AHA advocates for refinements to health professional shortage area scoring

Sep 18, 2020 - 04:33 PM
rural hospital comment

The AHA today urged the Health Resources and Services Administration to better support hospitals and health systems in rural communities through refinements to the Health Professional Shortage Area scoring approach. 

The comments to HRSA Acting Administrator Thomas Engels are in response to an agency request for information on the methodology, which is used to administer programs that incentivize health care professionals to practice in rural and underserved areas, such as the National Health Service Corps. 

AHA recommended that HRSA reduce volatility in scoring and program requirements to allow hospitals to better plan for workforce needs and discipline shortages. The association also urged HRSA to appropriately account for population aging in HPSA scoring, as well as issues faced by communities that host physician training programs.

Related News Articles

Headline
Webinar to discuss grant resources for rural health organizations
The AHA will host a webinar Feb. 13 at noon ET on the unique funding challenges and opportunities for rural health organizations. Participants will…
Headline
Rural leadership conference day two roundup
Health care experts and leaders from across the country presented sessions that offered conference attendees practical and adaptable solutions to issues such…
Headline
Creative problem-solving: How rural hospitals are leading through disruption and challenge
Michelle Hood, AHA executive vice president and COO, and Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, S.D., and chair-elect designate of…
Headline
Washington Update covers Rural Health Transformation Fund, affordability
Capitol Hill was the focus of the second morning of the AHA 2026 Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, taking place through tomorrow in…
Headline
AHA releases 2026 Rural Advocacy Agenda
The AHA Feb. 10 released its 2026 Rural Advocacy Agenda, laying out the association's key priorities for Congress, the administration, regulatory agencies and…
Chairperson's File
Chair File: Overcoming Challenges, Advancing Innovation in Rural Health Care
Public
All hospital and health system leaders are committed to delivering the best possible care to the people we serve while navigating the changes and challenges we…