Rural Health
News by Topic: Maternal health and prenatal care
CDC: Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
Federal Register
Jan 15, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on a proposed information collection project titled "Assessment and Monitoring of Breastfeeding-Related Maternity Care in Intrapartum Care Facilities in the United States and Territories." The Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey is a census of maternity care hospitals in the United States and territories to better understand national breastfeeding supportive maternity practices and changes in these practices over time. Information collected will be used to identify, document, and share information related to changes in practices processes over time at the hospital, state, regional, and national levels. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 13, 2026 - Discusses reasons for labor and delivery department closures across Pennsylvania including challenges with recruiting and retaining obstetricians and gynecologists and low reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid. Also notes poor health outcomes associated with maternal healthcare deserts. Describes potential solutions including increasing access to and the scope of practice for nurse midwives and certified midwives
Source: The Pennsylvania Independent
Dec 30, 2025 - A Virginia law that went info effect Nov. 19, 2025 allows certified nurse midwives to perform newborn care on their own in hospitals, though this is not a requirement. Supporters say this change might help keep labor and delivery units open in rural areas.
Source: Cardinal News
Dec 29, 2025 - Reports on the stress placed on emergency medical services (EMS) due to labor and delivery unit shortages in Arkansas. Discusses the impact on recruiting and retaining EMS workforce, limited labor and delivery training, and long travel times for adequate care.
Source: Arkansas Advocate
Dec 4, 2025 - Highlights the work of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine in supporting rural health across the state. Discusses their work in securing funding for expanding medical training, partnering with the state's Medicaid program to advance maternal health outcomes, and supporting the emergency care workforce through professional development.
Source: Nevada Today
Nov 21, 2025 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on an information collection titled "Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)." PRAMS collects data on maternal attitudes and experiences before, during, and after pregnancy. CDC seeks to extend the approval for PRAMS data collection for 3 years. Comments are due January 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register