Rural Health
News by Topic: Behavioral health
Aug 10, 2026 - Discusses the MAT Mobile Clinic in Iowa, a mobile unit offering both medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders and wraparound services to improve recovery outcomes. The mobile unit improves access to treatment in rural communities, builds the knowledge base of local providers, and addresses stigma associated with substance use.
Source: Iowa Stories
SAMHSA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Federal Register
Aug 10, 2026 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments on an information collection titled "Extension to the Currently Approved 0930-0395 0930-0395 Generic Clearance for Grant Program Monitoring Activities." The proposed reports in this information collection are used to provide oversight across SAMHSA grant programs. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 4, 2026 - Summarizes recent research finding that the first 5 years of the Veterans Affairs Clinical Resource Hubs program saw increased use of telemental health services among rural veterans. The study also found a shift in care delivery from clinic-based video visits to video visits in patients' homes.
Source: VA Health Systems Research News
CMS: Medicare Program; FY 2027 Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System-Rate Update
Federal Register
Jul 31, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the FY 2027 prospective payment rates, outlier threshold, and wage index for Medicare Inpatient Hospital Services provided by inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPF), including psychiatric hospitals and excluded psychiatric units of an acute care hospital or Critical Access Hospital. Among other things, this rule also refines the IPF PPS outlier policy, implements a standardized IPF patient assessment, and removes two measures used in the IPF Quality Reporting Program. These regulations are effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 31, 2026 - Announces new bipartisan legislation that would increase access to the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) program. The bill would both add eligibility flexibility for current hospitals at risk of closure and expand access for some previously closed rural hospitals. The bill would also allow REHs to offer inpatient psychiatric care, offer limited inpatient rehabilitation services, and enter into swing bed agreements. Also notes other legislation to support rural healthcare.
Source: Office of Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
Jul 29, 2026 - Describes obstetrical and gynecological workforce shortages in Wyoming. Discusses the impact of the shortages on provider burnout, availability of routine maternal healthcare, recruiting and retention in rural and other communities, and clinic finances. Discusses the focus on maternity care in Wyoming's Rural Health Transformation Program plan.
Source: WyoFile
Jul 29, 2026 - Describes a behavioral health services clinic in rural Michigan that expands access to care in a previously underserved region. Discusses services provided and early positive results.
Source: Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Jul 28, 2026 - Announces new proposed legislation that would offer federal funding to incentivize interstate mental healthcare through telehealth with the goal of increasing access to care for rural communities.
Source: Office of Senator Angus King