NAPH Seeks Representation on MUP and HPSA Rulemaking Committee - June 15, 2010

On June 9, NAPH submitted a letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to seek representation on a new Negotiated Rulemaking Committee to be formed for the purpose of revising the methodology and criteria used to designate Medically Underserved Populations (MUPs) and Health Professions Shortage Areas (HPSAs). The Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act requires HRSA to establish the committee and to ensure that safety net providers are adequately represented on the Committee. The proposed Committee membership outlined by HRSA in a May 11, 2010 Federal Register notice was largely limited to primary care and rural providers. In its letter to HRSA, NAPH noted its unique perspective representing urban safety net hospitals that provide access to comprehensive primary and specialty care services to MUPs and in HPSAs. HRSA is expected soon to announce the final Committee makeup.