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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare facilities

Oct 9, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Applicant Organizational National Provider Identifiers and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Certification Numbers Form, OMB No. 0906-xxxx New." HRSA proposes to collect organizational National Provider Identifiers (Type 2 NPIs) and CMS Certification Numbers (CCNs) from organizations that apply for HRSA award funding through Grants.gov. Information collected will enable HRSA to link its program and award data to publicly available external datasets that use NPIs and CCNs and will be used solely for research, evaluation, and analysis of program reach, effectiveness, and accountability. Comments are due by November 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 9, 2026 - A Maine health center has avoided bankruptcy after receiving funds from Maine's Rural Health Transformation Program. The funding will allow the facility to use a new medical records system and alternative payment models.
Source: Maine Public
Oct 8, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that would amend the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) regulations. This proposed rule would allow for virtual access under the CLIA certificate of the primary testing laboratory that generated the data and the use of digital images for gynecologic cytology proficiency testing, make changes to personnel qualification requirements, and more. Comments are due by December 7, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 8, 2026 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeking comments on proposed revisions to the National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N-SUMHSS), which collects information on the substance use and mental health treatment facility locations, characteristics, and use of substance use and mental health treatment services. Proposed changes include revising the questionnaire's content on crisis services and faith-based organizations, and targeted clarifications to existing N-SUMHSS questionnaire items. Comments are due by December 7, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 7, 2026 - Describes the benefits of clinically integrated networks for rural independent hospitals and highlights the Show-Me High Value Network in Missouri.
Source: HealthLeaders Media
Oct 6, 2026 - Discusses the mixed results of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model, an experimental payment structure program that aimed to stabilize the finances of rural hospitals. Explores what worked and what did not, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the program, lessons learned about rural hospital reimbursement, and how community resources and services can impact hospital stability.
Source: WHYY
Oct 6, 2026 - Highlights U.S. Department of Agriculture rural-focused programs funded in fiscal year 2026. Funding addressed housing, disaster recovery, small business, community facilities, and community infrastructure.
Source: USDA Rural Development Newsroom
Oct 2, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implementing the Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing Model (GLOBE Model), a new Medicare payment model under section 1115A of the Social Security Act. The GLOBE Model would test whether a payment model that uses an alternative method for calculating Part B inflation rebate amounts for certain separately payable Part B drugs and biological products reduces costs for Original Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries and the Medicare program while preserving quality of care. This rule also summarizes and responds to comments received on the December 23, 2025, proposed rule, including the potential impact of this model on small rural hospitals. These regulations are effective November 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 1, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services making technical corrections to the July 31, 2026, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 1, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services making technical corrections to the August 3, 2026, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register