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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Jul 31, 2026 - Announces new bipartisan legislation that would increase access to the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) program. The bill would both add eligibility flexibility for current hospitals at risk of closure and expand access for some previously closed rural hospitals. The bill would also allow REHs to offer inpatient psychiatric care, offer limited inpatient rehabilitation services, and enter into swing bed agreements. Also notes other legislation to support rural healthcare.
Source: Office of Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
Jul 30, 2026 - Request for nominations for the Health Resources & Services Administration's Tribal Advisory Council (TAC). TAC advises HRSA staff on public health issues and collaborative approaches to addressing the needs of American Indian and Alaska Natives. Eligible nominees are elected tribal officials from Great Plains, Oklahoma, Nashville, and Phoenix. Nominations should be emailed to tribalaffairs@hrsa.gov by September 30, 2026.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Jul 29, 2026 - Describes obstetrical and gynecological workforce shortages in Wyoming. Discusses the impact of the shortages on provider burnout, availability of routine maternal healthcare, recruiting and retention in rural and other communities, and clinic finances. Discusses the focus on maternity care in Wyoming's Rural Health Transformation Program plan.
Source: WyoFile
Jul 29, 2026 - Describes a behavioral health services clinic in rural Michigan that expands access to care in a previously underserved region. Discusses services provided and early positive results.
Source: Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Jul 29, 2026 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a virtual combined public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Finance and Investment Committee on August 17, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items are being finalized and will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 28, 2026 - Announces new proposed legislation that would offer federal funding to incentivize interstate mental healthcare through telehealth with the goal of increasing access to care for rural communities.
Source: Office of Senator Angus King
Jul 27, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowing an additional 30 days for comment on the April 21, 2026, notice regarding revisions to the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). The NSFG is designed to collect nationally representative and scientifically credible data on factors related to birth and pregnancy rates, family formation and dissolution patterns, and reproductive health. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 24, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Transaction Facilitator under Sections 11001 and 11002 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and 2) Collection of Prescription Drug Event Data from Contracted Part D Providers for Payment. Comments are due by September 22, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 23, 2026 - Profiles a West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine clinic in rural Glenville, where two WVU neurologists drive from Morgantown once a month to see patients. The clinic serves people in rural areas who lack ready access to specialists.
Source: Association of American Medical Colleges
Jul 23, 2026 - Two new advanced nursing programs in West Texas are opening this fall. The programs aim to address healthcare workforce shortages and make emergency healthcare more accessible for the rural Texas Panhandle.
Source: KVII