Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce
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
DHS: Mandatory Electronic Filing (e-Filing)
Federal Register
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
Aug 10, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Department of Homeland Security amending regulations regarding the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for certain H-1B and L-1 petitions. Includes a summary of comments on the policy. The regulation is effective September 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 10, 2026 - Describes a community paramedicine program in Idaho and hopes to expand it using Rural Health Transformation Program funding. Discusses the role paramedics play in addressing chronic and non-urgent health conditions in areas with workforce shortages.
Source: Idaho Capital Sun
Aug 6, 2026 - New medical residents are joining a rural Oregon practice as part of the Oregon Health & Science University graduate medical program. Discusses how the program can expand access to healthcare in central Oregon.
Source: KTVZ
Aug 6, 2026 - Describes a telehealth pilot program in Montana to address rural child abuse by connecting rural providers with training, resources, and referrals to medical providers who have specialized training in child abuse care. Discusses the lifelong health, wellness, and economic challenges that can be avoided through early intervention.
Source: University of Montana News
Aug 5, 2026 - Describes the Rural Immersion Program, a program in Missouri offering healthcare students more information on the challenges associated with rural healthcare and wellness in Missouri.
Source: KTTN