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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Jul 31, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the FY 2027 prospective payment rates, outlier threshold, and wage index for Medicare Inpatient Hospital Services provided by inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPF), including psychiatric hospitals and excluded psychiatric units of an acute care hospital or Critical Access Hospital. Among other things, this rule also refines the IPF PPS outlier policy, implements a standardized IPF patient assessment, and removes two measures used in the IPF Quality Reporting Program. These regulations are effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 31, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) payment rates for fiscal year 2027. This rule also updates the requirements for the SNF Quality Reporting Program and the SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program. These regulations are effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 31, 2026 - Announces the revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program to use a claims-based rebate approach. Eligible manufacturers must submit rebate plans by August 24, 2026 for pricing periods effective January 1, 2027.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Jul 31, 2026 - Announces new bipartisan legislation that would increase access to the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) program. The bill would both add eligibility flexibility for current hospitals at risk of closure and expand access for some previously closed rural hospitals. The bill would also allow REHs to offer inpatient psychiatric care, offer limited inpatient rehabilitation services, and enter into swing bed agreements. Also notes other legislation to support rural healthcare.
Source: Office of Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
Jul 31, 2026 - Pre-publication notice announcing that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold an open meeting on August 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Agenda items include a discussion of a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order that would seek comment on several improvements to the Rural Health Care Program, among other things. The meeting can be viewed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 30, 2026 - Announces a virtual public meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Classifications and Public Health Data Standards, ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance (C&M) Committee to be held on September 15-16, 2026. The agenda includes a discussion of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS topics, a list of which is provided in the notice. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 30, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing updates to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes on the Master List, as well as HCPCS codes on the Required Face-to-Face Encounter and Written Order Prior to Delivery List and the Required Prior Authorization List. These updates, excluding prior authorization requirements for upper limb orthoses, are effective October 28, 2026. Prior authorization requirements for upper limb orthoses will be implemented in three phases, and will be effective in all states and territories on April 26, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 30, 2026 - Request for nominations for the Health Resources & Services Administration's Tribal Advisory Council (TAC). TAC advises HRSA staff on public health issues and collaborative approaches to addressing the needs of American Indian and Alaska Natives. Eligible nominees are elected tribal officials from Great Plains, Oklahoma, Nashville, and Phoenix. Nominations should be emailed to tribalaffairs@hrsa.gov by September 30, 2026.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Jul 30, 2026 - The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comments on an information collection regarding revisions to multiple forms used for monitoring and evaluating the Health Center Program. Comments are due by September 28, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 29, 2026 - Discusses the goals of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, a federal opportunity to expand broadband access to underserved locations. Describes how the funding is being deployed at the state level, what technology is being used, and challenges that remain.
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures