What's New
Now Available: Updated Look-Alike Initial Designation Instructions
For organizations planning to become a health center, we have updated the Look-Alike Initial Designation (LAL ID) Instructions to better align with the Compliance Manual and other Health Center Program applications (e.g., New Access Point, Service Area Competition). LAL ID applications already underway may be submitted using the old instructions. Visit the LAL ID technical assistance webpage for more information on LALs, including information on when and how to apply.
2020 Site Visit Protocol Update
HRSA remains committed to regular updates of the Site Visit Protocol (SVP) to ensure that this document remains useful and responsive to stakeholder feedback. For 2020, the update focuses on editorial and formatting improvements to the Operational Site Visit report, such as more consistent use of acronyms.
We included a minor change within the Clinical Staffing section related to National Practitioner Data Bank queries, given the broad nature of queryable health care practitioner types. Visit the National Practitioner Data Bank Health Center page for more information and resources.
There were no other substantive changes to SVP questions or methodologies in the 2020 update.
Health Center Service Site Address Updates
HRSA is updating health center service-delivery site addresses to align with U.S. Postal Service standards.
- Minor updates, which do not require health center effort, will occur in April to approximately 4,500 site addresses.
- Another update, planned for this summer, will involve approximately 400 health center service delivery site changes. These will require validation by health centers and review by HRSA. We will share more information as that update approaches.
Quarterly 340B Program Registration
Quarterly 340B Program site registration is open from April 1 to 15. Health centers will still be able to register a site that has been verified as implemented and with a site status reflected as “active” in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks Form 5B through Friday, May 22. After that date, the system will close to prepare for the July 1 start. Email the 340B call center or call 888-340-2787 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET) to register a new site or ask questions.
You will need to provide the following information when calling:
- Health center name.
- Site/clinic name.
- Site IDs for all sites.
- HRSA/BPHC grant number.
- Contact name and email address.
- Authorizing official name and email address.
The authorizing official will receive an email message that the account is unlocked and a registration may be submitted.
FINAL WEEK: Are You the Next Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champion?
Now is your chance to get recognized for your organization’s successful efforts in the battle against hypertension! The 2020 CDC Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champions Challenge will recognize health centers that have achieved 80% blood pressure control (blood pressure reading <140 mmHg/<90 mmHg) among their patients with hypertension aged 18-85 years.
If your health center reached the 80% mark in 2019, we encourage you to apply by Monday, April 6. Read the Hypertension Control Challenge Rules and Eligibility. Questions? Contact Cheryl Thompson.
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POSTPONED: Ending the HIV Epidemic - Primary Care HIV Prevention Progress Reporting TA Webinar
We have postponed the progress reporting TA webinar mentioned in previous Digests. We will publicize the new date when it’s scheduled.
A Population Health Strategy to Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Join HRSA for an interactive presentation and discussion with Sam Cykert, M.D. (pictured), of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chief of the Program on Health and Clinical Informatics and Director of the AHRQ-funded Heart Health NOW initiative of North Carolina. Dr. Cykert will share how to reduce cardiovascular disease risk morbidity and mortality by:
- Stratifying patients by risk.
- Setting up rapid engagement and re-engagement systems to address treatment and lifestyle.
- Adopting a system of dissemination and implementation, where small practices can thrive in our value-based environment.
- Advancing the promise of primary care and quantitatively proving its value.
Thursday, April 16
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Register here
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Substance Use Disorder & Mental Health
SAMSHSA Coronavirus Information
SAMHSA has created a coronavirus webpage with guidance and resources for substance use disorder and mental health providers as well as communities across the country.
HIV
POSTPONED: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s PrEP Recommendations and PrEP Implementation Guidelines and Resources
We postponed this webinar mentioned in previous Digests. We will publicize the new date when it’s scheduled.
Diabetes
Diabetes in Special & Vulnerable Populations: A National Learning Series
Fourteen HRSA-funded NCAs have partnered to create a four-part national learning webinar series for health centers, Primary Care Associations, and Health Center Controlled Networks. The goal is to increase foundational knowledge of effective strategies to prevent, treat, and manage diabetes among special and vulnerable Health Center Program populations. This year’s National Learning Series topics include team-based care, patient health literacy, and community engagement to address diabetes.
Next Tuesday is the third session in the series:
Diabetes Continuum of Care: Effective Service Delivery Approaches to Improve Health Literacy
Tuesday, April 7
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Learn more about the series and register for individual webinars.
Workforce
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
HRSA’s Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is accepting applications through Thursday, April 30. Students accepted or enrolled in a diploma, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree nursing program may be eligible to apply. The program provides scholarships to nursing students, paying for tuition, fees, and other reasonable costs, as well as a monthly living stipend. In exchange, participants commit to a minimum of two years of full-time service (or part-time equivalent) at an eligible health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses. This year, there is special funding for nurse practitioners specializing in psychiatric mental health and nurse midwives.
Apply Now to the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
Medical and dental school students, do you want to provide care where you’re needed most? We will support you by paying your tuition, fees, and other educational costs and by providing you a living stipend. In exchange, you agree to serve at least two years at National Health Service Corps-approved sites in underserved rural, urban, and tribal communities. Applications are due Thursday, April 23. Learn more.
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Community Messaging Guidebook: Reaching the Unscreened
Having difficulty convincing patients to get screening for colorectal cancer? This guidebook, produced by The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT), includes recommendations and tested messaging to help in the education, empowerment, and mobilization of patients who are not getting screened for colorectal cancer.
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Steps for Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates: A Manual for Community Health Centers
Want to implement processes at your health center that reduce physician workload and increase colorectal cancer screening? This manual, produced by NCCRT, offers practical advice for implementing expert-endorsed recommendations, one step at a time. |
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