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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Jul 30, 2026 - Pre-publication notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the prospective payment system (PPS) rates for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) for fiscal year 2027. Among other things, this rule includes classification and weighting factors for the IRF prospective payment system's case-mix groups, finalizes the third and final year of the 3-year phase-out of the rural adjustments, and updates the IRF Quality Reporting Program and changes to the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program. This rule also summarizes comments received in response to requests for information regarding alternative data sources for the IRF PPS wage index and potential future IRF PPS payment reform. These regulations are effective October 1, 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
Jul 29, 2026 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a virtual combined public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Finance and Investment Committee on August 17, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items are being finalized and will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 29, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcing its implementation plan for section 403 of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which authorizes VA to provide food, shelter, transportation, and other items to homeless Veterans when necessary. This notice describes covered Veterans that may receive assistance, the types of assistance that VA may provide, and how VA will determine whether assistance is necessary. This notice is effective July 29, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 28, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Applicant Organizational National Provider Identifiers and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Certification Numbers Form, OMB No. 0906-xxxx New." HRSA proposes to collect organizational National Provider Identifiers (Type 2 NPIs) and CMS Certification Numbers (CCNs) from organizations that apply for HRSA award funding through Grants.gov. Information collected will enable HRSA to link its program and award data to publicly available external datasets that use NPIs and CCNs and will be used solely for research, evaluation, and analysis of program reach, effectiveness, and accountability. Comments are due by September 28, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 28, 2026 - Announces new proposed legislation that would offer federal funding to incentivize interstate mental healthcare through telehealth with the goal of increasing access to care for rural communities.
Source: Office of Senator Angus King
Jul 27, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowing an additional 30 days for comment on the April 21, 2026, notice regarding revisions to 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 within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 27, 2026 - Quarterly listing of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) manual instructions, substantive and interpretive regulations, and Federal Register notices published from April through June 2026, including contact information for general questions or additional information about specific sections.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 27, 2026 - Announces new proposed bipartisan legislation to protect rural hospitals from cyberattacks. The bill includes cybersecurity workforce development strategies, training for rural hospital staffs, and regular updates to Congress on implementation.
Source: Office of Representative Glenn Thompson
Jul 24, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Transaction Facilitator under Sections 11001 and 11002 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and 2) Collection of Prescription Drug Event Data from Contracted Part D Providers for Payment. Comments are due by September 22, 2026.
Source: Federal Register