TPCA COVID-19 Resources Page
TPCA created a COVID-19 Resources page that contains information and tools for health centers and the general public on a variety of COVID-19 related topics including COVID-19 vaccines, updates, human resources & operations, telehealth, and PPE.
TPCA Members may also access the COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit for the latest in TN COVID-19 Vaccine distribution as well as timely and relevant resources. |
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State of the State
Governor Lee delivered his State of the State address on January 31, which introduced his administration’s proposed budget and priorities.
Governor Lee outlined the following health care funding priorities in his address:
- $25.5M for an adult dental benefit for 610,000 Tennesseans eligible for TennCare
- $11.8M for the first of a multi-year program to increase slots at the state’s dental schools, recruit and retain dental providers, and provide prosthodontic services
- $18.6M to attract over 150 new primary care residents
- $7M for substance abuse clinical treatment and addiction recovery programs
- $82M to reimburse public hospitals for uncompensated care, primarily in rural communities
- $55M to increase access to services across each of the Medicaid Pathways to Independence programs
- Expansion of TennCare’s Health Starts Initiative to put greater emphasis on maternal health and holistic care for mothers and children
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Budget Presentations
Various state departments began presenting their requested FY22-FY23 budgets to the General Assembly this week. The Tennessee Department of Health’s budget includes:
- $11.9M for the first year of a $94M, 5-year pilot program to increase the slots at Tennessee’s dental schools, recruit and retain dental providers-including through loan repayment, and provide prosthodontic services
- $21.9M in recurring funding for the Health Care Safety Net and $2.2M for a Safety Net Provider rate increase
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Legislation
Last week were the bill filing deadlines in the House and Senate. TPCA is supporting several bills, which began to move through the legislative process this week, including SB1810/HB1762. This legislation would allow physicians supervising NPs and PAs at FQHCs to conduct chart reviews virtually. |
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Do you think monthly outreach with your most vulnerable population would help with patient satisfaction and outcomes? While your organization is doing all that it can, do you worry some patients might still fall through the cracks, unable to get the care they so desperately need?
Chronic Care Management (CCM) services change the way you interact and care for your patients in the best way. When implementing chronic care management services, clinics experience improved patient engagement, which leads to better clinical results and an increased revenue stream. CCM is a way to meet the patient where they are, helping them invest in their healthcare.
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340B Recertification
Community health centers must recertify with the 340B program by Monday, February 28.
For questions or assistance, email the 340B call center at apexusanswers@340bpvp.com or call 888-340-2787 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET). |
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New Co-Sponsor for the PROTECT 340B Act of 2021
Representatives McKinley (R-WV) and Spanberger (D-VA) introduced the PROTECT 340B Act to combat discriminatory reimbursement policies that threaten health centers’ abilities to provide patients with 340B-eligible medications.
Congressman John Rose (R-6) signed on as a co-sponsor of the legislation this week. Congressman Rose also signed up to present during a 340B Special Order Hour before Congress, which allows Members of Congress to speak about topics that don’t relate to bills on the floor. The date for the Special Order Hour has not been finalized.
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Virtual NACHC Policy & Issues Forum Starts Monday
The NACHC Policy & Issues Forum has been converted to a fully virtual event. All previously scheduled education and general sessions will be offered virtually February 14-16.
- For those that have registered for in-person attendance, NACHC will move your registration to the virtual conference, so you do not need to do anything. If you are unable to join virtually you may request to cancel and be refunded. Please send your request to conferences@nachc.org.
- In lieu of the Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C. TPCA will be making virtual appointments for community health centers to meet with Members of Congress between now and March 14-18, when NACHC is holding a Week on the Hill.
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Federal Budget
The current short-term continuing resolution to fund the federal government expires on February 18. Congress must either pass an omnibus spending package to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year, through September 30, or pass another short-term continuing resolution.
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Dr. Parinda Khatri, Chief Executive Officer of Cherokee Health Systems recently served as a panelist for a virtual briefing with community health center leaders from across the country as they shared the challenges their overstretched workforce is facing and urge leaders in Washington to take action to invest in immediate and long-term solutions.
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Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Nashville’s oldest non-profit health center, has announced additional details surrounding the expansion of its Dial Down Diabetes program.
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Share your news!
We want to help spread the word about what's going on at Tennessee's health centers.
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This publication is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of awards totaling $1,367,898 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources, $875,593 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources, $297,184 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources, and $195,000 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
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