Rural Health
News by Topic: Occupational health and safety
Jan 27, 2026 - Pre-publication notice of proposed rulemaking from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on potential options for Medicare participating hospitals to help foster a more resilient supply chain for American-made personal protective equipment and essential medicines, as well as a possible new "Secure American Medical Supplies" friendly designation that could be earned by hospitals. Among other things, this notice also seeks input on a potential new structural quality measure as part of the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Program that could promote hospital commitments to invest in domestic procurement. Comments are due within 60 days of the publication of this notice, which is scheduled for January 29, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 23, 2025 - Describes the work conditions putting Colorado farmers at
risk for skin cancer, alongside cancer healthcare access
challenges for rural communities. Notes that skin cancer
caught early is often successfully treated.
Source: KOAA News 5
CDC: Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
Federal Register
Dec 22, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on a proposed information collection project titled "National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Respiratory Data." This information collection is designed to standardize the data elements collected from across the country regarding the impact of respiratory viruses on healthcare facilities. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 17, 2025 - Discusses alpha-gal syndrome, a tickborne allergy to red meat and dairy, and the challenges with cattle farming due to the condition. Describes what is still unknown about the condition as well as the higher risk of tick exposures for livestock producers.
Source: KBIA
Dec 1, 2025 - Offers tips for avoiding grain bin auger incidents, noting that injuries peak between January and June. Explores data showing risk factors for injury related to activity and age.
Source: Indiana Prairie Farmer