HIPAA Security Proposed Rule – NACHC Comment Letter 

NACHC has prepared a template comment letter to respond to HHS’s HIPAA Security Rule Notice of Proposed Rule Making.  The proposed rule attempts to address cybersecurity best practices, methodologies and guidelines, and would have a significant impact on Community Health Centers. 

This letter reflects the feedback we received during our webinar and countless conversations with the field. We hope that you will take this opportunity to make your voice heard on this important issue. 

Are there resources to help understand the proposed changes? Please review the slides and recording from February’s Office Hours. 

How do I submit my comments? Comments are due Friday, March 7, 2025, by 11:59 PM ET, and can be submitted on the Federal Register.

Source: NACHC

Washington Update

The House is expected to vote soon on a budget resolution to set the stage for negotiations before the upcoming March 14 funding deadline. This is when federal funding expires for programs like Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Centers, and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC).

The next opportunity for in-district advocacy is during the Congressional recess scheduled for March 17-21. Seeing the positive impact of health centers first-hand is the best way to invite your members of Congress to become champions for the 32.5 million patients you serve! NACHC has assembled a toolkit to help you plan an effective health center tour or in-district meeting. You can also visit NACHC’s website for additional policy information to support your meetings.

Download NACHC’s Toolkit for Hosting In-District Site Visits and Meetings with Members of Congress for a step-by-step guide including:

• Meeting checklist and sample visit itinerary 
• Templates and tools for communicating with elected officials and their staff
• Tips for engaging with media

Source: NACHC

HRSA Announces New Administrator

In February, HRSA welcomed Tom Engels as their Administrator.  

Mr. Engels previously led the Agency from 2019 to 2021 and brings a wealth of experience, including his work on the White House’s COVID-19 task force and implementing the Provider Relief Fund. He returns to HRSA from his recent role as Sergeant at Arms at the Wisconsin Senate.

Read the announcement HERE.

Source: HRSA

FTCA Deeming Clinics

HRSA is holding Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) deeming clinics this week. Visit the FTCA clinics website to learn more and register. Find information about the FTCA application process on our FTCA application process website.

Source: HRSA

Telehealth for Diabetes Management

In February, HRSA welcomed Tom Engels as their Administrator.  

Telehealth and telemedicine can be effective tools to manage diabetes. Read how to use telehealth in this Best Practice Guide, including the latest telehealth technologies to improve health outcomes for patients with diabetes.

Patient Resources:  Telehealth helps patients with diabetes track and manage their health. Share this page with patients so they can learn more about how they can use telehealth for diabetes care.

Source: Office for the Advancement of Telehealth