In 2010, Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius created a 28-member negotiated rulemaking committee to review criteria for the designation of Medically Underserved Areas (MUA) and Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). The Director of Colorado’s Primary Care Office Steve Holloway served on this committee. HPSA and MUA designations allow clinics, hospitals, and healthcare providers access to many federal incentives including loan forgiveness programs, Medicare bonus payments, increased reimbursement rates, and the ability to be designated as a Rural Health Clinic. The Committee’s report provides recommendations to the Secretary for revising the designation criteria and process. Changes that HRSA may chose to make to the designation process will be open to the public for comment when they are available. CRHC will be sharing more information about the Committee’s recommendations and any changes that occur in the designation process. Please contact Sara with questions or comments.
