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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Legislation and regulations

Sep 10, 2026 - The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would add two new regulations regarding the decennial census. The proposed additions would outline the residence criteria used for identifying each person's "usual residence" and establish standards and restrictions for the inclusion of certain demographic questions on the decennial census short-form questionnaire and any other questionnaire used for the enumeration of the population. Comments are due by October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 10, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) making corrections to the August 25, 2026, proposed rule titled "Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions."
Source: Federal Register
Sep 4, 2026 - Describes the loss of childcare slots across North Carolina and the financial and regulatory challenges with offering childcare services. Highlights 2 rural childcare pilot programs that will inform future policy to address identified challenges.
Sep 1, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Survey of Retail Prices; 2) Basic Health Program (BHP) Supporting Regulations; and 3) Solicitation for Applications for Medicare Prescription Drug Plan 2028 Contracts. Comments are due by November 2, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 31, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on possible Rural Health Care (RHC) Program improvements related to Telecommunications (Telecom) Program support calculations, RHC Program supported services, and RHC Program processes. Specifically, the FCC is interested in comments on the scope of the similar service and rural area comparability requirements, existing cost study method of determining rural telecommunications rates, a proposal to establish an eligible services list for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program, and more. Comments are due by September 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 28, 2026 - Notice from the Office of Personnel Management; Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of the Treasury; Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), Department of Labor (DOL); and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) correcting typographical errors and omissions in the June 4, 2026, final rule. The corrections are applicable on August 3, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 25, 2026 - Notice of proposed rulemaking from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposing to establish a $103,265 fee, payable at the time of filing, for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption. The proposed fee would be in addition to all other applicable fees or payments. This fee would serve as a dedicated revenue mechanism to help recover a portion of the federal government's costs of administering the lawful immigration system. Comments are due by September 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 21, 2026 - Discusses recent federal and state policy measures supporting the community health worker workforce including the Rural Health Transformation Program, training and certification, and sustainable funding.
Source: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
Aug 19, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) and Rural Housing Service (RHS) proposing to rescind USDA Rural Development and RBCS regulations regarding construction and repairs. Among other things, the proposed rescissions are intended to reduce Federal regulation and duplication since local building codes and permitting systems already protect federal investments by ensuring structural integrity, safety, and compliance for construction and development. Comments are due by October 19, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 17, 2026 - Notice from the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) extending the comment period for the June 24, 2026, proposed rule titled "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Changes in Federal-State Administrative Cost Sharing." Comments are now due September 8, 2026.
Source: Federal Register