Current Report Articles
Federal and National News

News (June 28, 2024) – CDC Issues Health Advisory for Increased Risk of Dengue Virus Infections
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory to notify health care providers of an increased risk of dengue virus infections in the United States. Globally, dengue cases are on the rise. Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency and a higher-than-expected number of dengue cases have been identified among U.S. travelers. This health advisory outlines steps clinicians should take for case confirmation and provides clinical care resources.

HRSA IEA Region 7 Hosts Complimentary Events in Northwest and West Central Missouri
The Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs Region 7 is hosting the following complimentary in-person events in St. Joseph and Warrensburg. Member hospitals interested in participating can learn more below and register at the respective links.

Grants 101 Workshop – Attendees will learn about the federal grant application process, where to find funding opportunities, strategies for putting together a successful application and resources to support grant writing efforts.

Maternal Health Partnership Meeting – Attendees will learn about HRSA maternal health programs and resources and discuss maternal health issues, including challenges in serving mothers and families, strategies and models to support maternal health, current technical assistance needs and opportunities for collaboration.

Health Workforce Partnership Meeting – Attendees will learn about HRSA health workforce programs and resources and discuss health workforce issues, including challenges, strategies and models to support the health workforce, current technical assistance needs and opportunities for collaboration.

CBO Publishes Projections Related to Health Insurance for 2024-2034
The Congressional Budget Office released updated projections of federal subsidies for health coverage for 2024 to 2034. Net federal subsidies in 2024 for insured people are projected to be $2 trillion, and in 2034, subsidies are expected to reach $3.5 trillion. Over the 2025-2034 period, subsidies are projected to total $27.5 trillion. Of that total, Medicare would account for 46 percent; Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program, 25 percent; employment-based coverage, 21 percent; and subsidies obtained through the marketplaces, 5 percent.

CMS Issues Nursing Facility Minimum Staffing Technical Corrections
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued technical corrections to the recently finalized nursing facility minimum staffing rule.

CMS Releases IRF Patient Assessment Instrument Quarterly Q&A
The Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument is used to collect patient assessment data for quality measure calculation and payment determinations under the IRF Quality Reporting Program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the IRF-PAI quarterly questions and answers to clarify existing guidance.

MLN Connects Provider eNews Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the following updates to MLN Connects Provider eNews:

Before You Go ...

  • Three Rural Centers for Excellence on Substance Use Disorders collaborated to launch the Rural SUD Info Center website. The website is a collection of best practices, tools and research for rural communities as they work to build and strengthen a comprehensive approach to SUD. The resources support rural providers, partners, recovery specialists and community members.
  • Last week, the National Special Pathogen System launched a new brand identity and website. The NSPS is designed to prepare the health care system, protect the health care workforce and respond to special pathogen events by coordinating special pathogen care across the U.S.
  • At noon on Friday, June 28, the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center, will host a complimentary webinar on managing Mpox in frontline health care facilities. This presentation is tailored for frontline workers, laboratorians, physicians, nurses and infection preventionists, and will discuss the current landscape of Mpox, vaccine and treatment options, lab considerations and waste management. Registration is required.