Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

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 24, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments on the adequacy of the categories currently used in federal vaccine recommendations: routine (universal) recommendations, risk-based recommendations, and recommendations based on shared clinical decision-making. HHS also seeks comments on the considerations that should be relied upon in setting vaccine recommendations. Comments are due by September 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 21, 2026 - Summarizes discussions among policymakers and maternal healthcare stakeholders in Arkansas regarding maternal and postpartum healthcare access across the state. Includes discussion on labor and delivery department losses and barriers to care with particular focus on rural communities.
Source: 40/29 News
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 21, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection request titled "Faculty Loan Repayment Program OMB No. 0906-0082—Revision." Among other things, proposed revisions include two new forms and updating terminology regarding "Disadvantaged Backgrounds." Comments are due by October 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 20, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on the extension of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for 2027. In addition, the CDC is interested in comments regarding a redesign of NHIS for 2028. The draft questionnaires for 2028 are available on the NHIS website. Comments are due by October 19, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 20, 2026 - Summarizes discussions from a National Conference of State Legislatures convening regarding coordination between federal and state officials to address healthcare workforce shortages, rural healthcare access gaps, and maternal health needs. Discusses the Federally Qualified Health Center program and telehealth.
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures
Aug 20, 2026 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on September 15, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items are being finalized and will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 19, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Voluntary Partner Survey on HRSA Customer Service—OMB No. 0906-0084—Revision." This information collection request will gather feedback about stakeholder experiences with HRSA programs, resources, training experiences, internal procedures, and other standard interactions between HRSA and stakeholders with the goal of improving federal government service delivery. Comments are due by October 19, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
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