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Rural Health
News by Topic: Technology for health and human services

Apr 24, 2024 - Announces federal partnerships with rural and local organizations as well as funding for broadband deployment in 11 states for rural and tribal communities. The program will cover feasibility studies, network designs, hiring, technical assistance, and more. Funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Apr 24, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission will hold an open meeting on April 25, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Agenda items include a discussion of a proposed rule that would require the implementation of one or more georouting solutions for wireless calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to ensure that calls are routed based on the geographic location of the origin of the call, among other things. The meeting can be viewed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 23, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) modifying the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (Privacy Rule). This rule limits the circumstances in which provisions of the Privacy Rule permit the use or disclosure of an individual's protected health information (PHI) about reproductive healthcare for certain non-healthcare purposes that could be detrimental to privacy of the individual or another person or the individual's trust in their healthcare providers. This rule is effective 60 days after the publication of this notice, which is scheduled for April 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 20, 2024 - Discusses the impact of cyberattacks on hospital services. Notes the outsized impact an attack could have on rural hospitals.
Source: The Center Square
Apr 10, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopting a Report and Order amending existing rules and requirements governing the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program. Changes will streamline processes, align timelines, and refine certain rules to more precisely address specific situations experienced by carriers. This rule is effective May 10, 2024, except for amendments to sections 36.4 (amendatory instruction 2), 54.205 (amendatory instruction 7), 54.313 (amendatory instruction 10), 54.314 (amendatory instruction 11), 54.316 (amendatory instruction 13), 54.903 (amendatory instruction 18), and 54.1306 (amendatory instruction 22), which are delayed indefinitely.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking comments on the practical and policy issues related to the implementation of regulations regarding covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities, as required by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Includes rural references throughout and encourages comments regarding the impact of proposed requirements on small entities. Comments are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Highlights Montana's Digital Opportunity Plan that aims to close digital gaps for rural residents, older adults, veterans, tribal members, and more. Discusses funding needs and collaboration with healthcare providers and community organizations.
Source: KTVH
Apr 4, 2024 - Discusses mortality disparities for rural and urban communities across Northeast Ohio and potential reasons including healthcare access, workforce shortages, limited transportation options, and inadequate broadband.
Source: Ideastream Public Media
Apr 2, 2024 - Offers an update to Congress on the Affordable Connectivity Program funding needs. Notes that ending the program will have greater impact on specific groups of people including rural and tribal residents. April is the last month of full funding for the program.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Apr 2, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Connecticut Department of Social Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by May 2, 2024.
Source: Federal Register