ACP calls for urgent policy action on rural health
A recent policy paper from ACP states that it is critical for policymakers to prioritize improving rural health and health care.
In a recent policy paper “Improving Health and Health Care in Rural Communities: A Position Paper from the American College of Physicians,” ACP states that it is critical that policymakers prioritize and direct attention to improving rural health and health care. The paper warns of a severe health crisis in rural communities as residents face higher mortality rates from various diseases and are particularly affected by “diseases of despair” and rising maternal mortality rates. ACP recommends addressing social determinants of health, increasing funding for rural health care programs, and supporting the rural health care workforce.
Additionally, ACP emphasizes the need for better support for rural health care professionals, including incorporating rural health education into medical training and expanding opportunities for international medical graduates. To address physician shortages, the paper recommends incentives for recruitment and retention, including improved reimbursement policies. The College also advocates for relaxed licensure requirements to expand telehealth services in underserved areas.
Recognizing the diversity of rural communities, the ACP paper stresses that a one-size-fits-all approach will not work and that policies must be tailored to meet the unique needs of different rural populations. The position paper was published by Annals of Internal Medicine on April 1.