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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce shortage designations

Feb 3, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on proposed 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. Comments are due by March 5, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 9, 2026 - Baylor University has conducted a scoping review of rural nursing workforce recruitment and retention programs across the U.S., to address shortages of registered nurses. The study highlights what is being done to support the nurses' rural communities, and which strategies work best.
Source: Baylor College of Medicine
Dec 17, 2025 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comments on an information collection titled "Shortage Designation Management System OMB No. 0906-0029-Extension." The Shortage Designation Management System (SDMS) is used to accept applications for determining Health Professional Shortage Areas and Medically Underserved Area/Medically Underserved Population (MUA/P) designations. Comments are due January 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register