This website is being reviewed for updates. Some information is offline. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Legislation and regulations

Feb 23, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical corrections to the November 25, 2025, final rule. This correction is applicable January 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 23, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) making corrections to the February 2, 2024, final rule titled "Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder." These corrections are effective February 23, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 13, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Emergency and Foreign Hospital Services and Supporting Regulation in 42 CFR 424.103; 2) Consumer Experience Survey Data Collection; 3) Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary; and 4) Transformed—Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS). Comments are due by April 14, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 12, 2026 - Highlights policy efforts in the Mississippi legislature aiming to support rural hospitals in creating new revenue streams through new services. The proposed legislation amends certificate of need regulations in the state.
Source: Mississippi Today
Feb 12, 2026 - Announces a bipartisan bill to permanently extend COVID-era Medicare telehealth flexibilities for rural areas.
Source: Office of Representative Zach Nunn
Feb 11, 2026 - Congressional representatives Andrea Salinas (OR), John Moolenaar (MI), Jill Tokuda (HI), and James Moylan (Guam) have introduced the Rural Health Care Facilities Revitalization Act, a bill to strengthen the nation's rural healthcare infrastructure and ease financial pressures faced by rural hospitals. The bill authorizes rural health facilities to use Community Facility Loans or loan guarantees from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to refinance debt, update technology, and support operating expenses to ensure financial stability.
Source: Office of Congresswoman Andrea Salinas
Feb 9, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on a new matching program between CMS and the Social Security Administration (SSA) titled "Determining Enrollment or Eligibility for Insurance Affordability Programs Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." This matching program will provide CMS with information for determining individuals' eligibility for enrollment in a Qualified Health Plan, issuing certificates of exemption, and eligibility redeterminations and renewals. Comments are due by March 11, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 6, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers; 2) 13th SOW Quality Innovation Network—Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) and American Indian Alaskan Native (AIAN) Measure Data Collection; and 3) Conditions of Participation for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities' (PRTFs) Use of Restraint & Seclusion. Comments are due by March 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 5, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) establishing a new registration category for emergency medical services (EMS) agencies that handle controlled substances in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017. This rule creates standards for registering EMS agencies; establishes requirements for delivery, storage, and recordkeeping related to their handling of controlled substances; and allows EMS professionals to administer controlled substances outside the physical presence of a medical director or authorizing medical professional while providing emergency medical services. This rule is effective March 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 5, 2026 - Describes proposed bipartisan legislation permanently authorizing telescreening mammography services in rural and other areas for veterans.
Source: The Office of Representative Glenn Thompson