Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy
Jan 9, 2026 - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is accepting nominations for appointment to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) by February 6, 2026. Appointments are effective May 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 8, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Bureau of Health Workforce Performance Data Collection, OMB No. 0906-0086-Revision." Information collected is used to analyze and report on Bureau of Health Workforce grantee training activities and education, identify details about the practice locations where trainees work after program completion, and report outcomes of funded initiatives. Data collected from these grant programs will inform policymakers on the barriers, opportunities, and outcomes involved in healthcare workforce development. Comments are due by March 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 8, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Enrollment and Re-Certification of Entities in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, OMB No. 0915-0327—Revision." HRSA requires covered entities to submit administrative information, certifying information, and attestation from appropriate grantee-level or entity-level authorizing officials and primary contacts in order to enroll and certify the eligibility of federally funded grantees and other safety net health care providers. Comments are due by February 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 7, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection regarding a form related to the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) rural payment reporting activities. The information collection is used to assess if statutory and programmatic requirements are met; conduct audits; report on findings with respect to the disbursements of PRF and ARP Rural payments; and for the program evaluation. Comments are due by February 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 7, 2026 - The Quality Payment Program is seeking feedback from the general public on the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Value Pathway (MVP) candidates for 2027. Feedback will be reviewed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for consideration in future rulemaking. Comments are due February 6, 2026.
Source: Quality Payment Program, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jan 6, 2026 - Describes suicide disparities for rural areas compared to urban ones and factors contributing to higher rural rates. Highlights policy measures addressing rural suicide in Montana and Washington.
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures
Jan 6, 2026 - Describes findings from a recent study evaluating access to sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) in Kentucky. Notes planned policy efforts as a result of study findings. Discusses rural-specific challenges with maintaining access to SANEs including training and retaining workforce.
Source: Kentucky Lantern
Jan 5, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposing amendments the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations. Among other things, this rule proposes rescinding the requirements added to the CCDF regulations in the March 2024 final rule, including limiting family co-payments to 7 percent of family income, providing some direct services through grants or contract, paying providers based on child's enrollment, and paying providers prospectively. Comments are due by February 4, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
HRSA: Update to the Women's Preventive Services Guidelines
Federal Register
Jan 5, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announcing updates to the HRSA-supported Women's Preventive Services Guidelines relating to cervical cancer screening. For most non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage, this update will take effect in 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 2, 2026 - Announces that the COVID-19 public health emergency telemedicine flexibilities have been extended until December 31, 2026. Notes that the flexibility increases access to prescriptions for controlled medications for rural residents and others.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services