Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare facilities
Oct 23, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "National Practitioner Data Bank for Adverse Information on Physicians and Other Health Care Practitioners—45 CFR part 60 Regulations and Forms, OMB No. 0906-0081—Revision." The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) aims to improve the quality of healthcare by encouraging hospitals, state licensing boards, professional societies, and other eligible entities providing healthcare services to identify and discipline those who engage in unprofessional behavior, and to restrict the ability of incompetent healthcare practitioners, providers, or suppliers to move from state to state without disclosure or discovery of previous damaging or incompetent performance. Comments are due by November 23, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 22, 2026 - Discusses new proposed New Jersey legislation that would establish micro-hospitals to support hospital access in rural communities. The legislation would allow hospitals to offer fewer services that are underutilized. Notes other states that have opened micro-hospitals.
Source: New Jersey Monitor
Oct 21, 2026 - Rural hospitals can apply for Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grants through their states, but some are hesitant to sign up. Highlights areas of concern, including the lack of staff to complete the application process and sustainability of programs, among other things.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Oct 20, 2026 - The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comments on an information collection regarding revisions to multiple forms used for monitoring and evaluating the Health Center Program. Comments are due by November 19, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 13, 2026 - West Virginia will provide $1,656,432 in Rural Health Transformation Program funds to the West Virginia Primary Care Association and $500,000 to the Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers. The money is intended to improve coordination among providers, strengthen data sharing, and modernize clinic operations to provide more efficient and accessible healthcare.
Source: West Virginia Watch
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
SAMHSA: Agency Information Collection Activities Comment Request
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