Rural Health
News by Topic: Hospitals
Sep 21, 2026 - More neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have opened across Oklahoma, increasing access for rural familie across the state.
Source: News 9
CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Application From DNV Healthcare USA Inc. (DNV) for Continued CMS-Approval of its Hospital Accreditation Program
Federal Register
Sep 17, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announces the approval of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. (DNV) as a national accrediting organization for hospitals that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This approval is applicable from September 26, 2026, through September 26, 2032.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 16, 2026 - Describes projects funded in the first round of Rural Health Transformation Program funding in South Carolina. Projects include equipment and facility upgrades, mobile healthcare, telehealth, and a rural health needs study. Highlights financial struggles for hospitals in rural South Carolina.
Source: South Carolina Daily Gazette
Sep 10, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced awards to 132 hospitals in 13 states through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program. This will help eligible small rural hospitals maintain their workforce, sustain essential services, and strengthen patients' access to care.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
CMS: Medicare Program; Town Hall Meeting on the Fiscal Year 2028 Applications for New Technology Add-On Payments
Federal Register
Sep 8, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing a virtual town hall meeting to be held on December 9-10, 2026, to discuss FY 2028 applications for add-on payments for new medical services and technologies under the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). Information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the New Technology website. The deadline to register to present at the meeting is November 2, 2026. Written comments and agenda items for discussion at the meeting are due by November 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 8, 2026 - Discusses the impact of labor and delivery department closures across the nation and highlights one Minnesota hospital that has managed to maintain labor and delivery services in spite of the trends. Describes budgeting and patient relationships as key factors in their success.
Source: NPR
Sep 1, 2026 - Highlights a new hospital in rural Louisiana funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Community Facilities Program. The new facility will offer area residents greater access and a more modern experience by replacing the existing facility.
Source: USDA Rural Development Newsroom
Aug 26, 2026 - Highlights the agenda for MedPAC meetings in 2026-2027. Topics to be discussed include Medicare Part D spending, the enrollment process, quality measurement and value-based payment programs, cost-sharing liability for Rural Health Clinics, the impact of converting a hospital to Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) status, reimbursement rates including for REHs, and Medicare Advantage (MA). Offers recommendations for engaging with the group and information on scheduled publications.
Source: MedPAC News
Aug 20, 2026 - Highlights a philanthropic program in 9 states to ensure rural hospitals have access to generic drugs during drug shortages. Discusses how the pilot program will offer rural hospitals more consistency in drug availability, potential cost savings, and the goal to offer the program nationally.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Aug 12, 2026 - Offers recommendations and highlights rural assets for maternal healthcare, based on insights from leaders of 3 rural Iowa hospitals. Discusses upskilling and training the workforce, adapting guidelines, driving change, provider-patient relationships, and professional networking.
Source: Institute for Healthcare Improvement