Rural Health
News by Topic: AI
Jul 14, 2026 - The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking comments on training and care delivery models to ensure safe and effective use of psychedelic drugs. Questions for consideration include training regarding patient eligibility, drug administration, and post-administration follow up; access for Federally Qualified Health Centers, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, and Rural Health Clinics; and technologies that allow for expanded access while maintaining patient safety. Comments are due August 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 30, 2026 - Highlights common rural hospital healthcare delivery challenges as identified by Wisconsin hospital CEOs. Discusses nursing workforce shortages, employee burnout, reimbursement rates, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, home health, Medicare Advantage, and maintaining inpatient care access.
Source: Farm Progress: Wisconsin Agriculturist
Jun 18, 2026 - Describes artificial intelligence (AI) use in rural hospitals, noting that recent research found AI is used less compared to urban hospitals. Highlights the implementation of AI in a rural Oklahoma hospital.
Source: Oklahoma Farm Report
Jun 12, 2026 - Describes how the Mayo Clinic is using artificial intelligence (AI) to increase access to phlebotomy and other healthcare services for rural communities.
Source: Mayo Clinic News Network
Jun 5, 2026 - Executive Order from the Office of the President regarding cybersecurity, the protection of critical infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. Among other things, this Executive Order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with directors of other appropriate agencies, to issue binding operational directives and other guidance to facilitate access to AI-enabled cybersecurity tools and services for federal agencies; state and local authorities; and operators of critical infrastructure, including rural hospitals, community banks, and local utilities. This order also establishes an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse, in voluntary coordination with the AI industry and critical infrastructure operators, to identify and remediate software vulnerabilities at scale.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 4, 2026 - Highlights data modernization programs in state Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) plans across the country. Discusses legal concerns related to patient privacy and artificial intelligence.
Source: The Network for Public Health Law

