Federal Update

Below is a selection of recent health policy and regulatory news and information relevant to health centers and PCAs. For regular updates, subscribe to Capital Link’s blog, or access NACHC’s blog and the HRSA’s health center webpage.

HRSA Funding Opportunity for Integrated Rural Health Care Networks

HRSA announced a new funding opportunity for a Rural Health Network Development Program. HRSA expects to invest approximately $13 million to support up to 46 integrated rural health care networks that address community needs. The networks should combine the functions of participating entities and include skilled, experienced staff with a high-functioning network board. Apply by Monday, November 25.

Community Health Center Funding Update

Despite efforts to find agreement, Democrats and Republicans in Congress remain far apart on passing the 12 annual spending bills before the current deadline of November 21. Recent reports indicate that Congress is planning to extend the deadline to December 20. While negotiations are ongoing, leaders in Washington are already discussing the possibility of another short-term spending package to fund the government through early next year. This would keep Congress from risking a government shutdown similar to the one that occurred from December 2018 – January 2019. Funding for the Community Health Center Fund, the National Health Service Corps and Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program remains uncertain, but it is possible that Congress will provide a similar short-term extension of mandatory funding for those programs. Click here to read the latest about Congress’ discussions surrounding the next short-term federal funding extension.