Training Requirements for Medication Assisted Treatment as Part of MATE Act

Please see this letter, which outlines the requirements for training for Medication Assisted Treatment as part of the MATE Act, which was part of the Omnibus Bill at the end of December 2022. DEA was given 90 days to let practitioners know how to meet the MATE Act’s training requirement which is tied to their initial or renewal DEA registration beginning on June 27, 2023.
 

Narcan Approved for OTC Use

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan, 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription, use – the first naloxone product approved for use without a prescription. Please see the press release regarding the announcement.

Please note, you can and should continue to purchase and distribute naloxone products with grant funds and receive discounts through the 340B program.
 

Join NCCHCA and NCCU for Our Inaugural MAT Conference May 11
Register
More information in events section below.

Workforce

March 2023 HPET/Workforce Strategic Planning Pulse Check

Have you completed your HRSA-mandated Health Professions Education and Training Plan for 2022/2023? If the answer is yes, you’re ready to proceed to development of your Comprehensive Workforce Plan. Both the HPET and the CWP will help you position your HC to be successful and strengthen your workforce, aligning your projects/staffing plans with pathways to recruitment and retention of top-tier, dedicated staff by incorporating training partnerships, JEDI initiatives, and organizational resiliency best practices.

Please reach out to Josie or Meredith for support with this process; we will offer support every step of the way. NC health centers have heavily utilized two resources in particular in developing these plans: the HPET Planning Template and the HPET Planning Guide, and we have additional resources in place to support your CWP development. If you have completed your HPET plan or CWP independently, please notify us so we can include you in monthly HRSA reporting.
 

NCCHCA Workforce Workgroups: **Special Educational Sessions**

> JEDI Initiatives & CWP: Planning for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion  
Wed., May 10, 2023 | 10:00 -11:00 am
Register

Whether your CHC is just beginning to consider or already planning a diversity/JEDI committee and associated initiatives, or even if you already have this work in progress, this session will help you choose or evaluate your path forward and implement effective foundational steps. Come and hear these questions discussed: What should I consider when starting a JEDU initiative or program? Do I need a consultant? What are the committee's goals? How can I measure progress?

> Jumpstart Your Comprehensive Workforce Plan!
Wed., June 14, 2023 | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Register

Join us to take a deep dive into the CWP Definition and associated planning resources, discussing each section and sharing examples, applications, and potential ways to include JEDI initiatives where appropriate. You and your CHC will benefit from a practical walk through comprehensive workforce planning timelines, goals, and examples of content, as well as how to approach planning and maintain momentum.
 

HRSA Virtual Job Fair – Registration Now Open 
Wed., April 19, 2023 | 6:00 - 9:30 pm
Learn more

HRSA is hosting a virtual job fair that will allow health centers to highlight job vacancies and connect with hundreds of engaged health care professionals. There is no cost to participate in this event meaning you can save valuable recruiting funds, and you will be able to share materials with attendees immediately during the fair. Space is limited so follow this link to learn more about this opportunity today.  

NC Draft Budget Released

State House Release Proposed Budget

Republican leaders in the state House of Representatives unveiled their proposed budget yesterday. WRAL has done a topline review of the budget, but in addition to these items, there are several items of interest to health centers:

• Inclusion of funding for Medicaid to implement payment reform for FQHCs
• Funding to expand NCCHCA’s Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Initiative
• Community Health Grant program funding at existing levels
• Increases in provider loan repayment funding
• NCCHCA continues to review and analyze the proposal. The House is expected pass the budget next week, after which it will be taken up by the Senate for their changes.  

Health Center Appropriations Roll Call

This year’s FY24 House Appropriations letter garnered 265 signatures, a strong sign to the Appropriations Committee that Community Health Centers are a bipartisan priority. The signers from NC's delegation are:

• Don Davis (D-NC01)
• Deborah Ross (D-NC02)
• Kathy Manning (D-NC06)
• David Rouzer (R-NC07)
• Richard Hudson (R-NC09)
• Alma Adams (D-NC12)
• Wiley Nickel (D-NC13)
• Jeff Jackson (D-NC14)

If your Representative is included on this list, please reach out to thank them for signing on in support of health center funding. Click here to see a detailed breakdown of who signed the letter. 
 

New 340B Restrictions on Drugs Seldom Dispensed by CHCs

Starting next month, three small manufacturers will no longer offer 340B pricing through all wholesalers. Instead, 340B providers will only have access to 340B pricing if they purchase these manufacturers’ drugs through a specific wholesaler, called Direct Customer Solutions (DCS). CHCs generally don’t dispense many of these manufacturers’ drugs; however, this new limitation may increase administrative burden and potentially increase costs for pharmacies. These impacts will expand if more manufacturers adopt this approach.  
 

Comments Due by Tomorrow on Federal Telemedicine Prescribing Rule

Please see NACHC’s template comment letter for the Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances When the Practitioner and the Patient Have Not Had a Prior In-Person Medical Evaluation proposed rule. The comment deadline is tomorrow, Friday, March 31, 2023, by 11:59 pm ET. Submit your comments here.

Member Spotlight

Agape Health Services is now serving patients at a beautiful new site located at 115 Adam Street in Plymouth, NC. Wonderful work expanding your service area and reaching more patients, Agape Health Services.

Kintegra Health Recognized for Colorectal Screening Achievement

Congratulations to Kintegra Health, which has been selected as an Honoree recipient of the 2023 "80% in Every Community" National Achievement Award for colorectal screening. Great work increasing screening rates and improving health outcomes for your communities!