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| HHS/HRSA | RIN: 0906-AA44 | Publication ID: Fall 2008 |
| Title: Designation of Medically Underserved Populations and Health Professional Shortage Areas | |
| Abstract: This rule would consolidate the process for designating areas of health professional shortage and medical underservice that apply in several Department programs, and would improve the criteria for designating medically underserved populations and Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas. An NPRM was published in September 1, 1998, and due to extensive comments received, a notice was published on June 3, 1999, which announced the decision to publish a new NPRM for public comment. The second NPRM was published on February 29, 2008, with the comment period extended twice on April 21, 2008 and June 2, 2008. Substantial comments were received that must be reviewed and considered in the development of modifications to the rule. Federal Register Notice on July 23, 2008 announced agency decision to review and develop modified proposal and publish another NPRM. Methodology is used by a variety of Federal and State programs to target resources to underserved populations. Medically Underserved Areas (MUA) have not been updated in many cases for over 20 years and may not reflect current conditions in many areas. Statutory citations above provide the legal foundation for the existing designations. There is no statutory requirement to update the MUAs. There is a statutory requirement to update the Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), but no requirement to update the methodology. Alternatives are to continue to use the existing methodologies or develop another new approach. Anticipated costs are minimal. The infrastructure is in place for designations now and it would just take another approach. No direct impact on major programs that use the designation, whose funding levels depend on appropriations. Potential impact on Medicare Bonus payment, but is relatively small and depending on the results of the model could increase or decrease payments. Benefits would be improved targeting of resources (grants and health professionals) to areas and populations with demonstrated need for assistance to assure access to health care services. Risks are that some areas currently qualified for some programs could lose eligibility based on lower relative need. | |
| Agency: Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) | Priority: Other Significant |
| RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions |
| Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
| CFR Citation: 42 CFR 5 42 CFR 51c (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.) | |
| Legal Authority: 42 USC 254b 42 USC 254e | |
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Legal Deadline:
None |
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Timetable:
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| Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No | Government Levels Affected: None |
| Federalism: No | |
| Included in the Regulatory Plan: No | |
| RIN Data Printed in the FR: No | |
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Agency Contact: Andy Jordan Senior Analyst, Office of Shortage Designation, Bureau of Health Professions Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration Room 8C26, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 9A-18, Parklawn Building, Rockville, MD 20857 Phone:301 594-0197 Fax:301 443-4370 Email: ajordan@hrsa.gov |
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