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

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Sep 9, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) modifying an existing system of records maintained by CMS titled "Hospice Item Set (HIS) System." The amended System of Records Notice (SORN) reflects changes to now include real time data collection at the time of patient assessments to improve the understanding of patient care needs and care coordination. CMS is also changing the name of the system of records to "Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE)." This modified system of records notice is effective on September 9, 2026, with the exception of the routine uses, which are effective October 9, 2026. Comments are due within 30 days of the publication of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 9, 2026 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) seeking comments on proposed revisions to the NTIA Internet Use Survey, also referred to as the Current Population Survey (CPS) Computer and Internet Use Supplement. Revisions reflect a re-examination of the questions and language in NTIA's Internet Use Survey to ensure the resulting data meets today's needs and will allow NTIA to respond to congressional concerns and directives. The proposed survey is available on the NTIA website. Includes specific questions and topics of interest to NTIA. Comments are due by November 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 8, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing a virtual town hall meeting to be held on December 9-10, 2026, to discuss FY 2028 applications for add-on payments for new medical services and technologies under the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). Information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the New Technology website. The deadline to register to present at the meeting is November 2, 2026. Written comments and agenda items for discussion at the meeting are due by November 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
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