/ en Sat, 26 Apr 2025 05:09:00 -0500 Thu, 03 Apr 25 13:41:07 -0500 <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-logo-small-header.png" data-entity-uuid="0a3f954c-34fd-4faa-8f13-d31245d1d41f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Small AHA Logo Header" width="128" height="48" class="align-center"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rural-health-icon_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="248e96f2-a7da-403f-835e-93ccca7b07d7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Image" width="600" height="45" class="align-center"><h2 class="text-align-center"><span><strong>NEWS UPDATE</strong></span></h2><p class="text-align-center">February 2025</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Your guide to the latest rural health news and resources</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><em>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and the Rural Health Services team, whose focus is to ensure rural hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</em></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_9.png" data-entity-uuid="ccd6cbce-9947-4c0f-9732-6c6052160b3d" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Rural Advocacy Alliance Logo" width="571" height="84"><p> </p><p><strong>Report from the 2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference</strong><br>The 2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference took place Feb. 23-26 in San Antonio. More than 1,200 rural heath leaders committed to advancing rural health and providing quality care for patients and communities gathered to share actionable strategies and resources aimed at improving access to care, leveraging unique workforce approaches, implementing digital technologies and prioritizing health equity.</p><p>In his <a href="/news/headline/2025-02-24-pollack-kicks-conference-aha-board-chair-shares-vision-future-rural-health-care" target="_blank" title="AHA President Welcome Remarks">welcoming remark</a><a href="/news/headline/2025-02-24-pollack-kicks-conference-aha-board-chair-shares-vision-future-rural-health-care">s</a>, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack discussed some of the immediate threats to rural hospitals’ well-being due to possible federal budget cuts to Medicaid, the 340B program and site-neutral payment policies.  He said, “With so much at stake in the coming weeks and months, it is vital that we continue to face health care challenges together, speaking as one voice to protect the blue and white ‘H’ that is a beacon of hope in every community across the nation.” Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO of Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, Mich., and chair of the AHA Board of Trustees, echoed Pollack’s message of determination and dedication. “We know we can do hard things,” she said. “No matter what happens, we are all in ... because we know our neighbors are counting on us to be there.”</p><p>Other sessions included an <a href="/news/headline/2025-02-25-aha-rural-advocacy-agenda">update on the latest news from Capitol Hill</a> and a panel discussion on the growing impact of certain <a href="/news/headline/2025-02-25-navigating-impact-growing-medicare-advantage-program-rural-hospitals">Medicare Advantage programs on rural hospitals</a>.</p><p>Susan Doherty, the AHA’s vice president of field engagement, delivered remarks before the <a href="/news/headline/2025-02-26-2025-aha-rural-health-care-leadership-conference-day-three-roundup">closing session</a>. “Rural health care is not just a profession; it is a calling,” she said. “It is about ensuring that no matter where someone lives, they have access to the quality care they deserve. The mission is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding.”</p><p><strong>Register for full access to AHA resources</strong><br>AHA members have access to a wealth of information developed exclusively for their benefit. Accessing members-only content requires registering for an account on <a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/02/How-to-Stay-Informed-and-Get-Connected.pdf">AHA.org</a>.</p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>AHA releases 2025 Rural Advocacy Agenda</strong><br>The AHA released its <a href="/rural-advocacy-agenda">2025 Rural Advocacy Agenda</a>, detailing the associations key priorities on behalf of rural hospitals for Congress, the administration, regulatory agencies and courts.</p><p><strong>Budget reconciliation 101 – fact sheet and video</strong><br>This year, House and Senate Republicans are expected to use the <a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-budget-reconciliation-101">budget reconciliation process</a> to attempt to pass key agenda items on taxes, energy and border security, and they may look to health measures to pay for this legislation. Reconciliation is a complicated budget tool that gives Congress a fast-track mechanism to avoid the Senate filibuster and pass partisan legislation.</p><p>Do you know the steps of the reconciliation process? Or the provisions of the Byrd rule? Watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVv3BlL8jwE&t=54s">this video</a> to learn the ins and outs of this quickly moving budgetary process.</p><p><strong>Call to action: Contact your lawmakers and urge them to extend key health care policies</strong></p><p>This<strong> </strong><a href="/action-alert/2025-02-07-contact-your-lawmakers-and-urge-them-extend-key-health-care-policies-set-expire-next-month"><strong>Action Alert</strong></a><strong> </strong>provides essential resources on key issues — health care extenders, Medicaid, enhanced premium tax credits, so-called site-neutral payment proposals and the 340B Drug Pricing Program — that support your advocacy efforts with your lawmakers.</p><h2><span>Events & Education</span></h2><img data-entity-uuid="01707255-ab4c-4f68-9adf-838885043d3d" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_53.png" width="518" height="262"><h2><br><span>Features</span></h2><p><strong>AHA report examines how growth of Medicare Advantage (MA) heightens challenges for rural hospitals</strong><br>A new <a href="/guidesreports/growing-impact-medicare-advantage-rural-hospitals-across-america">AHA report</a> highlights how some practices by certain Medicare Advantage plans are increasing rural hospitals’ vulnerabilities and threatening access to care in rural communities.</p><p>The report reveals that rural hospitals are receiving only 90.6% of Traditional Medicare rates on a cost basis from MA plans. Quality of care is also affected, with 81% of rural clinicians reporting declines due to insurer requirements. Rural MA patients face longer hospital stays as well, spending 9.6% more time in the hospital before transitioning to post-acute care compared to similar Traditional Medicare patients. Administrative burdens have also grown, with nearly 4 in 5 rural clinicians reporting an increase in administrative tasks over the past five years, and 86% saying these demands have negatively impacted patient outcomes.</p><h2><span>Tools & Resources</span></h2><p><strong>Resources to protect rural hospitals from cyberthreats</strong></p><p>Rural hospitals’ limited access to technology, staff and financial resources constrains their ability to defend against the malicious actors behind today’s ever-escalating cyberattacks, writes John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, in a new <a href="/news/aha-cyber-intel/2025-02-18-resources-protect-americas-rural-hospitals-cyberthreats">blog</a> on protecting rural hospitals from cyberthreats. The blog includes several resources, including details on the Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals, a program by the AHA and Microsoft that includes free and heavily discounted cybersecurity services. The program also includes nonprofit pricing for qualifying critical access hospitals on Microsoft enterprise licenses.</p><h2><span>Grants & Awards</span></h2><p><strong>Congratulations to the 2024 Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award winner and finalists</strong></p><p>The AHA <a href="/press-releases/2025-02-18-aha-names-2025-rural-hospital-leadership-team-award-winner-and-finalists">announced </a>the team from Columbia Memorial Hospital, a critical access hospital in Astoria, Ore., is the 2024 recipient of the Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award. The award recognizes rural hospital leaders who guide their hospitals and communities through change and innovation. <br><br>Also recognized as finalists were teams at Atrium Health Lincoln in Lincoln, N.C.; Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Ind.; and Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma, Wash. <br><br>The award was presented Feb. 23 at the 38th annual AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference in San Antonio.</p><h2><span>Rural Health Services</span></h2><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. AHA Rural Health Services tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</li><li>Communication and education.</li><li>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</li><li>Grants, tools, and resources.</li></ul><p>For more details, visit our website at<a href="/advocacy/rural-health-services"> AHA Rural Health Services </a>or contact: </p><p>-Susan Doherty, AHA Vice President, Field Engagement (<a href="mailto:sdoherty@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Susan Doherty email "><u>sdoherty@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Travis Robey, AHA Vice President, Political Affairs (<a href="mailto:trobey@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Travis Robey email"><u>trobey@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Shannon Wu, AHA Senior Associate Director, Payment Policy (<a href="mailto:swu@aha.org" title="Shannon Wu email"><u>swu@aha.org</u></a>) </p></div></div></div> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:41:07 -0500 Rural Health Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-logo-small-header.png" data-entity-uuid="0a3f954c-34fd-4faa-8f13-d31245d1d41f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Small AHA Logo Header" width="128" height="48" class="align-center"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rural-health-icon_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="248e96f2-a7da-403f-835e-93ccca7b07d7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Image" width="600" height="45" class="align-center"><h2 class="text-align-center"><span><strong>NEWS UPDATE</strong></span></h2><p class="text-align-center">January 2025</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Your guide to the latest rural health news and resources</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><em>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and the Rural Health Services team, whose focus is to ensure rural hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</em></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_9.png" data-entity-uuid="ccd6cbce-9947-4c0f-9732-6c6052160b3d" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Rural Advocacy Alliance Logo" width="571" height="84"><p> </p><p><strong>AHA Releases 2025 Advocacy Agenda</strong><br>The AHA released its <a href="/news/headline/2025-01-16-aha-releases-2025-advocacy-agenda" target="_blank" title="2025 AHA Advocacy Agenda">2025 Advocacy Agenda</a> on Jan. 15, detailing the association's key priorities for Congress, the administration, regulatory agencies and courts.</p><p>The AHA has also launched a new <a href="/news/headline/2025-01-13-aha-ad-campaign-highlights-how-hospitals-are-always-ready-care" target="_blank" title="AHA TV and Multimedia advertising campaign">television and multimedia advertising campaign</a> to highlight how hospitals and health systems are there for all of life’s moments, 24/7/365!</p><p><strong>AHA Releases 2025-2027 Strategic Plan</strong><br>On Jan. 9, the AHA released the <a href="/ahas-2025-2027-strategic-plan" target="_blank" title="AHA 2025-2027 Strategic Plan">2025-2027 Strategic Plan</a>. The plan includes nine principles that serve as the foundation of the AHA’s work and strategies to help the field make progress on its mission of advancing health in America, including those in rural and frontier areas.<strong> </strong></p><h2><span>Events & Education</span></h2><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_51.png" data-entity-uuid="b5dfac18-0a45-420f-b237-7d43216310bc" data-entity-type="file" alt="Image of 2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference Banner" width="491" height="248" class="align-center"><p><br><strong>Register for the 2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference </strong><a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/registration"><strong>here.</strong></a></p><p>For more information:</p><ul><li><a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="Federal Rural Conference Sessions">Featured Rural Conference Sessions</a></li><li><a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/program/governance-programming" target="_blank" title="Rural Governance Programming">Rural Governance Programming</a></li><li><a href="https://web.cvent.com/event/aafd2f0d-7c22-4056-a9b1-edf662686845/websitePage:43508fc0-e5ef-41be-9d0d-e8e38af6f1ee" target="_blank" title="Speaker Profiles">Speaker Profiles </a></li></ul><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_52.png" data-entity-uuid="812a0184-5649-4935-be32-68a2efa3336f" data-entity-type="file" width="652" height="368" class="align-center"><h2><span>Features</span></h2><p><strong>AHA Rural Health Services Committee</strong><br>The AHA Rural Health Services Committee meets three times per year and provides policy perspective to the AHA leadership and board. Committee members come from a cross section of the rural membership, including representatives from the nine AHA regions.</p><p>The current chair of the committee is Julie Yaroch, D.O., president, ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital in Adrian, Mich., and the chair-elect is Lynn Falcone, CEO, Cuero Regional Hospital in Cuero, Texas.</p><p>Members of the committee starting a new term include:</p><p>David Brash, CEO, Logan Regional Medical Center, Logan, W.Va.<br>Jeffery Dial, president, ECU Health Duplin Hospital, Kenansville, N.C.<br>Soniya Fidler, president, UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, Steamboat Springs, Colo.<br>Lari Gooding, CEO, Allendale County Hospital, Fairfax, S.C.<br>Karla Hardesty, board chair, San Luis Valley Health, Alamosa, Colo.<br>Daniel Ireland, president and COO, Finger Lakes Rural Hospitals, Batavia, N.Y.<br>Cody Langbehn, CEO, Central Montana Medical Center, Lewistown, Mont.<br>Holly McCormack, president and CEO, Cottage Hospital, Woodsville, N.H.<br>Angela Mortoza, CEO, Dallas County Hospital, Perry, Iowa.</p><p><strong>Community Partnerships: Advancing Behavioral Health Access in Rural Communities</strong><br>Health care leaders from two neighboring rural Colorado counties formed separate grassroots movements in their communities to boost access to behavioral health. As suicide rates, addiction and other behavioral health needs soared in Eagle County, Colo., and adjacent Summit County, local leaders collaborated to shape local policy, raise funding and cooperate with local nonprofit organizations to fill gaps in care. <a href="/case-studies/2022-07-08-community-partnerships-advancing-behavioral-health-access-rural-communities" target="_blank" title="Community Partnerships Stories"><strong>READ NOW</strong></a></p><h2><span>Tools & Resources</span></h2><p><strong>Top AI Use Cases with Rapid ROI Potential</strong><br>Many top AI use cases across administrative solutions, revenue cycle management, operational and clinical applications can deliver return on investment in a year or less. Examples include:</p><p><span>ADMINISTRATIVE</span> | <strong>Improve claims denial prevention</strong>. <br>Although this application requires a high level of expertise to deploy, users can better predict which claims are likely to be denied based on diagnosis, treatment and insurance plan. Providers also will be able to identify inconsistencies, missing codes and duplicate entries.</p><p><a href="/case-studies/2022-07-08-community-partnerships-advancing-behavioral-health-access-rural-communities"><span><strong>CLINICAL</strong></span></a><strong> </strong>| <strong>Optimize operating room and procedure time</strong>. <br>AI-driven algorithms for scheduling, predicting case duration and streamlining resource allocation, as well as in pre-operative medicine, can help redefine OR efficiency and patient care. AI-powered OR management solutions can improve resource allocation, patient outcomes and staff satisfaction. Hospitals can better predict case duration and cancellation, optimize post-anesthesia care unit resources and improve patient outcomes.</p><p><a href="/case-studies/2022-07-08-community-partnerships-advancing-behavioral-health-access-rural-communities"><span><strong>OPERATIONAL</strong></span> </a>| <strong>Leverage supply chain data to enhance cost management</strong>. <br>This application also requires a high level of expertise, but within a year or less providers will be able to capture true case costs, provide accurate cost variance analysis as well as procedure and inventory demand intelligence, and identify expensive supplies that have been recalled or expired.</p><p><span><strong>PATIENT ACCESS</strong></span><strong> | Streamline discharge planning</strong>. <br>Although it may take a year or more before achieving ROI impact, this AI application will allow your organization to generate discharge summaries, translate medical information into a patient-friendly format, predict length of stay and identify readmission risks.</p><p><a href="/center/emerging-issues/market-insights/ai/building-and-implementing-artificial-intelligence-action-plan-health-care" target="_blank" title="Building and Implementing an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan for Health Care"><strong>Download the full report</strong></a> to examine many more use case analyses in areas like:<br>• Cybersecurity.<br>• Capacity planning and management.<br>• Pre-visit planning.<br>• Personalizing care and treatment plans.<br>• Reducing medical errors.</p><p><span><strong>COMMENTS</strong></span>? Contact Bob Kehoe at <a href="mailto:rkehoe@aha.org" target="_blank">rkehoe@aha.org</a></p><h2><span>Grants & Awards</span></h2><p><strong>CMS Announces States to Participate in Maternal Health Model</strong><br>On Jan. 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the <a href="/news/headline/2025-01-06-cms-announces-states-participate-maternal-health-model" target="_blank" title="List of 15 participants to participate in the Transforming Maternal Health Model">15 participants</a> for its state Transforming Maternal Health Model. The model will provide technical support and resources to state Medicaid agencies to develop programs that address new mothers’ physical health, mental health and social needs during pregnancy and postpartum.</p><h2><span>Rural Health Services</span></h2><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. AHA Rural Health Services tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</li><li>Communication and education.</li><li>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</li><li>Grants, tools, and resources.</li></ul><p>For more details, visit our website at<a href="/advocacy/rural-health-services"> AHA Rural Health Services </a>or contact: </p><p>-Susan Doherty, AHA Vice President, Field Engagement (<a href="mailto:sdoherty@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Susan Doherty email "><u>sdoherty@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Travis Robey, AHA Vice President, Political Affairs (<a href="mailto:trobey@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Travis Robey email"><u>trobey@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Shannon Wu, AHA Senior Associate Director, Payment Policy (<a href="mailto:swu@aha.org" title="Shannon Wu email"><u>swu@aha.org</u></a>) </p></div></div></div> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:06:00 -0500 Rural Health Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-logo-small-header.png" data-entity-uuid="0a3f954c-34fd-4faa-8f13-d31245d1d41f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Small AHA Logo Header" width="128" height="48" class="align-center"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rural-health-icon_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="248e96f2-a7da-403f-835e-93ccca7b07d7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Image" width="600" height="45" class="align-center"><h2 class="text-align-center"><span><strong>NEWS UPDATE</strong></span></h2><p class="text-align-center">November and December 2024 Issue<br> </p><p><strong><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_19.png" data-entity-uuid="b9059513-d3d8-4b1f-b354-a796f20f137e" data-entity-type="file" alt="National Rural Health Day Logo" width="260" height="167" class="align-left">AHA celebrated National Rural Health Day on Nov. 21! </strong>Throughout the week of Nov. 18-22, AHA and others shined a light on the remarkable #PowerOfRural and showed appreciation for those who tirelessly champion rural health. Thank you to all who joined the weeklong celebration and who work every day to advance health in rural communities. AHA shared several new rural assets, including a message from the <a href="/news/chairpersons-file/2024-11-11-chair-file-celebrating-power-rural-and-keeping-rural-hospitals-strong">AHA Chair</a>, a <a href="/advancing-health-podcast/2024-11-20-navigating-rural-health-care-solutions-attracting-talent-and-caring-community">podcast</a>, a <a href="/news/blog/2024-11-22-creating-culture-connection-combating-isolation-and-loneliness-health-care-workforce">blog post</a> and more. Remember, it’s not just a day, it’s a movement! <a href="/national-rural-health-day"><strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_21.png" data-entity-uuid="881dbd3c-2719-4c66-aa07-abbd3d0f44dc" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Rural Advocacy Alliance Banner" width="692" height="138"><p><strong>AHA urges Congress to act on key priorities for hospitals before end of year. </strong>In <a href="/2024-11-12-aha-urges-congress-act-key-priorities-lame-duck-session">Nov. 12 comments</a> to majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate, AHA requested Congress act on key priorities for hospitals and health systems before the end of 2024. These include expanding telehealth and hospital-at-home waivers; rejecting site-neutral payment proposals; continuing the Medicare-dependent Hospitals and Low-volume Adjustment programs that expire Dec. 31; and enacting a technical correction to remove barriers for rural emergency hospitals to receive hospital-level reimbursement for outpatient services under Medicaid<strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>DEA and HHS extend waivers prescribing controlled substances through telemedicine.</strong> As urged by the AHA, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Health and Human Services on Nov. 15 published a rule to extend waiver flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine. <strong>Read the Nov. 18 </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-11-18-dea-and-hhs-extend-waivers-prescribing-controlled-substances-through-telemedicine"><strong>AHA Special Bulletin</strong></a><strong> for more information.</strong></p><p><strong>AHA-supported bipartisan letter calling for prevention of Medicaid DSH cuts signed by 182 members of Congress. </strong>A <a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/12/final-medicaid-dsh-letter-12-9-2024.pdf">House Dear Colleague letter</a> calling on House leadership to address scheduled Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payment cuts received signatures from 182 bipartisan members of Congress. The letter was circulated by Reps. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., and Diana DeGette, D-Colo. The cuts total $8 billion and are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2025. The AHA has asked Congress to provide relief from the reductions. <strong>Read the Dec. 2 </strong><a href="/action-alert/2024-12-02-urgent-ask-your-lawmaker-prevent-medicaid-dsh-payment-cuts"><strong>AHA Action Alert</strong></a><strong> asking lawmakers to prevent Medicaid DSH payment cuts.</strong></p><p><strong>AHA calls on Congress to address addiction treatment barriers.</strong> The AHA <a href="/lettercomment/2024-11-20-aha-urges-congress-address-addiction-treatment-barriers">asked</a> Congress to consider a series of actions to eliminate barriers to addiction treatment. In <a href="/lettercomment/2024-11-20-aha-urges-congress-address-addiction-treatment-barriers">Nov. 20 comments</a> to Reps. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., and Mike Turner, R-Ohio, the AHA urged Congress to bolster reimbursements for behavioral health providers; repeal the institution for mental diseases exclusion; remove the 190-day lifetime limit of inpatient care in a psychiatric hospital; repeal the in-person telehealth requirement for behavioral health; and strengthen the health care workforce, among other recommendations.</p><p><strong>CMS issues proposed contract year 2026 Medicare Advantage rule. </strong>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Nov. 26 released its proposed Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly for contract year 2026. The <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-27939/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare">proposed rule</a> would increase oversight of Medicare Advantage plans and strengthen prior rulemaking that sought to better align coverage and access under MA with Traditional Medicare. <strong>Read the Nov. 27 </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-11-27-special-bulletin-cms-issues-proposed-rule-cy-2026-medicare-advantage-prescription-drug-plans"><strong>AHA Special Bulletin</strong></a><strong> for more information.</strong></p><p><strong>AHA seeks hospital input on impact of 340B rebate policy; complete survey by Dec. 16.</strong> AHA urges 340B members to complete a brief survey to help the association understand how a 340B rebate model — such as the one Johnson & Johnson sought to implement this year — would impact 340B member hospitals. Please complete this <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QJMRube-Xk6EsjzBj3s2pk5u3Q9OmydJsgDqql0z_MVUOE05UkUwNjIyR0dQUEFaSlRIQ1I0SEpDTS4u&mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXLViWrOmwRlbimetGVThaH9p1lntLwVJ7PrD3Fhqi1otq6BhhOy-32QgONYjQTQUPiSBJTbMmClg3IG0n2JzLPDtbSL49Vpmnk7VCRE3taD0k4w">10-question survey</a> to help AHA understand the financial, operational and patient impacts that a rebate model would have on your hospital or health system. Individual hospital or system data will be kept confidential, unless a member specifically authorizes the AHA to use them. Only aggregate responses/data may be shared externally. <em>Survey feedback due by Dec. 16.</em></p><h2><span>Events and Education</span></h2><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_23.png" data-entity-uuid="85649a09-9a81-4a5f-81d7-132567a7f5d3" data-entity-type="file" width="664" height="344" alt="AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference Banner"><p><strong>Register soon for early-bird savings at the 2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference.</strong> This annual conference takes place Feb. 23-26 in San Antonio. Rural hospital CEOs and senior executives, clinical leaders and trustees will share strategies and resources to tackle rural health challenges and discuss innovative approaches to transform care delivery and business practices. Learn how to receive free registration by attending the <a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/program/hosted-buyer">Hosted Buyer Forum</a>. <em>Early-bird pricing ends Dec. 20. </em><a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/registration?utm_source=newsletter-ruralservices&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2025-Rural-Registration"><strong>REGISTER NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Apply for AHA’s Next Generation Leaders Fellowship.</strong><em><strong> </strong></em>This program — which matches fellows with health care mentors who help them plan and execute a yearlong capstone project — helps emerging leaders address challenges affecting health care affordability, cost, quality and safety. <em>Applications due by March 31, 2025.</em> <a href="/center/next-generation-leaders-fellowship"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>AHA blog: Creating a Culture of Connection — Combating Isolation and Loneliness in the Health Care Workforce. </strong>After noticing widespread loneliness among rural hospital staff, Margo Karsten, president of Banner Health Western Region and AHA Policy Board member, was inspired to cultivate a culture of connection in the workplace. She helped launch regular team member panel discussions that focused on sharing and well-being, creating a safe space for employees to be vulnerable, express personal stories of struggle and access resources. <a href="/news/blog/2024-11-22-creating-culture-connection-combating-isolation-and-loneliness-health-care-workforce"><strong>READ MORE</strong></a></p><p><strong>AHA podcast: Navigating Rural Health Care — Solutions for Attracting Talent and Caring for the Community. </strong>In this conversation, Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and 2024 chair of the AHA Board of Trustees, shares how Dartmouth Health has implemented workforce solutions that can be successful anywhere. <a href="/advancing-health-podcast/2024-11-20-navigating-rural-health-care-solutions-attracting-talent-and-caring-community"><strong>LISTEN NOW</strong></a></p><h2><span>Tools and Resources</span></h2><p><strong>Sepsis Champions Leadership Series. </strong>Hospital and health system sepsis teams are invited to participate in this collaborative facilitated by the AHA’s Living Learning Network in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Monthly sessions aim to improve sepsis care by offering peer-to-peer sharing, best practices and expert guidance on enhancing sepsis prevention, detection and management. <a href="https://aha-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpc-yhrTgiH918ht8PubsxtENuyUhHclyB">Register</a> for the virtual kickoff event on Jan. 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET and join the collaborative <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/kg6JkNG9L2">here</a>.</p><p><strong>AHA 2025 Health Care Workforce Scan. </strong>The AHA has released its <a href="/aha-workforce-scan">2025 Health Care Workforce Scan</a>, an annual snapshot of America’s hospital and health system employment based on reports, studies and other data sources from leading organizations and researchers. It also offers insights and recommendations from peers and experts. <strong>Read the Nov. 13 </strong><a href="/2024-11-12-aha-releases-2025-health-care-workforce-scan"><strong>AHA Special Bulletin</strong></a><strong> for more information. </strong></p><p><strong>AHA rural behavioral health resources. </strong> AHA released a <a href="/news/blog/2024-11-04-aha-committee-chairs-come-together-increasing-access-behavioral-health-services-rural-communities">blog</a> and <a href="/infographic-realities-behavioral-health-rural-communities">infographic</a> that address challenges in accessing rural behavioral health care and approaches to solving them, respectively.</p><p><strong>CMS Report: Rural-Urban Disparities in Health Care in Medicare.</strong> CMS Nov. 12 released a <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/rural-urban-disparities-health-care-medicare-2024.pdf">report</a> on rural and urban disparities in care for Medicare beneficiaries. The report highlights differences in clinical care experiences, including how they vary by race and ethnicity, and historical trends in care quality for rural and urban residents. It also examines trends in health care access and quality.</p><h2><span>Grants and Awards</span></h2><p><strong>FORHP Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP). </strong>This program, supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, provides states with funding to help their small rural hospitals meet value-based payment and care goals through investments in hardware, software and training. SHIP funds, directed through each hospital’s State Office of Rural Health, can support cybersecurity assessments and training up to $13,000 per year.<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.ruralcenter.org/programs/ship"><strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p><p><strong>Minority Research Grant Program. </strong>This <a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/grants-awards/minority-research">program</a>, administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health, supports researchers at minority-serving institutions through funding to address health care disparities affecting people from minority populations. Such populations include people with disabilities, residents in rural areas, and individuals adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality. <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMS/subscriber/new?topic_id=USCMS_610">Subscribe</a> to the MRGP listserv to watch for the 2025 grant application process to open.</p><h2>Rural Health Services</h2><p>AHA ensures that the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. AHA Rural Health Services tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</li><li>Communication and education.</li><li>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</li><li>Grants, tools and resources.</li></ul><p>For more details, visit our website at <a href="/advocacy/rural-health-services">AHA Rural Health Services </a>or contact:</p><ul><li>Susan Doherty, AHA Vice President, Field Engagement (<a href="mailto:sdoherty@aha.org">sdoherty@aha.org</a>)</li><li>Travis Robey, AHA Vice President, Political Affairs (<a href="mailto:trobey@aha.org">trobey@aha.org</a>)</li><li>Shannon Wu, AHA Director, Payment Policy (<a href="mailto:swu@aha.org">swu@aha.org</a>)</li></ul></div></div></div> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:05:51 -0600 Rural Health Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-logo-small-header.png" data-entity-uuid="0a3f954c-34fd-4faa-8f13-d31245d1d41f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Small AHA Logo Header" width="128" height="48" class="align-center"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rural-health-icon_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="248e96f2-a7da-403f-835e-93ccca7b07d7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Image" width="600" height="45" class="align-center"><h2 class="text-align-center"><span><strong>NEWS UPDATE</strong></span></h2><p class="text-align-center">October 29, 2024</p><p class="text-align-center"><span><span><strong>Your guide to the latest rural health news and resources</strong></span></span></p><p><span><em><span><strong>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and the Rural Health Services team, whose focus is to ensure rural hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities. </strong></span></em></span></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_9.png" data-entity-uuid="ccd6cbce-9947-4c0f-9732-6c6052160b3d" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Rural Advocacy Alliance Logo" width="571" height="84"><p> </p><p><strong>AHA advocates on behalf of hospitals: Baxter IV solutions supply shortage. </strong>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oct. 15 issued a <a href="/news/headline/2024-10-15-cdc-issues-health-advisory-disruptions-pd-and-iv-solutions-due-baxter-plant-closure" target="_blank">health advisory</a> on the supply disruption of peritoneal dialysis and intravenous solutions due to the Baxter plant closure in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. As part of its regular updates on the IV solution supply disruption, Baxter Oct. 14 launched a <a href="/news/headline/2024-10-14-baxter-launches-webpage-clinical-resources-support-iv-solution-conservation" target="_blank">new webpage</a> with resources that hospitals can use for product management and conservation strategies. <strong>Visit </strong><a href="/updates-iv-fluid-supplies-after-helene-forces-closure-baxter-manufacturing-plant" target="_blank"><strong>AHA’s webpage</strong></a><strong> for the latest information and other resources related to the IV solution supply disruption. Read </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-18-hhs-baxter-announce-additional-mitigation-efforts-increase-access-supply-iv-fluids" target="_blank"><strong>AHA’s Oct. 18 Special Bulletin</strong></a><strong> for additional details.</strong></p><p>The federal government has put companies on notice that price gouging for essential medical supplies like IV solutions will not be tolerated. Hospitals are encouraged to report violations at the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Complaint <a href="http://www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm" target="_blank">Website</a> or Federal Trade Commission Fraud Reporting <a href="http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/">Complaint Form</a>.</p><p><strong>AHA advocacy priorities for Congress’s post-election lame-duck session.</strong> Following the November election, lawmakers — currently in their home districts — will return to Washington for a busy lame-duck session when key funding issues like Medicaid disproportionate share hospital and rural programs will be on the agenda. AHA urges the field to engage with members of Congress to remind them of the importance of preserving access to care by continuing to fund vital programs and avoiding harmful policies such as site-neutral payments<strong>. Please see </strong><a href="/action-needed-contact-lawmakers-important-issues-facing-hospitals-and-health-systems" target="_blank"><strong>AHA’s Sept. 30 Action Alert</strong></a><strong> for more on our advocacy priorities for Congress’ post-election lame-duck session.</strong></p><p><strong>AHA telehealth advocacy.</strong> The AHA continues to work with Congress and the Administration to enact telehealth reform so that providers can use these services to benefit patients on a permanent basis. We are urging Congress to lift geographic and originating site restrictions, allow Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers to serve as distant sites, expand practitioners who can provide telehealth, remove in-person visit requirements for behavioral health and allow the continuation of audio-only telehealth services. We also are seeking provisions that would support telehealth for underserved areas; expand the telehealth workforce; and ensure fair and adequate telehealth reimbursement.</p><p>The AHA has developed <a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/05/fact-sheet-2024-telehealth-advocacy-agenda.pdf" target="_blank" title="Telehealth Fact sheets">fact sheets</a> on telehealth that you can use in your advocacy efforts. Please reach out to your lawmakers and urge them to extend or make permanent these waivers as they are an important part of our efforts to deliver convenient and accessible care as we work to advance health in America.</p><p><strong>AHA health plan accountability: Tell us your story. </strong>AHA wants to hear about your experience with corporate commercial health plans and how inappropriate use of prior authorization, payment delays and other harmful policies are affecting your patients. We welcome submissions in writing or by video or image upload. We will not use any information publicly without your permission. Log in AHA’s site, <a href="/healthplanaccountability" target="_blank" title="Health Plan Accountability Page">Health Plan Accountability page</a> and scroll to the bottom to submit your story or experience.</p><p><strong>New Medicare Advantage question and complaint process. </strong>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/appeals-grievances/managed-care" target="_blank" title="New complaint process information">new complaint process</a><a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/appeals-grievances/managed-care"> </a>for providers seeking assistance from the agency in resolving Medicare Advantage claims issues. Read <a href="/fact-sheets/2024-08-09-fact-sheet-improving-access-care-medicare-advantage-beneficiaries">AHA’s fact sheet</a> on the topic<strong>. Read </strong><a href="/advisory/2024-08-20-new-medicare-advantage-question-and-complaint-process-provider-organizations" target="_blank" title="AHA's August 20, 2024 Member Advisory"><strong>AHA’s Aug. 20 Member Advisory</strong></a><strong> for more details on the new CMS process. </strong></p><h2><span>Events & Education</span></h2><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rural-Health-Leadership-Conference-2024.png.jpg" data-entity-uuid="c65b7bfb-763d-470f-b439-40e6c6b0d0aa" data-entity-type="file" width="325" height="129" class="align-center"><p><br><strong>Register for the 2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, Feb. 23-26</strong>, <strong>San Antonio</strong>. Rural hospital CEOs and senior executives, clinical leaders and trustees will share strategies and resources to tackle rural health challenges and discuss innovative approaches to transform care delivery and business practices. <em>Learn how to receive free registration by attending the Hosted Buyer Forum.</em> <a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/program/hosted-buyer" target="_blank"><strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p><p><strong>AHA Podcast: The Critical Need for Resource Conservation Plans in the Face of Disasters. </strong>Michael Schiller, executive director of the Association for Health Care Resource & Materials Management, and Michael Ganio, senior director of pharmacy practice and quality with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, discuss the current IV fluid supply situation and the need to create a conservation plan for critical patient supplies that could be threatened by a disaster or other event. <a href="/news/headline/2024-10-16-aha-podcast-critical-need-conservation-plans-face-supply-shortages" target="_blank"><strong>LISTEN NOW</strong></a></p><h2><span>Tools & Resources</span></h2><p><strong>AHA unveils revamped maternal and child health webpages.</strong> The AHA has launched refreshed webpages dedicated to maternal and child health. The <a href="/advocacy/maternal-and-child-health" target="_blank" title="Maternal and child health web platform">redesigned platform</a> offers three distinct subpages focused on Better Health for Mothers and Babies, child and adolescent health, and advocacy and policy. Hospitals and health systems are encouraged to explore the tools and resources, such as <a href="/bhmb/infographic" target="_blank">case studies, podcasts, infographics</a><a href="/bhmb/infographic"> </a>and <a href="/bhmb/action-plan" target="_blank">action plans</a> to drive their own improvement in maternal and child health.</p><p><strong>Emergency water supply planning guide for hospitals and health care facilities.</strong> During water system interruptions, the operation of health care facilities is severely interrupted, and capability can be almost completely degraded within two hours. To maintain daily operations and patient care services, health care facilities need to develop a water supply plan for an emergency. This <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/water-emergency/hcp/toolkit/index.html" target="_blank">planning guide</a> was published as a collaborative effort between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Water Works Association.</p><p><strong>Action request: AHA’s 2024 Governance Survey. </strong>AHA member and non-member CEOs are encouraged to complete the <a href="/news/headline/2024-09-17-ahas-2024-governance-survey-ceos-now-available" target="_blank">AHA’s 2024 Governance Survey</a> by mid-November. The survey provides a profile of the changing landscape of governance in America’s hospitals and health systems; compares current board structure, practices and culture with previous AHA governance surveys; and highlights best practices in the evolving environment. The AHA will produce a report in 2025 highlighting results. If you did not receive the survey, please email <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWQHds7Guy4PvAGIVCVh3LvxlpNHJUwQiskNpQajLCukBnEuDaiGjXAVx4Aq1ygN5ktXrG764%3D&data=05%7C02%7Csdoherty%40aha.org%7C614f97709d5f4c9aac9e08dcefba60c0%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638648831005095008%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pOIgV7oMcGsiQM%2BtdRLoab8f5H2xclfgal35sbGifjw%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">surveysupport@aha.org</a>.</p><h2><span>Grants & Awards</span></h2><p><strong>Deadline Extension: 2025 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Awards.</strong> The AHA's Institute for Diversity and Health Equity has extended until Nov. 7 the deadline to apply for the 2025 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Awards, which recognize the efforts of member hospitals and health systems in advancing health equity, diversity and inclusion across three categories: Transforming, Emerging and Small/Rural.  If you need extra time to apply or have questions, please reach out to <a href="mailto:equityofcare@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Equity of Care Website">equityofcare@aha.org</a>. <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGV9wUJT8oVWeBGwK0erkCv7t1mO0RAA0YZ6e7bH8MhLmgenY5qJMrA3e-P2KbTtbBvweb_Atg=" target="_blank" title="Equity of Care application information"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program. </strong>The Health Resources and Services Administration will award five cooperative agreements for approximately $2.2 million to improve and expand access to and coordination of perinatal health care services in the Delta Region. <a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/grants/rural-community" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Early outcomes of Rural Residency Planning and Development Grant Program. </strong>A study published in the <em>Journal of Graduate Medical Education</em> evaluates the outcomes of 25 grantees in cohort 1 of HRSA’s program to create <a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/grants/rural-health-research-policy/rrpd" target="_blank" title="New residency training program information">new residency training programs</a> in rural areas. Results indicate sufficient success to support program continuation; about a third of placed residents were from the states where the residency programs are located, and these residency programs filled at similar rates as more established residency programs. View a <a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/grants/rural-health-research-policy/rrpd/awards">list</a> of RRPD grantees from 2019 to 2024</p><h2><span>Rural Health Services</span></h2><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. AHA Rural Health Services tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</li><li>Communication and education.</li><li>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</li><li>Grants, tools, and resources.</li></ul><p>For more details, visit our website at<a href="/advocacy/rural-health-services"> AHA Rural Health Services </a>or contact: </p><p>-Susan Doherty, AHA Vice President, Field Engagement (<a href="mailto:sdoherty@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Susan Doherty email "><u>sdoherty@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Travis Robey, AHA Vice President, Political Affairs (<a href="mailto:trobey@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Travis Robey email"><u>trobey@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Shannon Wu, AHA Senior Associate Director, Payment Policy (<a href="mailto:swu@aha.org" title="Shannon Wu email"><u>swu@aha.org</u></a>) </p></div></div></div> Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:08:22 -0500 Rural Health Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-logo-small-header.png" data-entity-uuid="0a3f954c-34fd-4faa-8f13-d31245d1d41f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Small AHA Logo Header" width="128" height="48" class="align-center"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rural-health-icon_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="248e96f2-a7da-403f-835e-93ccca7b07d7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Image" width="600" height="45" class="align-center"><h2 class="text-align-center"><span><strong>NEWS UPDATE</strong></span></h2><p class="text-align-center">September 30, 2024</p><p class="text-align-center"><span><span><strong>Your guide to the latest rural health news and resources</strong></span></span></p><p><span><em><span><strong>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and the Rural Health Services team, whose focus is to ensure rural hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</strong></span></em></span></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_9.png" data-entity-uuid="ccd6cbce-9947-4c0f-9732-6c6052160b3d" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Rural Advocacy Alliance Logo" width="571" height="84"><p> </p><p><strong>As urged by the AHA and others, J&J tells HRSA it is abandoning proposed 340B rebate plan. </strong>Johnson & Johnson today <a href="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/sept-27-24-hrsa-letter-johnson-johnson.pdf?version=0">notified </a>the Health Resources and Services Administration that it is ceasing implementation of its proposed 340B rebate model. The decision comes after HRSA Sept. 27 <a href="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/sept-27-2024-hrsa-letter-johnson-johnson.pdf?version=0">said </a>it would terminate J&J’s Pharmaceutical Pricing Agreement and/or impose civil monetary penalties if J&J didn’t halt implementation of the program.</p><p>On Aug. 23, J&J <a href="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/Johnson%20%20Johnson%20Innovative%20Medicine%20340B%20Rebate%20Model%20Policy%20Update%2008-23-2024_FINAL.pdf">announced </a>that it would be upending its approach to 340B pricing for two of its most popular products, Stelara and Xarelto. J&J said starting Oct. 15 it will require all disproportionate share hospitals participating in the 340B program to purchase these drugs at full price and apply for a rebate from J&J. AHA <a href="/2024-08-28-aha-urges-hrsa-take-immediate-enforcement-action-block-jjs-illegal-imposition-340b-rebate-model">expressed </a>concern and said HRSA should take “immediate enforcement action,” including assessing civil monetary penalties on J&J for intentionally overcharging 340B hospitals. HRSA Sept. 17 <a href="/news/headline/2024-09-17-hrsa-jj-cease-implementation-proposed-340b-rebate-model">told </a>Johnson & Johnson that the company’s publicly announced plans to implement a 340B rebate model “violates J&J’s obligations under the 340B statute, and HRSA expects J&J to cease implementation of it.”</p><p><strong>AHA Opposes House Bills Addressed in Committee Markup Hearing.</strong> On Sept. 11, AHA shared a <a href="/testimony/2024-09-11-aha-statement-house-committee-education-and-workforce-markup-hearing-sept-11-2024">statement </a>with the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. AHA opposed the Health Competition for Better Care Act (H.R. 3120), which would lead to fewer choices for patients and further limit access to care, particularly for those in rural areas with high poverty rates. This bill includes harmful contracting provisions that would prevent doctors and hospitals from negotiating reasonable agreements with commercial health insurance plans. These contracting restrictions — known as tiering or steering — would allow insurers to make it more difficult for patients to choose their own doctors and hospitals by steering them to the providers the insurers own or favor. AHA also opposed the Transparent Telehealth Bills Act of 2024 (H.R. 9457), which would cut hospital reimbursements since payment (including facility fees and any additional services) would be capped for facility-based providers at non-facility rates.</p><p><strong>CMS Releases Updated Guidance for Hospitals Interested in Participating in Medicare, Medicaid as a Rural Emergency Hospital.</strong> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Sept. 11 released <a href="/news/headline/2024-09-11-cms-releases-updated-guidance-hospitals-interested-participating-medicare-medicaid-rural-emergency">revised guidance </a>regarding conditions of participation and the conversion process for eligible hospitals interested in participating in Medicare and Medicaid as a rural emergency hospital.</p><p><strong>CDC Releases Rural Health Strategic Plan</strong>. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sept. 12 released a <a href="/news/headline/2024-09-12-cdc-releases-rural-health-strategic-plan">rural health strategic plan </a>which includes the agency’s key priorities, objectives and outcomes in rural health for the next five years. </p><h2><span>Events & Education</span></h2><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rural-Health-Leadership-Conference-2024.png.jpg" data-entity-uuid="c65b7bfb-763d-470f-b439-40e6c6b0d0aa" data-entity-type="file" width="325" height="129"><p> </p><p><strong>Register for the 2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, Feb. 2326</strong>, <strong>San Antonio</strong>. Rural hospital CEOs and senior executives, clinical leaders and trustees will share strategies and resources to tackle rural health challenges and discuss innovative approaches to transform care delivery and business practices. <em>Register by Dec. 20 for early bird pricing.</em><a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/registration"> <strong>LEARN MORE</strong> </a></p><p><strong>AHA Podcast: Suicide Prevention in Wisconsin’s Farming Community. </strong>The Farmer Angel Network support group is devoted to suicide prevention in Wisconsin's farming communities. In this conversation, leaders discuss how this impactful work began, the domino effect that suicide can have in farming towns, and the resources available to support families and loved ones. <a href="/advancing-health-podcast/2024-09-18-suicide-prevention-wisconsins-farming-communities"><strong>LISTEN NOW </strong></a></p><h2><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/Rural%20Tools%20Marketo.png" width="155" height="155" align="left" class="align-left"><span>Tools & Resources</span></h2><h2>AHA Guide: Mental Health and Well-Being — Caring for</h2><p><strong>Employees in Rural Communities. </strong>This <a href="/suicideprevention/health-care-workforce/suicide-prevention-guide">AHA guide </a>offers a curated list of 12 evidence-informed interventions that hospitals and health systems can implement to reduce the risk of suicide among their employees. <strong> </strong></p><p><strong>AHA Report: Hospitals Improving Performance on Key Patient Safety Measures Surpassing Pre-pandemic Levels</strong>. The AHA Sept. 12 released a new <a href="/news/headline/2024-09-12-aha-report-hospitals-improving-performance-key-patient-safety-measures-surpassing-pre-pandemic-levels">report </a>that found hospital and health system performance on key patient safety and quality measures was better in the first quarter of 2024 than it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that hospitals made these improvements while caring for patients with more significant health care needs.</p><p><strong>Report: NFP Hospitals' Value to Communities 10 Times Federal Tax Exemption. </strong>An <a href="/2024-09-23-estimates-value-federal-tax-exemption-and-community-benefits-provided-nonprofit-hospitals-2020">EY report </a>prepared for the AHA shows that tax-exempt hospitals and health systems delivered $10 in benefits to their communities for every dollar’s worth of federal tax exemption in 2020, the most recent year for which comprehensive data is available. It represents an increase from $9 in benefits from the prior year despite efforts in battling the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Report: Maternal Care Access Worsening Nationwide Due to Hospital Closures, Decreases in Obstetric Services. </strong>More than 5.5 million women live in counties with no or limited access to maternity care services, due to recent hospital closures and obstetric service reductions, according to a <a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/maternity-care-deserts-report?mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGVjAGlgZj6QyjzAtlWucnYV9IN276H2tBVW_UuTo3ScQBROCMviBPxAqC0quQB2iE6HyFQ2bOT1YpmMbENAEekRGNJuLP7zJYRPRi7Ba1ycZA_xg">report </a>released Sept. 10 by the March of Dimes. The AHA has highlighted the challenge of providing obstetric services in rural areas and provides members with resources to improve maternal and child health through the <a href="/better-health-for-mothers-and-babies">Better Health for Mothers and Babies initiative.</a><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>AHA 2024 Governance Survey. </strong>The <a href="/news/headline/2024-09-17-ahas-2024-governance-survey-ceos-now-available">AHA’s 2024 Governance Survey </a>is now available for AHA-member and non-member CEOs to complete. The survey will close in midNovember. Email <u>trustees@aha.org</u> for additional information.</p><h2><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/grants-icon.png" alt="Grants image" width="154" height="154" class="align-left"><span>Grants & Awards</span></h2><p><strong>Apply for the 2025 AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Awards by Oct. 14. </strong>The<strong> </strong>Dick Davidson NOVA Award celebrates outstanding collaborative efforts to advance community health through health care, economic or social initiatives. <a href="/about/awards/aha-nova-award"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong> </a></p><h2><span>Rural Health Services</span></h2><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. AHA Rural Health Services tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</li><li>Communication and education.</li><li>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</li><li>Grants, tools, and resources.</li></ul><p>For more details, visit our website at<a href="/advocacy/rural-health-services"> AHA Rural Health Services </a>or contact: </p><p>-Susan Doherty, AHA Vice President, Field Engagement (<a href="mailto:sdoherty@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Susan Doherty email "><u>sdoherty@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Travis Robey, AHA Vice President, Political Affairs (<a href="mailto:trobey@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Travis Robey email"><u>trobey@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Shannon Wu, AHA Senior Associate Director, Payment Policy (<a href="mailto:swu@aha.org" title="Shannon Wu email"><u>swu@aha.org</u></a>) </p></div></div></div> Mon, 30 Sep 2024 21:12:09 -0500 Rural Health Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-logo-small-header.png" data-entity-uuid="0a3f954c-34fd-4faa-8f13-d31245d1d41f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Small AHA Logo Header" width="128" height="48" class="align-center"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rural-health-icon_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="248e96f2-a7da-403f-835e-93ccca7b07d7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Image" width="600" height="45" class="align-center"><h2 class="text-align-center"><span><strong>NEWS UPDATE</strong></span></h2><p class="text-align-center">August 30, 2024</p><p class="text-align-center"><span><span><strong>Your guide to the latest rural health news and resources</strong></span></span></p><p><span><em><span><strong>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and the Rural Health Services team, whose focus is to ensure rural hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</strong></span></em></span></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_9.png" data-entity-uuid="ccd6cbce-9947-4c0f-9732-6c6052160b3d" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Rural Advocacy Alliance Logo" width="571" height="84"><p> </p><p><strong>There is still time to discuss key issues with lawmakers before they return to the Capitol on Sept. 9. </strong>Now is a crucial time to invite legislators to your hospital to discuss important issues faced by hospitals and health systems, including site-neutral payments, workforce safety, commercial health plan accountability, Medicaid disproportionate share hospitals and extending critical rural programs. <strong>Read AHA’s July 31 </strong><a href="/action-alert/2024-07-31-action-needed-talk-lawmakers-august-important-issues-facing-hospitals-and-health-systems"><strong>Action Alert</strong>. </a><strong>Medicare-dependent hospitals and low-volume adjustment hospitals received a targeted action alert on July 29 with their financial impact data if those programs expire.</strong></p><p><strong>Appropriations legislation moves. </strong>The Senate Appropriations Committee passed its fiscal year <a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fy25_lhhs_bill_text1.pdf">2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies bill </a>out of Committee by a vote of 25-3. The Senate funded most key rural health programs at or above AHA’s requested levels. This appropriations bill represents another significant win for rural health following the House's L-HHS funding bill. </p><p><strong>AHA comments on legislation to improve primary care payment. </strong>The AHA July 15 <a href="/news/headline/2024-07-15-aha-comments-senators-proposed-legislation-improve-primary-care-payment">commented </a>on a request for information based on the Pay PCPs Act (S. 4338), legislation designed to improve support and pay for primary care providers. In it, the AHA highlighted its support since 2021 for the establishment of a Rural Design Center within the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, which would focus on smaller-scale initiatives to meet rural communities’ needs and encourage participation of rural hospitals and facility types. <strong> </strong></p><p><strong>CMS’ hospital inpatient PPS final rule for FY 2025. </strong>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Aug. 1 issued its hospital inpatient prospective payment system and long-term care hospital PPS<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-17021/medicare-medicaid-and-childrens-health-insurance-programs-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment"> final rule </a>for fiscal year 2025. <strong>Read AHA’s Aug. 2 </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-08-02-cms-hospital-inpatient-pps-final-rule-fy-2025"><strong>Special Bulletin</strong> </a>for highlights of provisions related to the inpatient PPS and the CMMI Transforming Episode Accountability Model alternative payment model, which begins Jan. 1, 2026. </p><p><strong>CMS issues hospital outpatient, ambulatory surgical center proposed rule for CY 2025. </strong>CMS July 10 released its calendar year 2025 outpatient prospective payment system and ambulatory surgical center <a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-15087.pdf">proposed rule.</a> The rule would increase OPPS rates by a net 2.6% in CY 2025 compared to CY 2024. CMS will accept comments on the proposed rule through Sept. 9. <strong>Read AHA’s July 10 </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-07-10-cms-issues-hospital-outpatient-ambulatory-surgical-center-proposed-rule-cy-2025"><strong>Special Bulletin</strong>.</a> </p><h2><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/education-icon_0.png" alt="Education Icon" width="166" height="166" class="align-left"><span>Events & Education</span></h2><p><strong>Call for Content: 2025 Accelerating Health Equity</strong></p><p><strong>Conference. </strong>This annual conference takes place May 20-22, 2025, in Atlanta. Content areas for proposals will focus on building authentic and sustained community engagement and partnership, creating equitable and inclusive workplaces, and more. <em>Proposals due by Sept. 16. </em><a href="https://equityconference.aha.org/speaking-opportunities?utm_source=rural-newsletter&utm_campaign=call-for-content"> <strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p><p><strong>AHA podcast: How a Rural Health System Continues to Provide Essential Obstetric Services. </strong>Kittitas Valley Healthcare, based in Ellensburg, Wash., was delivering 300-350 babies each year in the region prior to 2022, offering the area’s only comprehensive obstetric services. But when its three full-time OB/GYNs left, KVH was suddenly faced with a huge problem. Julie Petersen, KVH CEO, discusses how the organization kept its promise to preserve essential obstetric services for women of all ages.<a href="/news/headline/2024-07-15-aha-podcast-how-rural-health-system-continues-provide-essential-obstetric-services"> <strong>LISTEN NOW </strong></a></p><h2><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/Rural%20Tools%20Marketo.png" width="155" height="155" align="left" class="align-left"><span>Tools & Resources</span></h2><p><strong>Cyber resources for AHA members. </strong>The AHA released a <a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/08/Change-Healthcare-Cyberattack-Timeline.pdf">timeline resource </a>that maps out each of the association’s <a href="/cybersecurity/change-healthcare-cyberattack-updates">communications </a>to members, Congress and other stakeholders in the wake of the Feb. 21 cyberattack against UnitedHealth Group’s Change Healthcare. AHA’s Cybersecurity and Risk Advisory Services, led by AHA’s National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk John Riggi (<u>jriggi@aha.org)</u>, provide consultation and strategy in a range of areas to support rural hospitals. </p><p>Member hospitals and health systems can visit <a href="/cybersecurity/support-cybersecurity-program">AHA’s webpage </a>for information and new offerings, including resources to help hospitals meet the Department of Health and Human Services’ set of voluntary Cybersecurity Performance Goals. Offerings are available to AHA members from the association’s partners Microsoft, Google, AON, Censinet, Critical Insight and Cylera.<a href="/2024-06-10-aha-helps-secure-new-cybersecurity-resources-microsoft-and-google-assist-rural-hospitals"> <strong>LEARN MORE</strong> </a></p><p><strong>Health Equity Toolbox.</strong> AHA’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity’s newest series, the <a href="https://ifdhe.aha.org/health-equity-toolbox-how-does-dei-relate-health-equity">Health Equity Toolbox,</a> provides a set of resources designed to improve the field's understanding of key health equity topics. Explore the first installment of this series: an infographic that explains how DEI is one of many tools to advance health equity. </p><h2><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/grants-icon.png" alt="Grants image" width="154" height="154" class="align-left"><span>Grants & Awards</span></h2><p><strong>Apply for AHA's 2024 Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award.</strong> This award honors a team that has displayed outstanding leadership and responsiveness to their community’s health needs and demonstrated a collaborative community process that led to measurable outcomes<strong>. </strong><em>Applications due by Aug. 31.</em><a href="/about/awards/rural-hospital-leadership-award"><strong> APPLY NOW </strong></a></p><h2><span>Rural Health Services</span></h2><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. AHA Rural Health Services tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</li><li>Communication and education.</li><li>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</li><li>Grants, tools, and resources.</li></ul><p>For more details, visit our website at<a href="/advocacy/rural-health-services"> AHA Rural Health Services </a>or contact: </p><p>-Susan Doherty, AHA Vice President, Field Engagement (<a href="mailto:sdoherty@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Susan Doherty email "><u>sdoherty@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Travis Robey, AHA Vice President, Political Affairs (<a href="mailto:trobey@aha.org" target="_blank" title="Travis Robey email"><u>trobey@aha.org</u></a>)<br>-Shannon Wu, AHA Senior Associate Director, Payment Policy (<a href="mailto:swu@aha.org" title="Shannon Wu email"><u>swu@aha.org</u></a>) </p></div></div></div> Fri, 30 Aug 2024 20:40:57 -0500 Rural Health Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-logo-small-header.png" data-entity-uuid="0a3f954c-34fd-4faa-8f13-d31245d1d41f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Small AHA Logo Header" width="128" height="48" class="align-center"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rural-health-icon_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="248e96f2-a7da-403f-835e-93ccca7b07d7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Image" width="600" height="45" class="align-center"><h2 class="text-align-center"><span><strong>NEWS UPDATE</strong></span></h2><p class="text-align-center">July 18, 2024</p><p class="text-align-center"><span><span><strong>Your guide to the latest rural health news and resources</strong></span></span></p><p><span><em><span><strong>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its Rural Health Services team, whose focus is to ensure that rural hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</strong></span></em></span></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_9.png" data-entity-uuid="ccd6cbce-9947-4c0f-9732-6c6052160b3d" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Rural Advocacy Alliance Logo" width="571" height="84"><p> </p><p><strong>White House enlists Microsoft, Google for rural hospital cyber defense. </strong>Microsoft and Google will provide a range of free or discounted cybersecurity services to rural hospitals across the country to <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmitJduYVdXr942B3gmPHo-e97oHuhPheIoDUM5qYYdNlHx3QYPPTCed7z1k-gm2SiDq8%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254196923%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aIuGBS92qdGHsoVQoX4AmZVRGJ7gUV2n89gfXhPwEAU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">help them</a> in their efforts to prevent cyberattacks. The announcement was made in collaboration with the White House and the AHA. The AHA played a key role in the announcement, advising the White House, Microsoft and Google on the cybersecurity challenges facing hospitals and health systems. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmizuDu0VmqRhGoQHbYSo2XV30Z18hr9sPH_nOLBfo9WTXR_spPgRSt72qA5h06UtVjW8%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254204247%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=T4yjovFISXVlciLNwL0SbLJlK7ZxYQ0u7C73mEIcLNQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="June 10 AHA Special Bulletin"><strong>Read the June 10 AHA Special Bulletin</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>CMS issues hospital OPPS/ASC proposed rule for CY 2025</strong>. CMS July 10 released its calendar year 2025 outpatient prospective payment system and ambulatory surgery center <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmi1KgJhqtHHxe4Hz8tkLuG6XKhPrydoXP1PZKYvxkgMGmlpctOfNv8pwkv9Sa1h-3-yI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254211454%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2Btiz9fpQMNs1GkeM8djPtbN3EJMwXWFhChKDi3WdySA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">proposed rule</a>. The rule would increase OPPS rates by a net 2.6% in CY 2025 compared to CY 2024. Comments are due Sept. 9.</p><p>The CMS proposed rule would, among other things:</p><ul><li>Adopt three measures related to health equity for the outpatient, ASC and rural emergency hospital Quality Reporting Programs and extend voluntary data reporting for two hybrid measures in the Inpatient Quality Reporting Program.</li><li>Establish new conditions of participation for hospitals and critical access hospitals focused on obstetrical services and maternal care.</li></ul><p><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmiiM_dZorR56gtRKLbwvQG4XOHyAxDyzNUdkcpc6SnrOngMOnjieZq8wpXwKnn4xqIqY%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254218582%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ILCzC6OENcGqVzV80kSe%2FY0yphDA%2B9UOF6yW3ZzJ1KU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>Read the July 10 AHA Special Bulletin</strong></a> <strong>for details</strong>.</p><p><strong>CMS issues physician fee schedule proposed rule for CY 2025</strong>. CMS released its calendar year 2025 proposed rule for the physician fee schedule. The rule proposes to cut the conversion factor by 2.8%. CMS proposes extension of certain telehealth waivers through 2025, the waiver for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to bill for telehealth services, and the waiver for virtual supervision for residents in all teaching settings when the services are provided virtually. <strong>Read the July 11 </strong><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmijw9PfxkJGkJ732cx97z0XYRRnPPn2CQAprQ0qj92rbRzHeSeJ3NI9_WvhYQVsIwhhk%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254226046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=JG2kMIjgfUV1nJnabzBgicDZj6MM12BdgZxvWgB4dMw%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>AHA Special Bulletin</strong></a></p><p><strong>2024 Rural Health Hackathon</strong>. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation announced that it will conduct a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmiqYydtnP5ogZzCsOo2rd72Ff7FWHLf2W-VYv_uWKJ2jrf3OLJVZHkrlWW5fXAZ6HhSM%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254233271%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Zy%2FIAn4aF12IB1zprj8doCh%2BOLGDNJCgYU0b%2BC2zKZ0%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">2024 Rural Health Hackathon</a>, a three-day series of in-person, collaborative sessions designed to generate and construct creative and actionable ideas to address rural health challenges.</p><p><strong>House committee passes HHS appropriations bill for FY 2025.</strong> The House Appropriations Committee <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmiqrOiahOOPH3bhuaB-WWdrNTuyHV39vkvbvq-dVPkR_x_NOLdE76YCjeK1AsKykMPoE%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254240434%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=f9YJoRKqKur8aLATOlZDIGbqlMmwZQXCBEluOQFve74%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">voted</a> 31-25 to approve legislation that would provide $185.8 billion in funding for the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education in fiscal year 2025, an 11% cut below the prior fiscal year.</p><p>According to a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmiwd3K2fNQfT0YSYArrlmUvg90kYFDZ83T5zOx2neJJ575OoHpgw8d30S1ss7Rbmre1g%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254247693%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=oiTaWHJ50nwjA5%2BM%2B3EIWesQ2oW3kgHfpdh%2FfYXPLH4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">committee report</a>, the bill would provide $107 billion for HHS, 7% less than the FY 2024 enacted level. Specific funding levels above/below FY 2024 include:</p><ul><li>$401 million for the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy’s programs, $36 million more than the previous fiscal year, including increases for Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants, Rural Health Outreach Programs and State Offices of Rural Health.</li><li>$7.6 billion for the Health Resources and Services Administration, a cut of $1.5 billion including a cut of $18 million for nursing workforce development.</li><li>$609 million for the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, $5 million more than the previous fiscal year.</li><li>$185 million for the Hospital Preparedness Program, a $120 million cut.</li><li>$7.4 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a cut of $1.8 billion including level funding for public health workforce initiatives.</li><li>$48.6 billion for the National Institutes of Health, level funding from FY 2024.</li></ul><p>The bill would also prohibit any funding from being used to implement or enforce the final rule issued by the Administration relating to minimum staffing levels for long-term care facilities. The full House may consider the bill in August.</p><p><strong>Rural 340B Access Act of 2024 introduced. </strong>Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., introduced <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmi5-0kH-57iSrDdkdmTPi1i4DeyHWhaxhntG9UXwMDChUU_IDPGofq2TX8cZWC1M-cG4%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254255462%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DmX3TnKe8TD1Df3xB%2BLlHwKlA5G3UH8H%2B6wPzvMWcpc%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">S. 4587</a>, legislation to make health care facilities designated as a rural emergency hospital eligible for the 340B Drug Discount Program, which would help to lower operating costs for hospitals that experience financial difficulties that could impact operations.</p><h2><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/education-icon_0.png" alt="Education Icon" height="166" width="166" class="align-left"><span>Events & Education</span></h2><p><strong>Call for applications: 2024 AHA Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award. </strong>AHA is accepting applications for the 2024 Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award, which honors a team that has displayed outstanding leadership and responsiveness to their community’s health needs and demonstrated a collaborative community process that led to measurable outcomes. Applications due by Aug. 31. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmilJgKSYuHbKNl5g9qPH14Y20POvfH5go_O25Kio9sJeLUM8u_S2ItCMWOtUhHSUfFAc%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254263834%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xHIjiS2aqe6IHAsQ4dPv%2FGmO05N0DAsjUV7F1q3BxnI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>AHA podcast: 2024 rural advocacy agenda</strong>. Improving access to rural health care is a top priority for AHA, and its 2024 Rural Advocacy Agenda lays the groundwork to improve the rural health delivery system. In this conversation, three AHA experts drill down on specific steps needed to help rural health care stay financially sound and ready to serve. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmiyhjqHZ9M45eT8lSs5Dl-M2nsRXgFpr9sOcXYdDCe-vUaJOyiBRPBhIV4qKynTVLbM8%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254271265%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zUSx30ANBkMJPwfQxBxcTlHrw0p%2FKsUo3%2FaiKOmNy1E%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>LISTEN NOW</strong></a></p><h2><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/Rural%20Tools%20Marketo.png" width="155" align="left" height="155" class="align-left"><span>Tools & Resources</span></h2><p><strong>RHIhub toolkit: Chronic disease management. </strong>This <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmi-pXbyLraJvYxNGa9TLF1PYvCCUTpSkabWDrT9Z5nj9eupBmRnKcGx6fiTai1P6BdTk%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254278495%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fgyv1JQGmQiOPna%2F1HUz6mAuggCc9UmrMcKFrtAXMUg%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">toolkit</a>, developed in collaboration with the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis. compiles evidence-based and promising models and resources to support chronic disease management programs in rural communities across the U.S.</p><p><strong>Toolkit: Communicating public health to rural communities during a crisis. </strong>The Georgia Department of Community Health offers a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmizUuZoyTsAXkPA9gHBGzVQrLll0O4aXbX5QjsXCeL5eACjYgenT442QahXQ3-grZ8Ic%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254285735%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=M8B9KnqdnKVLZYqvNj7ZHqPho3aube98W9jqtjOwg9k%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">toolkit</a> of comprehensive, accessible and ready-to-use materials to provide local health department staff with information to improve communication efforts. The material emphasizes challenges encountered in rural settings and is targeted for use among county health department nurse managers, supervisors and other public health staff.</p><p><strong>AHA Guide: Tips for working with members of Congress. </strong><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmi9v0O7m_KeG0FykoB3iReAPt_C27_Cmjrvs8DYgu4Y7nUlFRo1cg02yi68mqRbiNV0c%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254293205%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FNvDEXBJOGL%2FVFNqMdFW2dGQP%2F%2BRt6tgyZ%2BXmvFPvTc%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">AHA’s Guide to Working with Members of Congress</a> provides simple instructions to engage with elected officials, who rely on their staff, outside experts and most importantly, constituent input, to effectively represent the issues important to their district or state.</p><p><strong>Resources from AHA’s Patient Safety Initiative. </strong>This initiative provides hospitals with tools and data to advance patient safety; gives hospitals a platform and resources to tell their improvement stories; highlights successful local innovations that can be applicable across the country; and informs public policy discussions about the most effective policy steps to support, spread and sustain safety improvement. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmilKytN0lWAsjd3LEGcV-W5zRy7-mhGA10iKOFWA55avgBa4DfI8kVHuAyCmzlsgFHLE%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254300366%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=glX55BfggbP2G5eXxHRegekr%2FCDmpxLBF9PcNBhRziY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p><h2><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/grants-icon.png" alt="Grants image" height="154" width="154" class="align-left"><span>Grants & Awards</span></h2><p><strong>Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program. </strong>The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services provides funding to improve and increase access to care in the Delta Region for pregnant women and new mothers during and after pregnancy. <em>Applications due by Aug. 2</em>. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOministlOgF8mff2smB6hrQtnOzIHd7qDxns9_gHYMHMYBOagf5LP0cnsXVS3LBkpS1eI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254307500%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rt%2Fq%2BmizBAXQbjPkRPdasTw2cpdj3ALJ1Xesdxe8W7M%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>AONL Foundation Financial Aid Program. </strong>AHA’s American Organization for Nursing Leadership Foundation offers financial aid for fellowship tuition to nurse leaders from small, rural or critical access organizations. <em>Applications due by Aug. 19. </em><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmijZu4PYtHnL_tn5VaxXwF_nmfDbdw-saw3hFt9KhykdPDp2V6qhUNkx3NFz6y6TWcqE%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254314651%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mn1uujmuL0aUyTvxAdJqvzZvFCHv80oixo4JAqD03kg%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Broadband Technical Assistance Program. </strong>This program provides funding to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training that promotes broadband expansion into rural areas. <em>Applications due by Aug. 20. </em><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGUYSOmi2BnVlyjC5qDqZFWfsHauqHZXM2ozktUKoG7kZ005-U0qCRHtysEucciP0EuIIcHCNc%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C92ee2cc51f88407c768208dca696a625%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638568413254321762%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=M2M9T6vkT60lUTLs3%2FHixDlav%2BXey1tx8RjOUZxtYPE%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><h2><span>Rural Health Services</span></h2><p><em>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. AHA Rural Health Services tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</em></p><ul><li>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</li><li>Communication and education.</li><li>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</li><li>Grants, tools and resources.</li></ul><p><em>For additional information, visit our website at </em><a href="/advocacy/rural-health-services" target="_blank"><em>/advocacy/rural-health-services</em></a><em>.</em></p><p> </p></div></div></div> Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:24:37 -0500 Rural Health Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-logo-small-header.png" data-entity-uuid="0a3f954c-34fd-4faa-8f13-d31245d1d41f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Small AHA Logo Header" width="128" height="48" class="align-center"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rural-health-icon_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="248e96f2-a7da-403f-835e-93ccca7b07d7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Image" width="600" height="45" class="align-center"><h2 class="text-align-center"><span><strong>NEWS UPDATE</strong></span></h2><p class="text-align-center">June 13, 2024</p><p class="text-align-center"><span><span><strong>Your guide to the latest rural health news and resources</strong></span></span></p><p><span><em><span><strong>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its Rural Health Services team, whose focus is to ensure that rural hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities</strong></span></em></span></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_9.png" data-entity-uuid="ccd6cbce-9947-4c0f-9732-6c6052160b3d" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Rural Advocacy Alliance Logo" width="415" height="61"><p> </p><p><strong>With AHA’s help, White House enlists Microsoft, Google for rural hospital cyber defense</strong>. Facilitated by the AHA, the Administration secured commitments from Microsoft and Google to offer free and low-cost resources to rural hospitals nationwide to help them boost their cyber defenses. Microsoft will extend its nonprofit program to provide grants and up to a 75% discount on security products for independent critical access hospitals and rural emergency hospitals. Google will provide endpoint security advice to rural hospitals and non-profit organizations at no cost and a pool of funding to support software migration among other services. Read <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRT3KhXx8GirWr-QtoX2XZzxP2-6u8GTEMkXYJN-0Na3vz6xnyJKeQol4RaLYjEsUpag%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472195141%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Wuvy1VVS6C%2FGO2NIzdyNP8F8rbD3%2BS6Vm89eL9d5Hig%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="AHA June 10th Special Bulletin">AHA’s June 10 Special Bulletin</a> for more information.</p><p><strong>AHA offers comments during Senate Finance Committee hearing on rural health challenges.</strong> The AHA shared a series of <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRjKmJ2Nx1PSQuGAKGzCPXuxDLpl4TT_WULAX6oIwrteTXpwiAWhTgXhh2EH4hosycgY%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472207202%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gOMNGtjnU8ndGtw408SEL2fRCdP7vWSac6eJ1CBU0HA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">proposals</a> to strengthen rural health care with the Senate Finance Committee during a May 16 hearing. Recommendations included policies promoting flexible payment options; ensuring fair, timely and adequate reimbursement; bolstering the workforce; and improving maternal health.</p><p><strong>AHA voices support for rural policies during House Ways and Means Committee action</strong>. AHA submitted a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRv2nZhL3BTVItxci3mN3BHegHt8pDRRCQ88iHaxcA1OEaz44FTnWrnUW8I24nmkgEnA%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472219470%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UDi%2BOe%2FKxWn%2BBFBjOSW1xH18TAFf4yv1ahVLzrv0Hko%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">statement</a> May 8 to the House Ways and Means Committee for a markup session on proposed legislation impacting telehealth access for patients and rural access to care. AHA expressed support for extending telehealth flexibilities, the Medicare-dependent hospital designation, low-volume adjustment and the hospital-at-home program. AHA also supported provisions involving cost-based reimbursement for ambulance service for certain critical access hospitals and authorizing grant assistance to financially vulnerable critical access hospitals. The Committee approved six bills that address a wide range of pressing health care issues, particularly those facing rural communities.</p><p><strong>House subcommittee passes legislation on telehealth, hospital-at-home during markup session</strong>. The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health passed the <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRQ24jou5hHbH_0H1tg5jrLbuR-vMGk2XdxcBlUGV1ZLk6XA148S0hSM6C9XZF9otyds%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472232143%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bm%2BSqkYsMmG2OTYT2gJeXTJINvECS4sCNi%2F0Jt3j3e4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Telehealth Modernization Act H.R. 7623">Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623)</a>, which would remove geographic originating site restrictions for two years and continue the hospital-at-home program an additional five years.</p><p><strong>AHA comments on IPPS proposed rule for FY 2025.</strong> The AHA submitted <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRchbsHNFDAH9kMj6hFIBrDB5zYJH5nsAaS3ZDjYIlP8O2V7rtcavv957kFhwLy57Luk%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472244327%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SSKTFmZCa14BzXF96k3K7RBOYNueVKLqpJLY9nvN8aA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">comments</a> June 5 on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ inpatient prospective payment system proposed rule for fiscal year 2025, expressing support for several provisions, including policies supporting low-volume and Medicare-dependent hospitals, and several aspects of CMS’ quality-related proposals. AHA raised concerns about the rule's proposed payment updates.</p><hr><p><span><strong><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/education-icon_0.png" data-entity-uuid="026385e6-f66d-40f8-9430-3630692b46b1" data-entity-type="file" alt="Education Icon" width="128" height="128" hspace="10px" vspace="10px" class="align-left"></strong></span></p><h2><span>Events & Education</span></h2><p><strong>AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference call for proposals. </strong>AHA is seeking speaking proposals from rural hospital executives, clinical leaders and trustees for its annual conference, taking place Feb. 23-26, 2025, in San Antonio. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRT_cSOtc2c7BvGhpmSWmwwZwgMGj4K5ddRstGeJIv_0sp4sCU91NYgEQH5L43XU3hCY%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472256167%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OJnRh%2FyWYXA722G8sG3sq8qnE9qalLtxv2bcjJ1%2BxMg%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p><p><strong>AHA podcast: Converting to Rural Emergency Hospitals.</strong> Since the rural emergency hospital designation became official last year, a growing number of rural care providers have converted to the new category. In this discussion, two rural health care leaders assess how the REH conversion is proceeding and how to build trust and buy-in from patients and communities. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRV48sAWymOl2s8Za4YCyYpnQ0qDxnn7NwOHq3asqrtb7ZoMspQBPSWQUJtsZtVSRGZ0%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472268108%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ons9VnqGH88OL7vbxwxg5%2Br0zPEwHKcOGp2wllOiGMA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">LISTEN NOW</a></p><p><strong>Applications open for AHA's 2024 Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award.</strong> This award honors a team that has displayed outstanding leadership and responsiveness to their community’s health needs and demonstrated a collaborative community process that led to measurable outcomes. Applications due by Aug. 31. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRiJ-YBsR-HnsSvWJXRbVeW-0hk3PX4wl9X5o9iq4dKhoGKzLmL1Q859-d2WQhTfys00%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472280081%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OavqomT2ZppSPDsB%2FHkrAaMNpkuDdCd2JfhCt%2F7iF10%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>Apply Now.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><hr><table class="Table" width="0"><tbody><tr><td><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/Rural%20Tools%20Marketo.png" width="150" height="150" align="left"></td></tr></tbody></table><h2><br><span>Tools & Resources</span></h2><p><strong>New AHA resource offers strategies to mitigate violence and promote a culture of safety</strong>. A new <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRkdpeH6MGq52fDfQpaSR5m8GiNiZmxgB4jg7wHxXEKli-eRDvfbFuUs5dVHFGt-cvyw%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472292115%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BXH0n1BmkMwKbVleMSs9bLUsCv%2Ft4SOtPVlp1iRqpHg%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">issue brief</a> from AHA’s Hospitals Against Violence initiative offers proven strategies and action steps to help hospitals and health systems’ violence mitigation efforts fit into the organization’s culture of safety strategy and lead to better patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>AHA guide offers innovative strategies to attract, retain workers.</strong> The<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRQL_b5jU_N1AQys5pIFQ5rqJDylS-XJb_1ayIrg1yXGm1MwujW8DzsBbsskrwsvbF5w%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472304305%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Zvwn4gBadwOMWQLthORLtJTx2eAxWG8xKpH2aMNBKtI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"> 2024 AHA Health Care Workforce Scan</a> provides an annual snapshot of employment at America’s hospitals and health systems and offers innovative strategies to help organizations protect and optimize the well-being of current and future health care workers. The accompanying executive summary and slideshow presentation can help facilitate internal strategy sessions.</p><p><strong>The Health Care Risk Management Core Program.</strong> This six-part, on-demand virtual <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRid11YwkW3eY4OBs82D5ggNltwrwoga7jKmIHmYHE0Jb-R19t8EjrWxqy7-qbMCD-64%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472316419%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FWlS0j4tuAqw%2BdVV0MElOC6xcCyhSG6A5Z11BiZQyD8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">program</a> — designed by the American Society for Health Care Risk Management — provides an introduction to risk management for professionals who are new in their roles or are interested in the subject matter.</p><hr> <span><img alt="Tools icon" data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0a2079a-76ff-4149-b94f-455e24efe3ba" height="128" hspace="10px" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/tools-icon.png" vspace="10px" width="128" />Tools</span> </h2> <p> <span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>Mitigating Workplace Violence in Rural Hospitals.</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> To address the rise of workplace violence in the hospital setting, <strong><span><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGLRIk8SarILfBImpWsTkvLlNIDcmtJpctFttYnRhPp39-N_sNOg4yqd6x7p2YZQPmbS1LO9lo=" id="" target="_blank"><span><span><span>AHA's Professional Membership Groups</span></span></span></a></span></strong> released new resources: the <strong><span><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGLRIk8SfwCyiELAoELkWonwPEy4l4UYSYhVJnH_Lx07ZKd6bMTwXDfygVTixitS-FLqyjTyqw=" id="" target="_blank"><span><span><span>Workplace Violence Toolkit</span></span></span></a></span></strong> for risk managers and <strong><span><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGLRIk8SSJyuBeFs2r5fcwB8Yd98M4jxyANJy2DWC_0QoKnXbsDDtCDNC_5D8xR91LmMH7nNOI=" id="" target="_blank"><span><span><span>Understanding Workplace Violence</span></span></span></a></span></strong> for facilities managers.</span></span></span></span></span></span> </p> <p> <strong><span><span><span>The Critical Access Hospital Measurement and Performance Assessment System.</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> This<strong><span> <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGLRIk8SHlf4Zf5JK7JoHUzozFUWm7WvrO8D5wQWIKF66lHyCZCfVNXNb1GrjcUuI5rWMHGJwo=" id="" target="_blank"><span><span><span>tool</span></span></span></a> </span></strong>allows users to compare CAH performance for various measures across a variety of factors to support decision making about CAH initiatives and programs</span></span></span> </p> !---><h2><span><strong><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/grants-icon.png" data-entity-uuid="2e28c60a-9e96-4aea-93ab-3c7b87786438" data-entity-type="file" alt="Grants image" width="121" height="121" hspace="10px" vspace="10px" class="align-left"></strong>Grants & Awards</span></h2><p><strong>Rural Northern Border Region Outreach Program</strong>. This program promotes the delivery of health care services to rural underserved populations in the rural Northern Border Regional Commission Region of Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. Applications due by June 25. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRkASfcGZw3lSabj6uUpuWInSHsTi5x9uN-eooi8MPW3opJEtcsC3hnM56Lv026JXp-I%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472328623%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=36%2Bgf%2FJRAhZHqOG4yKK7bqNZwl9CF1m1IsGQh938pGo%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project.</strong> This project provides direct support to five small rural hospitals and certified rural health clinics annually to help strengthen understanding of value-based care and teach strategies to be effective participants in a health care system focused on value. Supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Applications due by Aug. 15. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsT3cRpCWjf-g1P5DEMrG8No9zhBmXGTMXgJ5DGJfoQLq_GtthDD2NaCHO0h5QFDnBuoV8tE%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C7f2ca9a48192400b051608dc8bbfa6aa%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638538902472340892%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RQzwkXhmmIALC6lS8zzaRlA3nb0vwYYoDoXUuySc2Sw%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Department of Housing and Urban Development Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program</strong>. The Office of Hospital Facilities administers the Federal Housing Administration’s Section 242 Mortgage Insurance for Hospitals program within the Office of Healthcare Programs. Section 242 of the National Housing Act provides mortgage insurance for acute care hospital facilities ranging from large teaching institutions to small rural critical access hospitals. <a href target="_blank">APPLY NOW</a><strong> </strong></p><hr><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_10.png" data-entity-uuid="937c7ed0-7f72-472e-9a83-41b6000e2b12" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Services Logo" width="586" height="108"><p><em>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. AHA Rural Health Services tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</em></p><ul type="disc"><li><em>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</em></li><li><em>Communication and education</em></li><li><em>Executive leadership and technical assistance</em></li><li><em>Grants, tools and resources</em></li></ul><p><em>For additional information, visit our </em><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGRcbLIE1cGj_mbPoc-9-3wakuQ17ggzPqOmZcfHTw2PcyCoNbcAFfJCOYgyUamw6dnXbpxT8I%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7Cf6099cbc2be348696b3e08dc33ed7e20%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638442342340162634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LfCwfZs52oxmp0WeRRtQiQPWnxLNVkNuHzjocwXJJf4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><em><strong>website</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p><p> </p></div></div></div> Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:06:00 -0500 Rural Health Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-logo-small-header.png" data-entity-uuid="0a3f954c-34fd-4faa-8f13-d31245d1d41f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Small AHA Logo Header" width="128" height="48" class="align-center"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rural-health-icon_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="248e96f2-a7da-403f-835e-93ccca7b07d7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Image" width="600" height="45" class="align-center"><h2 class="text-align-center"><span><strong>NEWS UPDATE</strong></span></h2><p class="text-align-center">April 18, 2024</p><p class="text-align-center"><span><span><strong>Your guide to the latest rural health news and resources</strong></span></span></p><p><span><em><span><strong>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its </strong></span></em></span><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGMpui6fGktZ7TjJOQ2pZi22aKGuJcjYx9EL4a70j2B52lN0xvR5OKffjICGru3VpiGKlZj5WY="><span><span><strong>Rural Health Services team</strong></span></span></a><span><em><span><strong>, whose focus is to ensure that rural hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</strong></span></em></span></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_9.png" data-entity-uuid="ccd6cbce-9947-4c0f-9732-6c6052160b3d" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Rural Advocacy Alliance Logo" width="415" height="61"><p><strong>House committee holds hearing on ensuring resilient emergency care; AHA shares comments.</strong> AHA March 18 shared with the House Ways and Means Committee its proposals to strengthen access to timely emergency medical care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. These include policies that bolster the workforce, promote flexible payment options, and ensure fair and adequate reimbursement. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU75X-qjtolG46WeJPISx1dk4TRrIBmrsV7GXUb0oYndIWT0b5ehsdefVrAu934QMy88%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459363217%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CaSvFL1DYdiY8uzzeovd%2F0xNaTILFppEDJKKqh0gCuM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>Read AHA’s statement</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>CMS releases hospital inpatient prospective proposed rule for FY 2025</strong>. A proposed rule would increase inpatient prospective payment system rates by a net 2.6% in fiscal year 2025, continue the low-wage index hospital policy for FY 2025, distribute new graduate medical education slots and make permanent the conditions of participation requiring hospitals and critical access hospitals to report data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on acute respiratory illnesses. <strong>Read AHA’s April 11 </strong><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyUwUzMAbEc3qEupGUUMdLg84IJSA8LnHdDyt8SO9axsK6JWVxY-1iOr5EanLd1pZdE2M%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459370242%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hAVOHX9KHnxLwk51HBCGq%2B%2FVULthBkyOW7Hj%2B0gdJVE%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>Special Bulletin</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Report examines impact of COVID-19 on rural hospitals. </strong>Almost half of rural hospitals had negative total margins in 2022 and negative patient care margins both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU6dfgjtW6DYS2LEPQvwro0nW3ggShLGxS8BwAbW1WcUaIQxMARQxF4MRUF8DfK9qVac%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459376964%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=n6Su5dOGN4bS51wCWttUnMUzxMRIKdb4tBWLH883i8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">report</a> prepared for the AHA by faculty at the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions.</p><p><strong>AHA responds to Senate RFI on the SUSTAIN 340B Act draft.</strong> AHA March 26 submitted <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU1fiXKBNyRb58WcW5J2JAE26pId94uIfF66pI8n0v7PH21CZge_1SVOeaDfK9vPLKqI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459383667%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KjJP8JSNx%2F3u4zBTZbKbwIoWXt451pHKHmIt7c7A8vc%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">comments</a> on a discussion draft of the SUSTAIN 340B Act, legislation proposed in the Senate to clarify Congress’ intent in creating the 340B program and protect 340B providers from egregious behavior by drug companies, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers.</p><hr><p><span><strong><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/education-icon_0.png" data-entity-uuid="026385e6-f66d-40f8-9430-3630692b46b1" data-entity-type="file" alt="Education Icon" width="128" height="128" hspace="10px" vspace="10px" class="align-left"></strong></span></p><h2><span>Events & Education</span></h2><p><strong>Video Replay: AHA 2024 Rural Advocacy Agenda and Washington Update.</strong> Travis Robey, AHA’s vice president of political affairs, and Shannon Wu, AHA’s director of payment policy, reviewed details of the organization’s 2024 rural agenda, provided updates on hot topics and breaking issues, and answered your questions. <strong>Watch the </strong><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyUzcbHRKK4CrB_aW2GgqJxMzrLvjhd9fi5DzjjPYou9Y7wXaqIXq0jGvV18v8-AadniQ%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459390476%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bLcl%2Bycu%2B%2F%2Fvxl2P%2BQG%2FlgRlpytfB%2FhQFd0CwVNJtRI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>video replay</strong></a><strong> (use</strong> <strong>passcode 4$vwQ$Mi).</strong></p><p><strong>National Hospital Week is May 12-18.</strong> Celebrate our nation’s hospitals, health systems and health care workers, and the innovative ways they support and connect to their communities. In support of your efforts, AHA has released <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU8d4Qgdq1VDl5obN3sa1SNEIbEwV9SWXcwzcPW7Nt9xdfZZJLgXOnffqj4P4yyIvJlw%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459397133%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jmXzz6lh%2BYB98hDu6SQwBxqqfFIZRRW2zk5GyrCTetw%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">digital tools</a>, including a video, ad, toolkit, graphics and GIPHY library.</p><p><strong>Podcast: Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling with Roxie Wells, M.D. Former AHA board member Roxie Wells, M.D.</strong>, senior vice president and chief physician executive and strategy officer at Novant Health Coastal Region, discusses her long journey to the health care C-suite and the importance of mentoring young women leaders through the glass ceiling and beyond. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyUkA14F-g2w3SQb0f30zjnmjvfufQwwy--58bSOvEjzUtZHVG2zsup9YR9FWvmovzyoE%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459403746%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DRLyEP3Onq2qo%2BeBJDLum97ZZYswMeG9Q4oGBuB0rSY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>LISTEN NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Video replay: Leaders discuss status of rural health care access in Coalition-sponsored event. </strong>Health care leaders and other officials discussed challenges to rural health care access and potential solutions during an<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyUyVYZkKnZLpKiRlHCrKBSZLmJmSMuK5nS_cFsz-HLgRsQX4hE72Zj1yLpyuuvHUE1SA%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459410345%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8Y0IUqt38cFGRgQZwCRt2%2FTygevMNPaogfb53u7Yqok%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"> April 9 event</a> in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU8HyZN-nZCiXNci8zYiXZeDbFrK7E_eJQD0yBSn4o6QILuRfc2Ff2fBdmDlI1R9Gihw%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459416999%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xu9zBraCSIo3AC5OrljllfdGiPpsKylSwbM0xcc28Qc%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Coalition to Strengthen America's Health Care: Protecting 24/7 Care</a> and hosted by Punchbowl News. Speakers discussed a range of topics including access, the importance of telehealth, health care innovations and Medicare underpayment, among others. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU1zdnVw9dwsTqMn5g1IMkrmJDUs3aKDAGCDDNWb8AORTtlI9wfwBAmrGZbMyhxeYYXM%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459423668%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fVzpF%2F7GAwQHt4tXK54ud1pYoyDC%2BCRH%2BbteEoIbBOI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Podcast: A National Staffing Emergency in Rural Health Care.</strong> In this conversation, leaders from Lincoln Health in Colorado, Amery Hospital in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Straits Health System in Michigan discuss the new ways they are retaining their current workforce and how they are forging new paths to attract future generations of health care workers. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU7Hs9RhrxAtup01y6Yc-RQsgsYP7V2RpAOUiiFYGqPCIro8y60Q1P_S6LPfA99I_wKQ%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459430443%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Yem7dgVSbK%2FzSz44wT1rxFLgAc1rPunSPPxhVxu4x1o%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>LISTEN NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Podcast: Creating Brighter Futures for New Moms and Babies.</strong> The first 1,000 days from pregnancy to age two offer a crucial window of opportunity in rural communities where resources for new parents may be limited. Two experts from Intermountain Health discuss their "First 1,000 Days of Life" initiative, which provides wraparound services for at-risk new moms. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU1SGzAZJwsACQ8lr8erWbWfRLkvQ2-CEIcUPRlSPirkRI_bc2BEIX2I4dG_5Z-pwhks%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459437195%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qNaLsX3JNHM5abpH%2B5GTHHA8BMS2Qat0D9jfYl%2Bv0V8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>LISTEN NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Podcast: Improving Maternity Care for Indigenous Populations.</strong> People of American Indian and Alaska Native descent are twice as likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths as white women. Experts from the Indian Health Service Office of Clinical and Preventive Services and Sanford Bemidji Medical Center address disparities and barriers faced by pregnant and postpartum Indigenous people, and how health care providers can provide culturally focused care.<strong> </strong><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyUzchcmjOkMTO3jfYztdg-r_vhN4ytxnhXQpPNvvlY6b6jltZ5oAWJ3JLPZOq3foS_n8%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459443844%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LdVu76qCzA8I8a2PUT09br9qPxAq%2FzL89mNkrxL7A%2FY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>LISTEN NOW</strong></a></p><p><strong>Podcast: San Luis Valley Hospital Delivers When Families Need Obstetric Care.</strong> San Luis Valley Hospital's director of emergency services and obstetrics and a certified nurse midwife discuss their approach to cross-training units with minimal resources, and partnering with community stakeholders to keep the lights on for new and future families. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU4XQgbLQrwN1xiWtcFwNOLj3e97AkXpjo1KVGymr0WXBghhkYYNYnTy1tMsRVPRG8Pc%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459450486%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YWm7JnE3%2BiTkuey26eRcU2S%2FCBh%2FTrFDdeE%2F32PW8aY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>LISTEN NOW</strong></a></p><hr><table class="Table" width="0"><tbody><tr><td><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/Rural%20Tools%20Marketo.png" width="150" height="150" align="left"></td></tr></tbody></table><h2><br><span>Tools & Resources</span></h2><p><strong>Health care worker well-being resources</strong>. The AHA has a robust <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU_ZYuiq-pPZEoxOfaqU0kQVanRaoh-8orfLqC8S72bGvX0CchvdZnZF0xqX-q3OCWiI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459457251%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xEsk0CmgAIy%2FFPI4OFzAOTDLjdhq374O1DHCjhJdYCM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">series of resources</a> to help hospital leaders strengthen existing efforts and create new actions that support health care worker well-being.</p><p><strong>Hospital price transparency: Tools to help hospitals comply by July 1.</strong> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU5FCecEY8R2nwZG7XI2nz2GX6WHIrVvz0xF2OXy1jqaZNYgfHlxGSxKdu7TCpuI_cg8%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459463936%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dKdpiRw8k0pSUm8BPvubA3dDwkqacI4dwP%2BLB%2FSahEA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Version 2.0 Online Validator tool</a> to help hospitals comply with<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyUrbMH1qbDJMk6467YuLxKOyLcZ2PW0P6dfIcMTCtJqvpIUajkS50IbRHlZRKy-plKm0%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459470793%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vzBeb%2BKwhe8VkWAMxpC0et6ck4FSYbVZpAkIsmaLpUU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"> hospital price transparency requirements</a>. This tool tests hospital machine-readable files against the required template layout and data specifications that hospitals must comply with beginning July 1.</p><p><strong>Resource guide for hospitals, providers impacted by cyberattack.</strong> CMS, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response March 25 released a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU4pabH6VvsAGkZPNGURX_EJ8bSamokiSj3vb6uaxtdx-BybNwYADTw-rfMbYL42jjZ0%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459480878%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5AC7vMiUhCnFX9JVLXt22EUITObPHQycL3Msx2yRddY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">national resource guide</a> of health plan contact information in an effort to support hospitals and providers impacted by the Change Healthcare cyberattack. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU5orxwBzQVjJ_KXe88SowbHUxka73p_EZh5LqrViNTzVbUNZoa3ogdA3BGOIEY9i5xg%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459493233%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=meSxZ%2FWFv1zXfD12sdURW4OdPoAVBGvBeZOxQn73eYI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>Read the latest updates on AHA’s Change Healthcare cyberattack update webpage</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Asset for new AHA board leadership.</strong> The AHA announced a new board leadership <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyUy6Ov_FmMyAMpOf7l_JoKouWiywXmDyHYJ3l3W7dnJ8FOKzQfLSn2q-rgwMoSCRizOY%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459504295%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hIdaeC1AvaUvHTSgg%2FH%2FS6VwZXWuksiwPZDa6H4WLBY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">resource</a> that contains links to articles and other information about leadership development, committees and board chair relationship with the CEO.</p><hr> <span><img alt="Tools icon" data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0a2079a-76ff-4149-b94f-455e24efe3ba" height="128" hspace="10px" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/tools-icon.png" vspace="10px" width="128" />Tools</span> </h2> <p> <span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>Mitigating Workplace Violence in Rural Hospitals.</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> To address the rise of workplace violence in the hospital setting, <strong><span><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGLRIk8SarILfBImpWsTkvLlNIDcmtJpctFttYnRhPp39-N_sNOg4yqd6x7p2YZQPmbS1LO9lo=" id="" target="_blank"><span><span><span>AHA's Professional Membership Groups</span></span></span></a></span></strong> released new resources: the <strong><span><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGLRIk8SfwCyiELAoELkWonwPEy4l4UYSYhVJnH_Lx07ZKd6bMTwXDfygVTixitS-FLqyjTyqw=" id="" target="_blank"><span><span><span>Workplace Violence Toolkit</span></span></span></a></span></strong> for risk managers and <strong><span><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGLRIk8SSJyuBeFs2r5fcwB8Yd98M4jxyANJy2DWC_0QoKnXbsDDtCDNC_5D8xR91LmMH7nNOI=" id="" target="_blank"><span><span><span>Understanding Workplace Violence</span></span></span></a></span></strong> for facilities managers.</span></span></span></span></span></span> </p> <p> <strong><span><span><span>The Critical Access Hospital Measurement and Performance Assessment System.</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> This<strong><span> <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGLRIk8SHlf4Zf5JK7JoHUzozFUWm7WvrO8D5wQWIKF66lHyCZCfVNXNb1GrjcUuI5rWMHGJwo=" id="" target="_blank"><span><span><span>tool</span></span></span></a> </span></strong>allows users to compare CAH performance for various measures across a variety of factors to support decision making about CAH initiatives and programs</span></span></span> </p> !---><h2><span><strong><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/grants-icon.png" data-entity-uuid="2e28c60a-9e96-4aea-93ab-3c7b87786438" data-entity-type="file" alt="Grants image" width="121" height="121" hspace="10px" vspace="10px" class="align-left"></strong>Grants & Awards</span></h2><p><strong>HRSA National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs. </strong><br>Primary care providers who commit to practicing two years in a health professional shortage area can initially receive up to $75,000 in loan repayment under the Health Resources and Services Administration’s National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, $25,000 more than previously and the first significant increase in 30 years. <em>Applications due by May 9.</em> <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyU4tqOdZWnYy5sz7mr8hZtW0MUeQfiGq08TVfzyNz13iErpKj6nJ3nbLIAPvLuYWtu3k%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459514909%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2Fj9t%2FLZzpq9KHF%2B64MYjVfTn22YofMtAsBqYp0Z1IE0%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">APPLY NOW </a></p><p><strong>Apply for the 2025 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize. </strong>This annual prize honors health care organizations that forge effective collaborations with community organizations to improve access to care and address societal factors influencing health. The award will honor one winner and up to three finalists, who will be recognized at the 2025 AHA Leadership Summit in Nashville, Tenn. <em>Applications due by May 22.</em> <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGSkcSyUwb4Ff_-pTpoBm15H4ySfppYH98dw_slY8ukq6Dmr435KhFTLNnT_50WHUITsLhdxrg%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7C2c12a10ca87e460c7ce808dc5fe23996%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638490672459758466%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=uv9LmFwQx8kSrT9HR95SwToqi0h7XG%2F0BOcCmtVgwV4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><hr><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_10.png" data-entity-uuid="937c7ed0-7f72-472e-9a83-41b6000e2b12" data-entity-type="file" alt="Rural Health Services Logo" width="586" height="108"><p><em>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. AHA Rural Health Services tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</em></p><ul type="disc"><li><em>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</em></li><li><em>Communication and education</em></li><li><em>Executive leadership and technical assistance</em></li><li><em>Grants, tools and resources</em></li></ul><p><em>For additional information, visit our </em><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGRcbLIE1cGj_mbPoc-9-3wakuQ17ggzPqOmZcfHTw2PcyCoNbcAFfJCOYgyUamw6dnXbpxT8I%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cjsupplitt%40aha.org%7Cf6099cbc2be348696b3e08dc33ed7e20%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638442342340162634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LfCwfZs52oxmp0WeRRtQiQPWnxLNVkNuHzjocwXJJf4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><em><strong>website</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p><p> </p></div></div></div> Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:12:32 -0500 Rural Health Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Some 61 million rural Americans depend on their hospital as an important source of care as well as a critical component of their area's economic and social fabric. Below is the most current policy and advocacy priorities along with the latest stories highlighting the good work of rural health leaders. It includes, innovations in care delivery to new payment models, hospitals and health systems in rural areas are applying </p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/06/aha-rural-hospital-and-health-services-resources-references-6-10-24.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-aha-rural-hospital-and-health-services-resources-references-6-10-24.pdf_.png" data-entity-uuid="bbd7c4c0-4e28-4b71-8018-59aa42d5242d" data-entity-type="file" alt="Cover June 10th Edition" width="1700" height="2200"></a></div></div></div> Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:05:43 -0500 Rural Health Update