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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce

Aug 21, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection request titled "Faculty Loan Repayment Program OMB No. 0906-0082—Revision." Among other things, proposed revisions include two new forms and updating terminology regarding "Disadvantaged Backgrounds." Comments are due by October 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 20, 2026 - Announces new funding for an artificial intelligence (AI) training program focused on nurses in rural, remote, and underserved communities. The program aims to train nurses to safely and effectively use AI in clinical environments.
Source: American Nurses Enterprise News
Aug 20, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishing a new system of records titled "Nurses for Nursing Homes Program (NNHP)," which will cover records on individuals who apply for, participate in, or otherwise support the NNHP. CMS will use these records to support the administration of Nursing Home Staffing Campaign/Nursing Incentive Program (NHSC/NIP), a nursing workforce incentive program designed to strengthen the workforce serving Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes with a focus on underserved and rural communities. This system of records is effective August 20, 2026. Comments are due September 21, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 20, 2026 - Summarizes discussions from a National Conference of State Legislatures convening regarding coordination between federal and state officials to address healthcare workforce shortages, rural healthcare access gaps, and maternal health needs. Discusses the Federally Qualified Health Center program and telehealth.
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures
Aug 20, 2026 - Describes summer camps for middle and high school students in Virginia to explore healthcare career paths with the goal of addressing workforce shortages in rural communities.
Source: VCU Health News Center
Aug 19, 2026 - Announces funding awarded for digital health modernization, cybersecurity, and enhanced interoperability in rural and underserved communities in South Dakota. The funding is part of the state's Rural Health Transformation Program allotment and comes in addition to other federal funding for increasing access to care and supporting the rural health workforce.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Aug 18, 2026 - Announces a partnership between the University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care, a tribally operated healthcare system, to establish the first medical school branch on sovereign tribal lands. The goal of the partnership is to train future physicians in tribal communities while expanding access to care for tribal residents. It's an accelerated 3-year program and includes a full scholarship. Discusses rural and tribal physician workforce shortages.
Source: University of Arizona News
Aug 17, 2026 - Highlights a rural-focused family medicine residency program in Massachusetts that aims to reduce the physician workforce shortage. Also notes contributors to the shortage including the cost of healthcare and affordable housing. Discusses the patient-physician relationship.
Source: Greenfield Recorder
Aug 12, 2026 - Offers recommendations and highlights rural assets for maternal healthcare, based on insights from leaders of 3 rural Iowa hospitals. Discusses upskilling and training the workforce, adapting guidelines, driving change, provider-patient relationships, and professional networking.
Source: Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Aug 11, 2026 - The Department of Homeland Security has issued an interim final rule and request for comments regarding mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) for certain benefits in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services process. Includes information on requesting a waiver, the availability of broadband in rural areas, and the e-filing process for H-1B visas. The interim final rule is effective August 11, 2026 and comments are due October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register