HRSA Initiates Negotiated Rulemaking to Revise MUP and HPSA Criteria and Designations - May 11, 2010

On May 7, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced its intent to form a negotiated rulemaking committee to establish a new methodology and criteria for the designation of medically underserved populations (MUPs) and health professions shortage areas (HPSAs). The rulemaking is to implement Section 5602 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The notice proposes a list of possible negotiated rulemaking committee members, largely representing rural interests, and solicits comments on the proposed list of members and some of the issues that the committee is likely to address. The notice also asks for applications and nominations of individuals interested in participating on the committee. Comments will be due 30 days after the notice’s May 11 publication date in the Federal Register.