TPCA and i2i Population Health partner to improve quality and collaboration across Community Health Centers in Tennessee.

TPCA will leverage i2i's PRiZiM network population health management (PHM) platform to share best practices and improve care through the Center for Quality in Community Health (CQCH).

Read the full news release here >>>

FY23 Appropriations

Congress returned from the August recess to work on FY23 appropriations before the fiscal year ends on September 30. Congress failed to pass the FY23 appropriations bills before leaving for their August recess and is instead drafting a short-term continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels and avert a government shutdown.

The continuing resolution will likely last through December 16, providing government funding through the November elections. It’s unclear whether the continuing resolution will provide funding for other priorities including support for Ukraine, COVID-19 and Monkeypox response, and the renewal of several programs including FTCA coverage for volunteer health professionals.

FTCA Coverage for Volunteers Sunsets on September 30

The FTCA for Volunteer Health Professionals program is scheduled to sunset on September 30. The Biden Administration is urging an extension of the program to be included in the continuing resolution. The House also passed a behavioral health bill that includes an extension of the program, but the Senate has not taken a vote on the bill. To prepare for the possibility of a lapse in FTCA coverage starting October 1, BPHC advises exploring alternative malpractice coverage for volunteers, in case Congress doesn’t renew the program prior to September 30. 

Judge Rules on Coverage for PrEP

Last week, a Texas District Court ruled that employers are not required to cover PrEP if it violates their religious beliefs. The decision is raising concerns about whether private insurers will continue to be required to provide PrEP and other preventive services for free. The plaintiffs were specifically focused on PrEP but the legal arguments could challenge the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision requiring free coverage of preventive services.

The Texas decision will likely be appealed but, it's uncertain whether the requirement to offer free coverage of PrEP and other preventive services will remain in effect while the case makes its way through the courts.  

Before heading out for the annual Labor Day festivities, Franklin celebrated with the Mercy Community Healthcare 23rd Annual Franklin Classic in historic downtown.

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TN Community Health Worker Association - 

Building Community Health Worker Skills: Encouraging Health Promotion & COVID-19 Prevention

Thursdays – September 15 and 22

10AM-12PM Central 

Wednesdays – October 5 and 12

12-2PM Central

Thursdays – November 3 and 10

2-4PM Central

CHWs will learn how to use non-blaming conversations to help people consider ways to stay healthy. Topics will include active listening, health coaching, building rapport, and basics of COVID-19 prevention.

Complete the interest form here >>> 

340B Grantee Conference

The first ever 340B grantee conference will be held in Denver, CO from October 18-19. The conference is a joint effort from NACHC, Ryan White Clinics, and several individuals. The conference is intended to supplement attendance at the semi-annual conferences organized by the 340B Coalition. It seeks to build on the existing national conferences by focusing exclusively on the issues facing CHCs and Ryan White Clinics and including discussions on advocacy methods and efforts. The content is gear toward staff who are new to 340B, staff who work in the operational and policy weeds of 340B, and C-suite. 

• The main conference content begins at 1:00 PM on Tuesday and concludes at 5:00 on Wednesday.

• People who are new to 340B, or would like a comprehensive refresher, should attend the pre-conference session on 340B 101 from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Tuesday morning. 

Register for the 340B Grantee Conference >>>

Grants to Support Community Health Centers in Expanding Vision Services

Community health centers, including Look-Alikes, can apply to the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding to help start or expand permanent and comprehensive eye health and vision care programs. These grants are supported by the Centene Foundation for Quality Health Care, and applications are due December 31. 

View a description of how CHCs have used these grants since they began in 2018. 

Applications are due December 31.

Complete the interest form here >>>