Will unfriendly federal regulation and CMS cuts crush rural hospitals and clinics?

What quality, type and depth of healthcare with be available for one million Indiana rural residents in 2014 and beyond? Healthcare changes — including unfriendly elements that could dramatically impact the quality of care available in rural areas — are coming to Indiana.  Top federal, Indiana legislative, and medical officials will addressing these critical issues on  January 21 at the Indiana Rural Public Policy Forum, according to Don Kelso, executive director of the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA).

According to Don Kelso, executive director of the Indiana Rural Health Association, “This annual policy forum represents a strategic opportunity for Indiana leaders in business and not-for-profits to hear firsthand of potential changes and how they may affect the nearly one million people living in rural Indiana.”

The all-day event, the 11^th annual Indiana Rural Public Policy Forum, will take place at Crowne Plaza Union Station Grand Hall in Indianapolis on January 21.

If you’re involved in healthcare delivery and administration, you — or someone from your hospital or clinic — should be attending.

Several Indiana legislators, including State Rep. Tim Brown, a physician who chairs the Ways and Means Committee at the Indiana General Assembly, will be hand to present key healthcare information. National healthcare issues and how they may impact Indiana will be the topic of remarks presented by Brock Slabach, senior vice president of the National Rural Health Association. William VanNess II, MD, Indiana State Health Commissioner, will address Indiana healthcare issues and current progress toward a healthier Indiana.

But it’s not all drama on January 21.

The four presenters from the WFYI television program Indiana Week in Review – John Ketzenberger, Jim Shella, Ann DeLaney and Michael McDaniel – will conduct a live rehearsal of their lively issues-related talk show. Other speakers will address workforce shortage issues and telehealth solutions; and community growth through Indiana Office of Community Affairs (OCRA) programs; and legislative issues and bills that may affect the quality and delivery of rural health.

Federal and state officials participating in the January 21 event include:

For more information about the event, including registration information, please visit the events page at www.indianaruralhealth.org, or email Tine Elliott at TElliott@indianarha.org. The event begins on January 21 at 8 a.m.