Ag secretary urges NRHA members to make rural’s voice louder
USDA Secretary and White House Rural Council chair Tom Vilsack gave the keynote address at the National Rural Health Association’s 24th annual Rural Health Policy Institute Monday before co-hosting a call on easing regulatory burdens for rural providers with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that was broadcast live to 400 attendees at the 24th annual event. "Rural America matters,” he began. “And for far too long rural issues have not received the attention they deserve. We know that sometimes one size does not fit all. You are dealing with a lot of challenges, and then government comes along with a set of regulations that may not translate well in rural areas.” He assured the audience “we are trying to make it easier for you to do what you do, to provide quality health care for rural Americans.” Vilsack referred to today’s call, which also featured CMS staff, as “a genuine good faith effort.” “We want to hear from you the additional challenges you all face and how we – in the federal family – may be able to respond to your concerns,” he said. “We are very committed to rural America.” He cautioned that “rural America has lost a bit of its political relevance.” “Those involved have to extend the conversation, build strategic alliances and have to have a proactive message,” he said. Click here for details on the Policy Institute.