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

Sep 23, 2025 - Describes legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives to extend COVID-era flexibilities for prescribing medication through telemedicine for physicians in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Discusses access issues for rural veterans as well as anxiety around seeing a doctor in a clinic.
Source: Camden News
Sep 19, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) amending the Medicare Advantage (Part C) regulations to establish a requirement for Medicare Advantage (MA) provider directory data to be submitted to CMS for publication online. This rule finalizes proposals that require MA provider directory data to be updated within 30 days of the date an MA organization becomes aware of changes to that data and that MA organizations must annually attest that the MA provider directory information is accurate. These regulations are effective November 17, 2025, and are applicable January 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 17, 2025 - Highlights proposed legislation that aims to improve access to healthcare for veterans by allowing rural Veterans Administration (VA) clinics to contract with outside healthcare providers. The bill is in response to staffing issues in VA facilities.
Source: KOLD
Sep 8, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicaid Program; Eligibility Changes under the Affordable Care Act of 2010; 2) Income and Eligibility Verification System; and 3) Medicaid Report on Payables and Receivables. Comments are due by November 7, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 5, 2025 - Blog post discussing the Rural Health Transformation Program. Provides an overview of the program and examples of early actions taken by governors. Identifies key stakeholder partners and critical policy areas related to rural health.
Source: National Governors Association
Sep 4, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making typographical corrections to the August 5, 2025, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 2, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups Reclassification Request (MS-DRGs); 2) Medicare Fee-for-Service Prepayment Review of Medical Records; 3) Medicare Program; Prior Authorization Process for Certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetic, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS); 4) Healthcare Fraud Prevention Partnership (HFPP) Data Sharing and Information Exchange; 5) Minimum Essential Coverage; and 6) Hospice Request for Certification in the Medicare Program. Comments are due by October 2, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 28, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) correcting a date in the July 9, 2025, notice.
Source: Federal Register