Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services
HHS: Termination of Declaration Authorizing Emergency Use of Drug and Biological Products During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Federal Register
Jul 2, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) terminating the March 27, 2020, declaration authorizing the emergency use of drugs and biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 29, 2026, the HHS Secretary determined that the circumstances no longer exist justifying this authorization of emergency use of drugs and biological products. The termination of the declaration is effective June 29, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
HHS: Termination of Three Declarations Authorizing Emergency Use of Medical Devices During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Federal Register
Jul 2, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) terminating three declarations that authorized the emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2; personal respiratory protective devices during the COVID-19 outbreak; and medical devices, including alternative products used as medical devices. On June 29, 2026, the HHS Secretary determined that the circumstances no longer exist justifying the emergency use of these medical devices. These declarations are terminated effective December 26, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 2, 2026 - Describes a pilot program using an at-home prescription drug dispensing unit to help rural Minnesota residents with mobility issues remain in their homes in spite of healthcare access challenges. The initiative was started following a community health needs assessment showing almost 50% of residents have difficulty accessing healthcare. The initiative is expanding to more communities.
Source: KAAL
Jul 2, 2026 - Describes a maternal care training program for emergency responders and hospital staff in rural Florida where maternal care is limited. The training includes simulations of emergency scenarios, preparing the trainees to handle critical issues to allow for safe patient transfers to specialty care.
Source: Fox 13
Jul 2, 2026 - Describes primary care challenges in Texas and discusses how those challenges are reflected in primary care nationally. Challenges discussed include access to care, clinician administrative burden, workforce, and coordinating reform efforts. Notes that primary care in rural, frontier, and underserved regions of Texas support community stability and vitality. Highlights broad policy options for supporting primary care.
Source: Commonwealth Fund
HRSA: Lists of Designated Primary Medical Care, Mental Health, and Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas
Federal Register
Jul 1, 2026 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces the availability of the complete lists of all geographic areas, population groups, and facilities designated as primary care, mental health, and/or dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HPSA designations that are currently proposed for withdrawal will remain in this status until they are re-evaluated in preparation for the publication of the HPSA Federal Register notice on or before July 1, 2027. Lists are available on the shortage areas topic page on data.hrsa.gov and are current as of April 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 1, 2026 - Highlights a rapid response paramedic pilot program focused on decreasing response times for medical emergencies in rural Minnesota. Describes the use of pickup trucks rather than ambulances to quickly provide onsite medical care and assess whether an ambulance is needed for transport.
Source: MPR News
Jun 30, 2026 - Describes the accomplishments of an Oklahoma mobile mental health unit after 1 year of service. Notes that rural areas in particular face access challenges in a state where every county is a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area.
Source: News On 6
Jun 30, 2026 - Highlights common rural hospital healthcare delivery challenges as identified by Wisconsin hospital CEOs. Discusses nursing workforce shortages, employee burnout, reimbursement rates, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, home health, Medicare Advantage, and maintaining inpatient care access.
Source: Farm Progress: Wisconsin Agriculturist
Jun 29, 2026 - Describes proposed legislation that makes changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program and requests feedback on the proposal. Comments are due by August 28, 2026.
Source: U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions