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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare business and finance

Dec 10, 2025 - Pre-publication notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating and revising the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model (IOTA Model) for Performance Year (PY) 2, which will begin on July 1, 2026. The IOTA Model tests whether performance-based upside risk payments or downside risk payments paid to or owed by participating kidney transplant hospitals increase access to kidney transplants for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) while preserving or enhancing the quality of care and reducing Medicare expenditures. Comments are due within 60 days of the publication of this notice, which is scheduled for December 11, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 8, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "Medicaid Program Face-to-Face Requirements for Home Health Services and Supporting Regulations." Physicians must document that there was a face-to-face encounter with the Medicaid beneficiary prior to the physician certifying that home health services are required. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act permits nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and physician assistants (PAs) to certify the need for home health services and to order services in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Comments are due by February 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 8, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Health Outcomes Survey Field Test; and 2) Hospital Notice: Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON). Comments are due by January 7, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 8, 2025 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application for continued recognition of American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, dba QUAD A, for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for Rural Health Clinics that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Comments are due by January 7, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 8, 2025 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of the DNV Healthcare, Inc., for initial recognition as a national accrediting organization for Ambulatory Surgical Centers that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This approval is applicable from December 8, 2025, through December 10, 2029.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 4, 2025 - Describes emergency medical service (EMS) access challenges for a rural Missouri community after a hospital closed. Discusses ambulance response times and plans to return emergency care to the community.
Source: KOMU
Dec 4, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announcing the annual adjustment in the amount in controversy (AIC) threshold amounts for Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings and judicial review under the Medicare appeals process. The calendar year 2026 AIC threshold amounts are $200 for ALJ hearings and $1,960 for judicial review. These adjustments will be effective on January 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 4, 2025 - Highlights the work of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine in supporting rural health across the state. Discusses their work in securing funding for expanding medical training, partnering with the state's Medicaid program to advance maternal health outcomes, and supporting the emergency care workforce through professional development.
Source: Nevada Today
Dec 3, 2025 - Notice of interim final rule with comment from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) repealing provisions of the May 10, 2024, final rule titled "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting." This interim final rule removes the minimum staffing requirements outlined in the May 10, 2024, final rule and reinstates nurse staffing requirements set forth in the October 4, 2016, final rule. These regulations are effective on February 2, 2026. Comments are due by February 2, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 3, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announcing the application fee for providers initially enrolling in the Medicare or Medicaid programs, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); revalidating their Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP enrollment; or adding a new Medicare practice location. The new fee is $750 and is required for applications submitted January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Source: Federal Register