Rural Health
News by Topic: Patient privacy
Mar 22, 2026 - Describes a research initiative investigating how artificial intelligence and mobile clinics might be used to increase access to care in rural areas with workforce shortages. Highlights rural healthcare access disparities and implementation challenges related to broadband and patient privacy.
Source: The Independent Florida Alligator
HHS: Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Federal Register
Feb 17, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) partially modifying an existing system of records maintained by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) titled "Program Information Management System (PIMS)." The system of records consists of an electronic repository of information and documents about individual members of the public who submit or are named or otherwise involved in civil rights, conscience and religious freedom, and health information privacy-related complaints received by and compliance reviews conducted by OCR and individuals who submit reports to OCR about breaches of unsecured protected health information. OCR uses the system of records to manage documents and information related to OCR's civil rights and health information privacy authorities and activities. Comments are due by March 19, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Federal Register
Feb 13, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on an information collection titled "CMS Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Enrollment Registration, CMS EDI Enrollment Form, and CMS EDI Enrollment Attestation Form." The forms collect essential information necessary to identify Medicare providers and suppliers during electronic transactions, authorize requested EDI functions, and establish appropriate access privileges for healthcare entities. These forms ensure compliance with HIPAA transaction standards while implementing strengthened security requirements for billing vendors and clearing houses that handle Medicare data. Comments are due by March 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register