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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Sep 4, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection related to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). FNA proposes to update the currently approved WIC FMNP burden estimates and merge the WIC FMNP burden estimates with the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) information collection activities. Comments are due by November 3, 2026.
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 4, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection titled "Rural Development (RD) Loan Modernization Initiative." RD is developing an Online Loan Application for the applicants to submit requests for Direct Loan assistance electronically. Initial release of the online application system will be available for RBCS Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, and then RHS Community Facilities programs and RUS Water and Environmental Programs. Comments are due by November 3, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 3, 2026 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public meeting of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) on September 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern. The agenda and instructions on how to register for the meeting will be posted on the FRRCC website. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
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
Sep 1, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is seeking nominations of candidates to be considered for appointment as members of the Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (TIAC). TIAC facilitates intergovernmental communication between HUD and leaders of federally recognized tribes on all HUD programs and provides advice on the development of HUD's American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) housing priorities. Nominations 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 proposals to improve the administration of the Universal Service Fund, including the structure of USF administration, operating costs associated with USF administration, and the impact of the Universal Service Administrative Company's (USAC) Board of Directors on USF administration. Comments are due by September 30, 2026, and reply comments are due by October 30, 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 Administration for Children and Families (ACF) seeking comments on a data collection related to a new cohort of children and families for the National and State Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSSCAW). NSSCAW will provide state and national estimates on the well-being, experiences, and service needs and receipt of children and families involved with the child welfare system. Comments are due by September 28, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 28, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection request titled "The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs, OMB No. 0915-0127—Revision." Among other things, proposed revisions include two new forms and updating terminology regarding "Disadvantaged Backgrounds." Comments are due by October 27, 2026.
Source: Federal Register