Plan includes goals for promoting health and wellness, enhancing the delivery and experience of healthcare, accelerate research and innovation, and connecting health systems with health data. Objectives for achieving those goals include expanding broadband and technology access and research infrastructure for the benefit of rural residents among others. Comments can be made until May 28th.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Mar 26, 2024 - Describes virtual occupational therapy services offered by 2 Veterans Affairs facilities to reach rural veterans. Notes that the program is able to address social determinants of health issues such as home safety evaluations and fall risk assessments. Discusses how the program integrates with other virtual VA services.
Source: VA News
Mar 18, 2024 - Highlights a proposed project to put telehealth centers in rural Washington fire stations. Discusses the impact this would have on healthcare access for remote communities.
Source: WSU Insider
Mar 14, 2024 - Summarizes a recent study investigating the impact of billing models for telehealth for palliative care on rural caregivers, healthcare teams, and patients. Discusses finding strategies for healthcare workers that engage with family caregivers in ways that are reimbursable.
Source: Mayo Clinic News Network
Mar 13, 2024 - Highlights the history of telehealth use by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Describes how access to specialists, behavioral healthcare, and prescription medication in particular has been improved by telehealth. Discusses how rural healthcare access is managed for veterans without reliable internet access.
Source: Cronkite News
Last Updated: 4/23/2024