Advocacy is a highly intrinsic part of the work done by CSRHA to serve rural communities. Over the last few months, the CSRHA Advocacy Committee has been meeting to outline its policy priorities for 2007. As a preface to this update, the Advocacy Committee’s purpose is to provide leadership, guidance and recommendations to the CSRHA Board of Directors regarding legislative, administrative and fiscal policy proposals.

The following is a summation of CSRHA’s 2007 policy priorities:

CSRHA is dedicated to protecting funding for rural health, by focusing on adequate reimbursement for rural healthcare providers and increased funding for rural health programs and facilities.

CSRHA will support policies that increase the availability of and access to technology in rural areas.

CSRHA will actively participate in opportunities resulting from the Governor’s eHealth Initiative, the creation of the Broadband Task Force and the California Emerging Technology Foundation, the FCC Rural Health Pilot Projects and development plans for recently approved public investment bonds. CSRHA is committed to expanding broadband access to rural areas through these channels.

Finally, CSRHA is devoted to the preservation, protection and support of programs and efforts that address health professional workforce shortages in rural areas. CSRHA is collaborating with the California Primary Care Association, California Hospital Association, California Medical Association and other advocate organizations to develop and support opportunities for improving the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in rural shortage areas. Through collaboration and partnerships, CSRHA will support an increase in educational opportunities for health professionals in rural areas, advocate for loan repayment programs and promote incentive and pipeline programs for the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers.

Some of these priorities continue our efforts from previous years. Some concern emerging legislation, opportunities and issues that affect our rural communities. In order to further our mission, CSRHA continues to adapt and expand to the changing healthcare climate in California, and urges our constituents to stay on top of these changes. Please take the time to review the complete set of priorities, click here.