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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Aug 11, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting comments on the process used to accelerate Medicare coverage through the Regulatory Alignment for Predictable and Immediate Device (RAPID) coverage pathway for new technologies. The RAPID coverage pathway will provide accelerated Medicare beneficiary access to certain eligible Class II and Class III Food and Drug Administration Breakthrough-designated Devices. Comments are due October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 11, 2026 - The Department of Homeland Security has issued an interim final rule and request for comments regarding mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) for certain benefits in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services process. Includes information on requesting a waiver, the availability of broadband in rural areas, and the e-filing process for H-1B visas. The interim final rule is effective August 11, 2026 and comments are due October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 11, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration providing the Health Center Program Scope of Project Policy Manual which offers guidance on the Health Center Program project under section 330 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act. Also includes a link to comments on a previous draft of the manual.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 10, 2026 - Announces additional resources and flexibilities from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to assist with the ongoing public health emergency (PHE) in Washington beginning August 1, 2026 related to wildfires. Shares information and resources for those impacted and responding to the wildfires, including CMS waivers, 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
Aug 10, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Department of Homeland Security amending regulations regarding the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for certain H-1B and L-1 petitions. Includes a summary of comments on the policy. The regulation is effective September 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 10, 2026 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline. This program is designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by September 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 10, 2026 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments on an information collection titled "Extension to the Currently Approved 0930-0395 0930-0395 Generic Clearance for Grant Program Monitoring Activities." The proposed reports in this information collection are used to provide oversight across SAMHSA grant programs. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 7, 2026 - Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposing to rescind and replace the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Among other things, the proposed revisions intend to reduce Federal regulation and duplication; empower states, local programs, and families with greater authority and flexibility; advance the health and well-being of children and communities; and reinforce evidence-based standards for health, nutrition, and physical activity. Comments are due by October 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 7, 2026 - Notice of a proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would eliminate state and local requirements that constrain the deployment of modern high-speed wireline infrastructure in violation of section 253 of the Communications Act through the imposition of excessive delays and fees that impede infrastructure deployments and disincentivize investments in them. Specifically, the FCC seeks comments on codifying rules that would limit the fees that state and local governments may charge for a wireline telecommunications authorization to a reasonable approximation of the government's actual, direct costs of managing the rights-of-way; require that the value of in-kind compensation demanded by state and local governments count toward any safe harbor fee levels adopted by the Commission; prohibit state and local governments from imposing additional requirements on wireline telecommunications infrastructure deployments on the grounds that the infrastructure may be used to provide other services; and more. Comments are due by September 21, 2026, and reply comments are due by November 5, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 7, 2026 - Announces guidance regarding rural telecommunication rates for the Rural Health Care Program through the Federal Communications Commission.
Source: Universal Service Administrative Co.
Related funding: Rural Health Care Telecommunications (Telecom) Program