HRSA delays Health Professional Shortage Area withdrawal designations

The Health Resources and Services Administration today announced that it will delay the withdrawal of HPSAs designated as "proposed for withdrawal" by one year. According to the agency, “Given the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the health workforce and health care service delivery, HRSA is providing a longer transition time for jurisdictions and facilities to prepare for potential change of HPSA designations. HPSA designations that are currently proposed for withdrawal will remain in this status until they are re-evaluated in preparation for the publication of the 2023 HPSA Federal Register Notice.” 

AHA in January urged the agency to delay the effective withdrawal date for HPSAs designated as “proposed for withdrawal” by at least one year.