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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce

Sep 23, 2026 - Executive Order from the Office of the President regarding the H-1B program. Among other things, this Executive Order directs the Secretary of State, Secretary of Labor, and Secretary of Homeland Security to coordinate and consult with the Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Education, and Administrator of the Small Business Administration to ensure the compliance of H-1B petitions and visas with regulatory requirements.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 22, 2026 - Announces a free Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supported conference for 988 and behavioral health crisis system state, territory, and tribal grantees, federal partners, subject-matter experts, providers, and other key partners to discuss strengthening crisis services and systems, as well as network with colleagues. The conference is December 15-17, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Rural response in crisis care is a topic of interest.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Sep 22, 2026 - Announces newly awarded funding for telehealth and technology-enabled learning projects focused on testing innovative solutions, increasing access to nutrition services, and improving provider retention to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Sep 18, 2026 - Describes technology being used in Nebraska that may facilitate better access to healthcare for rural patients and enhanced training for healthcare students.
Source: WOWT
Sep 17, 2026 - Discusses recent research highlighting labor and delivery service access issues and describes challenges for rural Missouri. Discusses long travel times to care, why offering labor and delivery care is challenging for rural facilities, and how Rural Health Transformation Program funding is supporting doula and other services aiming to fill gaps.
Source: KCUR, NPR
Sep 16, 2026 - Highlights a Virginia community paramedicine program and describes the challenges faced in offering the service, most notably funding and workforce. Discusses how community paramedicine can relieve strain on community emergency services which are often volunteer-run in rural communities.
Source: Cardinal News
Sep 14, 2026 - Highlights a healthcare career exploration event for rural middle school students in Tennessee.
Source: ETSU News
Sep 11, 2026 - Notice of proposed rulemaking from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposing to remove the availability of the up to 60-day discretionary grace period upon cessation of employment for individuals in certain nonimmigrant classifications. Comments are due by November 10, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 10, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) making corrections to the August 25, 2026, proposed rule titled "Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions."
Source: Federal Register
Sep 10, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced awards to 132 hospitals in 13 states through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program. This will help eligible small rural hospitals maintain their workforce, sustain essential services, and strengthen patients' access to care.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services