Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce
Nov 5, 2026 - Highlights successes in the first year of a South Carolina program focusing on addressing malnutrition in adults through protein prescription and nutrition education. Also describes how public health students were involved with executing the program and the future of the project.
Source: Clemson News
Nov 5, 2026 - Pre-publication notice of a final rule with comment period from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making changes to the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system for calendar year 2027, including changes to the amounts and factors used to determine the payment rates for Medicare services paid under the OPPS and those paid under the ASC payment systems. Among other things, this rule updates and refines requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting Program; finalizes the implementation of provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, regarding off-campus outpatient departments of a provider; and announces notices of closure of teaching hospitals and opportunities to apply for available slots. Comments are due by January 4, 2027. This rule is effective January 1, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 4, 2026 - The University of Alabama at Birmingham is building a new dental clinic in an attempt to address rural dental shortages in north Alabama. Describes the decline of dental workforce in the state and how the clinic is funded.
Source: Oral Health
Nov 3, 2026 - Profiles the new leader of a nursing program in Nevada focused on healthcare in rural, mountainous, and frontier communities. Discusses not only her background in rural health but also how the program will support the future workforce.
Source: Nevada Today
Nov 3, 2026 - Discusses long-term provider recruitment plans as a strategy to limit gaps in care for rural hospitals, particularly as the existing workforce ages. Describes best practices including considering both current and future needs, succession planning, opportunities for improved operational efficiencies, opportunities for feedback, relationship building, and a culture of retention.
Source: Stroudwater Associates
Nov 3, 2026 - Discusses recruiting and retaining cybersecurity workforce for rural health systems, noting challenges such as competitive pay and increased workload when someone leaves. Describes how those challenges can be addressed through cross-training and promoting rural culture.
Source: HealthTech Magazine
Nov 2, 2026 - Discusses non-emergency medical transportation, including both the benefits of the service and the health impacts on patients who lack transportation. Highlights ongoing research investigating the service in Minnesota, including the impact on hospital finances, reimbursement issues, and certifying drivers.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Oct 29, 2026 - The Mountain Plains Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (MP ROTAC) is seeking feedback on the training, technical assistance, and support needs related to opioid, stimulant, and other substance use challenges impacting communities throughout the Mountain Plains region. Eligible stakeholders can submit feedback through November 15th, 2026.
Oct 26, 2026 - Describes the challenges with introducing rural students into nursing education programs to address the workforce shortages. Highlights one hospital that supported existing employees in continuing their education through a "grow-your-own" model.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Oct 26, 2026 - Highlights a Missouri program that helps healthcare employers provide childcare support for their employees in an effort to attract and retain workforce. The program is being expanded with Rural Health Transformation Program money. Discusses the challenges with finding child care in rural communities.
Source: The Beacon: Kansas City