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Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Apr 23, 2026 - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking nominations to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Specific areas of expertise being sought include public health, application of science to health policy, and communication of scientific findings to diverse audiences. Nominations are due by May 23, 2026, to be considered for appointment beginning June 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 22, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Regulations and 2) Granting and Withdrawal of Deeming Authority to Private Nonprofit Accreditation Organizations and CLIA Exemption Under State Laboratory Programs. Comments are due by June 22, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 22, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announcing the adjusted levels of monthly benefits in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) Program. These benefit levels are applicable January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 22, 2026 - The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comments on an information collection regarding revisions to multiple forms used for management of the Health Center Program. Comments are due by May 22, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 21, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on proposed revisions to information collection project titled "The National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG)." The NSFG is designed to collect nationally representative and scientifically credible data on factors related to birth and pregnancy rates, family formation and dissolution patterns, and reproductive health. Comments are due by June 22, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 21, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on an existing information collection project titled "Extended Evaluation of the National Tobacco Prevention and Control Public Education Campaign." The goal of the information collection is to evaluate the reach of the Tips From Former Smokers® (Tips®) campaign among intended audiences and to examine the effectiveness of these efforts in impacting specific outcomes that are targeted by Tips, including quit attempts and intentions to quit among smokers, nonsmokers' communications about the dangers of smoking, and knowledge of smoking-related diseases among both audiences. Comments are due by June 22, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 21, 2026 - Announces additional resources and flexibilities from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to assist with the ongoing public health emergency (PHE) in Hawaii declared on March 10, 2026 related to the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. Shares information and resources for those impacted and responding to the severe storms and flooding, including CMS waivers, a period of special healthcare enrollment, a disaster toolkit, dialysis care, medical equipment and supplies replacement, access to Medicare Part D medications, and health information privacy and accessibility resources.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Apr 20, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on a proposed information collection titled "Submissions of Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) Waiver Submission and Data Collection." The AHCAH initiative was codified in the Consolidate Appropriations Act, 2025. As a result, the AHCAH information collection request is being separated from the 1135 waiver information collection request. Comments are due by June 22, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 20, 2026 - Examines ways in which rural communities can create accountable care programs, using funds from the Rural Health Transformation Program. Notes that rural areas have tighter social networks, clearer referral pathways, and fewer competing delivery systems, which can support accountable care after infrastructure is in place.
Source: Health Affairs
Apr 20, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) changes related to insurance requirements under the Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Direct Loan and Grant programs. This final rule will align USDA Rural Development insurance coverage types, amounts, and deductibles with affordable housing industry standards to simplify the coverage amounts and deductible limits, and improve customer experience with updated and understandable insurance requirements. This rule is effective May 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register