Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce
May 8, 2026 - A recent episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast features 3 healthcare and public health experts, who discuss how statewide health challenges are affecting Iowa's economy. They point out that these issues have implications for employers, workforce stability, and long-term economic growth.
Source: Business Record
May 8, 2026 - Opinion piece discussing effects of healthcare provider shortages in rural Ohio. Ohio Senate Bill 258 would would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice without the physician collaboration requirement currently in place, and might help alleviate shortages in rural and underserved areas.
Source: Ohio Capital Journal
HRSA: Notice of Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas
Federal Register
May 7, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) finalizing updates to the criteria for determining Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTAs), geographic areas within Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) that have a shortage of maternity care health professionals. This rule also summarizes and responds to comments received on the February 3, 2026, proposed rule. Updates to Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas will be implemented beginning August 15, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 7, 2026 - The Stephen F. Austin State University nursing program enrolls about 100 students a year, and is working to address a nurse shortage that is especially acute in rural communities. The Texas Health and Human Services agency estimates that by 2032 there will be a shortage of 57,000 nurses in the state.
Source: KTRE
May 5, 2026 - Highlights the role of the Texas Health Resources mobile medical simulation lab in providing on-site training for rural healthcare providers outside the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
May 5, 2026 - Announces the opening of the VA Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP), providing loan repayment support to recent physician graduates in exchange for clinical service at a VA facility. Details program eligibility and application information. The SELRP application cycle will close May 31, 2026.
Source: VA News
Related funding:
Veterans Affairs Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP)
ED: Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations
Federal Register
May 1, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Education amending the regulations for the federal student loan programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to implement changes outlined the July 4, 2025, Working Families Tax Cuts Act (Public Law 119-21). Among other things, these changes include establishing new loan limits for graduate students, professional students, and parents; phasing out the Graduate PLUS (Grad PLUS) Program; and establishing a new income-driven repayment plan known as the Repayment Assistance Plan. This final rule is effective July 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 1, 2026 - Highlights 3 graduates of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine practicing comprehensive dentistry in rural Nevada and Texas.
Source: UNLV News Center
Apr 29, 2026 - Highlights 2 participants in a Minnesota internship program aiming to attract students into rural healthcare careers. The internship includes job shadowing to expose participants to rural health practice. The health system running the program plans to expand it to other locations.
Source: Essentia Health
Apr 28, 2026 - Profiles a University of Wisconsin-Madison medical student from a Puerto Rico island with no hospital and a primary care clinic destroyed by a hurricane in 2017. Describes the transportation specific barriers for accessing healthcare for island residents, challenges in attracting healthcare professionals to the island, and the student's intention to practice there.
Source: The Cap Times