Grant: Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program 
The Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program seeks to strengthen the quality improvement culture in small rural healthcare facilities by building capacity to effectively collect and use clinical data, while implementing evidence-based approaches to improve healthcare quality with a particular focus on improving chronic disease outcomes. Eligible applicants include:

• Rural domestic public or nonprofit private healthcare providers or providers of healthcare services, such as a Critical Access Hospital, a rural health clinic; or
• A rural provider or network of small rural providers identified as a key source of local or regional care. 

The Health Resources and Services Administration has $5 million for up to 20 awards and recipients can receive up to $250,000 per year over a four-year project period. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 6. Click here for more information.

Public Comment Period: Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program 
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has opened a 30-day public comment period on proposed updates to the eligibility guidelines for the Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program (LODRP) to implement the Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act. The proposed changes were published in the Federal Register on July 1. 

LODRP provides eligible living organ donors reimbursement for qualifying donation-related expenses, including travel, lost wages and dependent care. Under the HOLD Act, eligibility for reimbursement would no longer be based on the organ recipient's income. Instead, eligibility would be determined based on the living donor's own financial circumstances, expanding access to reimbursement for more donors. Individuals and organizations that assist living organ donors with LODRP applications are encouraged to review the proposed eligibility changes and submit comments during the public comment period. The public comment period is open through July 31.

Coaltion Highlights Role of Rural Hospitals, Value of Care Close to Home
The Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare recently launched a new ad titled Close to Home, which highlights the critical role of rural hospitals and the value of being in close proximity to care. The ad features patients, providers and other caregivers, as well as first responders, underscoring how local hospitals support communities during critical moments while facing mounting financial pressures. The ad, which is available digitally, will also air in the Washington, D.C., area as part of a four-week campaign. IHA is a member of the coalition.

Early Alert: Medical Action Industries, Medline Convenience Kit Issues
Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two early alerts related to convenience kits from Medline and Medical Action Industries. Medline is recommending discontinued use of the convenience kits due to a potential breach of sterility of certain applicators in the kit.  Similarly, Medical Action Industries found kits that contain certain manifolds may introduce particulate into blood circulation. Both issues have the potential to cause serious injury or death, though neither has been reported, according to the FDA.  

CISA: New Advisory Body to Improve Federal Cybersecurity Response
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently announced the formation of Alliance of National Councils for Homeland Operational Resilience – Critical Infrastructure (ANCHOR-CI), a new advisory body intended to foster collaboration, coordination, and information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure stakeholders. ANCHOR-CI will provide group advice and recommendations to the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security and CISA to assist federal efforts regarding cybersecurity, critical infrastructure security and resilience, terrorism, and other potential threats. 

ANCHOR-CI is comprised of representatives from all levels of government and critical infrastructure entities, which will review current and emerging threats and vulnerabilities and share best practices, among other efforts. There may be four types of councils under ANCHOR-CI, including critical infrastructure sector councils, cross-sector councils, critical infrastructure industry councils and regional coordinating councils. ANCHOR-CI will operate for two years unless extended by the Secretary of Homeland Security.