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HRSA Announces HPSA
Clarifications
Comment Period
Extended to May 29, 2008.
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We were recently asked for additional information regarding the proposed rule
for the designation of medically underserved populations and areas and health
professional shortage areas (HPSA), published in the Federal Register
on February 29, 2008. We were also asked to extend the comment period.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is committed
to working with its constituents to develop and implement this rule. The recently
published proposed rule reflects the thoughts, ideas, and suggestions of many
state partners including State Primary Care Offices, State Offices of Rural
Health, and State Primary Care Associations. In addition, HRSA made presentations
as the methodology was being developed at a variety of venues and national meetings.
Where are the data sources HRSA used to develop the proposed
HPSA rule?
- Data sources are identified in the tables in the proposed rule.
- Additional tools have been made available for state partners to assist in
the testing of the methodology, including population data for the required
age/gender groupings, and the preprogrammed spreadsheets that complete the
calculations.
Did HRSA analyze the impact of the proposed regulation
on the health center grantees?
HRSA recently updated its analysis of the proposed regulation
on health center grantees by applying the National Data Calculations for Geographic
Areas combined with Estimates of Low Income Populations, and also the Safety
Net Facility Option using 2006
UDS data . From this analysis, it appears that as few as 16 health center
grantees may lose their designation under these two combined approaches.
- In response, HRSA has initiated contact with the 16 specific grantees to
determine if there are additional state and local data that could be used
to achieve designation under the proposed rule.
- However, if an entity does not meet the designation criteria, the proposed
regulation offers the possibility of permissible MUP designation at the request
of the Governor.
Did HRSA analyze the impact of the proposed regulation
on other safety net providers?
- HRSA does not have a national data set to evaluate safety net providers
that are not health center grantees using the Safety Net Facility Option.
We would, however, encourage these safety net providers to compare their individual
site specific patient data to the Safety Net Facility Option defined in the
proposed rule.
- In addition, safety net providers may work with their State Primary Care
Office, State Office of Rural Health, and State Primary Care Association for
additional assistance.
Will HRSA extend the comment period beyond the regular
60-day period?
- We believe that since many states assisted in the early development and
testing of the proposed methodology, 60 days is adequate time for review.
- Given that there may be only 16 affected health center grantees, we do not
believe an extension is warranted.
We remain committed to working with affected entities to assist
in understanding the proposed rule and encourage them to contact their State
Primary Care Office, State Office of Rural Health, and State Primary Care Association
for additional assistance.
Please continue to provide comments pertaining to the methodology,
implementation, and potential impact of this proposed rule on or before the
close of the 60-day comment period (April 29, 2008). Information on submitting
comments is included in the Federal Register notice.
We look forward to working with our national, state, and local
partners in the development of the proposed rule.
sent as Listserv message, March 31, 2008
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