Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce
Nov 6, 2026 - 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
Public Inspection: CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Cutting Administrative Requirements for Excellence in Patient Care
Federal Register
Nov 6, 2026 - Pre-publication notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposing to modify, remove, or streamline Medicare and Medicaid regulations deemed obsolete or excessively burdensome on healthcare providers and suppliers. These changes aim to reduce costs, enhance flexibility in delivering innovative care, and streamline existing regulations. Outlines proposed revisions for hospitals, long-term care facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, Rural Emergency Hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Among other things, this proposed rule includes requests for information on potential changes to regulations regarding transplant programs, supervision of anesthesia services, and hospital and CAH respiratory illness and infectious disease data reporting. Comments are due 60 days after the publication of this notice, which is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 5, 2026 - Highlights rates of mental health conditions in children as well as the distribution of mental health providers both nationally and in North Carolina. Highlights a telepsychiatry program that aims to increase access to care for youth across the state.
Source: America's Health Rankings
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 - Describes a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offering regulatory revisions to Conditions of Participation, Conditions for Coverage, and Requirements for Participation for Medicare- and Medicaid-participating providers and suppliers. Impacted facilities include Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals, among others. Also requests comments regarding other policies such as long-term care facility discharge; data reporting requirements; physician supervision of certified registered nurse anesthetists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners; transplant program certification; and other policies addressing Medicaid institutional workforce.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Newsroom
Nov 5, 2026 - Describes a Texas program connecting rural emergency medical services (EMS) with hospital physicians through technology. The increased communication allows EMS providers to offer better care and prepare hospitals for the patient's arrival. Discusses how the EMS providers are trained.
Source: KCBD
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