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Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Jun 25, 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 August 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 25, 2026 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold an open meeting on June 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Agenda items include a discussion of proposed rules that would ensure the reliability and interoperability of Next Generation 911 networks, among other things. The meeting can be viewed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 25, 2026 - Pre-publication notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making changes related to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for calendar year 2027 and proposing updates to the payment rate for renal dialysis services furnished by an ESRD facility to individuals with acute kidney injury (AKI). Among other things, this rule also proposes updated requirements for the ESRD Quality Incentive Program and includes requests for information (RFI) to inform future policies related to increasing home dialysis uptake, improving palliative dialysis, and supporting alternative dialysis schedules. Comments are due within 60 days of the publication of this notice, which is scheduled for June 26, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) that would amend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations to codify the reduction of the amount of the Federal government's share of annual SNAP state administrative costs from 50 percent to 25 percent beginning in fiscal year 2027. Comments are due by August 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2026 - Announces proposed bipartisan legislation to provide funding covering emergency room operating expenses for rural hospitals. Highlights how hospital closures have affected rural Missouri communities.
Source: Office of Senator Josh Hawley
Jun 24, 2026 - Notice from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeking comments on whether any additions or modifications are needed to the safe harbor regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute or the exceptions to the civil monetary penalty provision prohibiting inducements to beneficiaries for remuneration provided to individuals in connection with their participation in clinical trials. Comments are due by August 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking comments on a new information collection titled "Understanding Participant Experiences in SNAP E&T." The information collected will be used to assess the experiences of SNAP participants as they navigate work requirements, seek training opportunities through SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs, and find employment. The USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) will use the information to develop actionable recommendations that states can use to improve customer service and efficiently connect SNAP participants with training and services that reduce barriers to work. Comments are due by July 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 22, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) correcting the total number of responses listed in the June 15, 2026, notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 18, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on revisions to an information collection titled "Submission of 1135 Waiver Request Automated Process." CMS aims to better support emergency response by capturing the emergency date, simplifying ongoing status updates for stakeholders, and providing a more comprehensive view of cybersecurity incidents through expanded reporting on patient and operational impacts. The Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) initiative was codified in the Consolidate Appropriations Act, 2025, and is no longer part of the 1135 waiver information collection request. Comments are due by July 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 18, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on a request for information (RFI) regarding technical input on the services and business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their affiliates to inform implementation of recent legislation. The RFI specifically focuses on two specific legislative requirements that are effective beginning calendar year 2028: 1) restrictions on the remuneration that PBMs and their affiliates may receive for services in connection with the utilization of covered Part D drugs and 2) data reporting requirements. Comments are due by July 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register