Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services
Dec 10, 2025 - Describes a mental health awareness and crisis response training being used to fill gaps in mental healthcare access for rural communities. Notes health disparities for rural residents due to shortages of mental health workforce and resources.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Public Inspection: CMS: Medicare Program: Alternative Payment Model Updates and the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model
Federal Register
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
CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
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 - 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
FDA: Revocation of Emergency Use of a Drug Product During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Availability
Federal Register
Dec 8, 2025 - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked an Emergency Use Authorization issued to Genentech, Inc. (Genentech) for Actemra (tocilizumab). The revocation is effective August 8, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 5, 2025 - Highlights a prostate cancer awareness program for African American men in local barber shops. The initiative offers educational resources in addition to barber-initiated conversations on lifestyle and wellness screenings. Discusses the importance of building connections in trusted environments.
Source: ECU Health
Dec 5, 2025 - The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking comments on proposed revisions to the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). NSCH is designed to collect data on the physical and emotional health of children age 18 and younger, including information related to access to healthcare, family interactions, and school and after-school experiences, among other things. Comments are due by February 3, 2026.
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 - Highlights Montana State University's Center for Research on Rural Education after a decade of work. Discusses access to mental health professionals in schools, mental health awareness building among students, and support for recruiting and retaining teachers.
Source: MSU News
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