Hello Northwest Regional, Northwest Region:
Cartoon image shows a smiling healthcare professional surrounded by jack-o-lanterns with a computer and tablet behind her.

Fall is in full swing, and we have lots of telehealth news and events to share! Read on for news about TAPs, the Rural Health Association of Utah’s annual conference, and much more.

The National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers Presents a NRTRC Webinar in November

NRTRC Webinar Announcement. Webinar about Federal Cybersecurity Resources for Telehealth will be held on November 14 at 12 p.m. The presentation will cover cybersecurity resources available to telehealth providers.
REGISTER HERE

We've Mapped 100 TAPs Locations!

In celebration of October’s Digital Inclusion week, the NRTRC is pleased to announce that we have mapped over 100 Telehealth Access Points (TAPs) on the NRTRC Find Telehealth Map! A TAP is a public-facing space that furnishes a device with a working camera, speaker and microphone, an internet connection, and privacy considerations in the form of a dedicated room or kiosk for the general public to access a telehealth appointment. TAPs are found throughout the nation at community anchor institutions like libraries, social service agencies, and community health centers. Digital navigators who want to help patients with telehealth visits can access a free, online, self-paced training, the NRTRC’s Navigating the Telehealth Neighborhood

Image announces that NRTRC has mapped 100 telehealth access points in the region and thanks partners who helped reach the milestone.

Telehealth News

DEA Extends Telehealth Accessibility Flexibilities

A new rule posted on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) registry suggests that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is planning an additional extension of COVID-19 flexibilities for telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances, beyond the current expiration date of December 31, 2024.” The new rule is not currently available for review but shares the title of the previously published notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications, suggesting that the specifics may be along the same lines but that the OMB and others are processing more than 38,000 public comments and reviewing potential policy changes. Pending DEA Extension on Prescription of Controlled Substances via Telemedicine. McDermott Will & Emory. Oct 11, 2024.

J.D. Power Survey Finds Pros and Cons in Telehealth Services

 A new J.D. Power and Associates study found that many consumers love the convenience and speed of telehealth services, but they still struggle with issues around connectivity, privacy, and the range of services available. The study also found large differences in satisfaction based on age, geographic location, and types of insurance coverage. See the full article here.

Regional Telehealth News

NRTRC Seeks Advisory Board Members from

Oregon, Wyoming, and Utah

As we navigate the continuing evolution of telehealth in the northwest, we’re seeking a few dedicated professionals to join our telehealth advisory board. We’re looking for individuals with the following qualifications:

 

  • Passion for advancing healthcare access and equity
  • Experience in improving patient outcomes in underserved regions
  • Experience with telehealth strategy development and implementation

 

Please use our contact form and select “Outreach Request” to express your interest or nominate a candidate.

Rural Health Association of Utah’s Annual Conference 

Rural Health Association of Utah logo

The 2024 Annual Rural Health Association of Utah Conference will take place on November 13 and 14 in St. George, Utah. The annual conference is dedicated to promoting and improving rural healthcare in Utah. Join us for two days of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing. 

 

The theme of this year’s conference is Cultivating Healthier Lives in Rural Utah. Breakout sessions will cover healthcare trends, resources, and rural health issues, including presentations from several innovators in the rural Utah healthcare community. 

Collaborative Initiative in North Central Washington Works to Empower Seniors with Telehealth Knowledge

In an effort to bridge the digital divide and enhance healthcare accessibility for seniors, the (NCW) Tech Alliance has partnered with the Wenatchee Senior Activity Center and Confluence Health to host a series of innovative workshops. These workshops are designed to equip seniors with the necessary skills to navigate telehealth services confidently. This effort benefits seniors from rural and low-income households, as well as those with disabilities or language barriers, by allowing seniors to familiarize themselves with the steps involved in a telehealth appointment, ensuring they feel comfortable and prepared for real-life telehealth scenarios. By closing the digital divide, the initiative aims to improve healthcare access, allowing seniors to manage chronic conditions and connect with specialists remotely.

Western States Face Healthcare Accessibility Challenges

In a recent Forbes Advisor article ranking where healthcare is least accessible in the United States, Utah tops the list. Idaho and Wyoming made the top ten list and Alaska came in eleventh.

Success Story

NRTRC Outreach Around Broadband Access, Telehealth, and Digital Equity

The NRTRC was grateful for the opportunity to present on behalf of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at two incredible events in September, one held at the public library in Missoula, Montana, and the other in Portland, Oregon! We also made an appearance in Utah and spoke with resettlement and refugee organizations at the Switchboard Confluence. We shared telehealth resources and the message that telehealth can bridge gaps in healthcare access for rural and remote communities, playing a crucial role in ensuring that all people have the resources they need to access digital and telehealth services.

Image is a close up of a laptop with the word webinar on the screen.

Events to Bookmark in 2024

October


Libraries in Idaho Talking Trends (LIIT): Telehealth

Oct 24 @ 2 p.m.–3 p.m.

Organizer: Idaho Commission For Libraries


This time around, let’s talk about how you’re marketing your telehealth services. This chat is an opportunity for libraries and partner organizations to connect about telehealth by sharing resources, successes, and challenges. All libraries are welcome to attend at any stage of their telehealth journey, from those exploring if telehealth is a good fit for their library to those who have fully functional telehealth programs up and running.


Futureproofing Access to Care: A Discussion With Healthcare Leaders

Oct 29 @ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Organizer: American Telemedicine Association


This session will bring together industry experts to explore the evolving landscape of healthcare and the strategies necessary to maintain and enhance access to care. The discussion will focus on addressing current challenges, such as clinician shortages and health disparities, while examining the future of healthcare delivery in an ever-changing environment. Attendees will hear from leaders at the forefront of healthcare innovation, sharing their perspectives on how to ensure continuity, opportunity, and quality in care delivery.


November

Image shows featured speaker Jaleen Johnson with logos for the ATA Insights Summit and Health Anywhere. Image includes direction to Register Today.

ATA Insights Summit: Health Anywhere

Nov 13–Nov 15

Arlington, TX

Organizer: American Telemedicine Association


Join us at the Health Anywhere Summit, November 13–14, for an exclusive opportunity to explore the future of healthcare. Discover how we’re breaking down traditional care boundaries to deliver holistic, continuous care experiences that are inclusive, accessible, and empathetic.


2024 Rural Health Association of Utah Annual Conference

Nov 13–Nov 14

St. George, UT

Organizer: Rural Health Association of Utah


The Rural Health Association of Utah Conference is an annual event dedicated to promoting and improving rural healthcare in Utah. Join us for two days of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing. The 2024 Annual Rural Health Association of Utah Conference is on November 13 and 14 in beautiful St. George, Utah. The theme of this year's conference is Cultivating Healthier Lives in Rural Utah.


NRTRC Webinar—CISA Services: Federal Cybersecurity Resources for Telehealth

Nov 14 @ 12 p.m.–1 p.m.

Organizer: Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center


This presentation will introduce the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Health Sector Coordinating Council, and the joint CISA/HHS Cybersecurity Toolkit. We’ll cover cybersecurity resources available to telehealth providers, including vulnerability scanning, cyber risk assessments, and training at no cost.


TeleBehavioral Health 501: Working with Interpreters via Telehealth

Nov 15 @ 12 p.m.–1 p.m.

Organizer: University of Washington Behavioral Health Institute


TeleBehavioral Health 501 is a no-cost 12-part webinar series open to anyone providing services to individuals who live with mental health and substance use issues. This Zoom-based series takes place the third Friday of each month, January through December 2024. You are invited to attend all webinars, but you will need to register for each webinar separately.

ATA Insights Summit: Virtual Nursing

Nov 17–Nov 20

Arlington, TX

Organizer: American Telemedicine Association


Debuted in 2023 with remarkable success, the Insights Summit on Virtual Nursing equips attendees with the tools, connections, and frameworks to elevate their virtual nursing programs. 


This year’s highlights include the following:

  • Comprehensive Integration: Move beyond quick fixes and learn how to seamlessly integrate virtual nursing into your practice.
  • Change Management: Master the strategies to drive effective change across your organization.
  • Key Performance Measures: Identify the most critical metrics to ensure your program's success.


December


ATA EDGE Policy Conference

Dec 11–Dec 13

Washington, DC

Organizer: American Telemedicine Association


The American Telemedicine Association is the only organization that addresses telehealth policy from all angles—state and federal legislative priorities and issues that affect our industry—as well as international policy perspectives and the trends and opportunities to advance telehealth as a permanent option for care delivery.


TeleBehavioral Health 501: Diving Deeper into Facilitating Virtual Groups

Dec 13 @ 12 p.m.–1 p.m.

Organizer: University of Washington Behavioral Health Institute


TeleBehavioral Health 501 is a no-cost 12-part webinar series open to anyone providing services to individuals who live with mental health and substance use issues. This Zoom-based series takes place the third Friday of each month, January through December 2024. You are invited to attend all webinars, but you will need to register for each webinar separately.

Do You Provide Healthcare or Services via Telehealth? 

NRTRC's Find Telehealth is available to help patients and providers find

in-person and telehealth care along with locations to have telehealth visits.

TAPs can be viewed by turning on the TAPs button on the map. 


Click Here to Update Information on Your Practice

Click Here to Add a TAP

Image of a mountain and trees reflected in a lake.

Northwest Regional State Telehealth Website Links


Image of metal gears bearing the words competence ability knowledge learning skill training and education.

Telehealth Resources



Grant Funding Opportunities

Refer to the funding page on the NRTRC website for updated grant opportunities.
Binder on top of a stack of papers. Binder has the word Grants on it.
Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center
“This publication was made possible by grant number UiUTH42531-01 from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, Health Resources and Services Administration, DHHS”