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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Dec 22, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) External Quality Review (EQR) of Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Managed Care, EQR Protocols, and Supporting Regulations; and 2) Medicaid Drug Program. Comments are due by February 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 22, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on an information collection titled "Medical Necessity and Contract Amendments Under Mental Health Parity." CMS uses the information collected and reported in an oversight role of State Medicaid managed care programs. Comments are due by January 21, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 22, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the establishment of the Office of Rural Health Transformation within the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS). Functions include administration of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The Office of Rural Health Transformation took effect on December 18, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 22, 2025 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection titled "Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Initiative in the U.S. Triannual Report OMB No. 0906-0051—Revision." HRSA proposes to revise a footnote to provide clarity on existing instruction. Comments are due January 21, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 22, 2025 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on an information collection related to the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) and the Pediatric Specialty LRP. The information collected is used to assess an applicant's eligibility and qualifications for the STAR and Pediatric Specialty LRPs. Summarizes a comment already received. Comments are due by January 21, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2025 - Notice from the U.S. Census Bureau seeking comments on the extension of forms related to the American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey. Comments are due by February 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2025 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) prohibiting the use of Medicaid funds for procedures identified as gender-affirming care for children under 18. Additionally the rule prohibits the use of federal Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds for procedures identified as gender-affirming care for children under 19. Comments are due February 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2025 - A notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the requirements of participation for Medicare and Medicaid certified hospitals. The proposed rule prohibits Medicare-participating hospitals from performing certain procedures associated with gender dysphoria on children. Comments are due February 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2025 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revising 45 CFR 84.4(g) in the regulation implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section 504) as it applies to recipients of HHS funding to exclude gender dysphoria from the definition of "disability" and "individual with a disability." This proposed rule intends to clarify the May 9, 2024, final rule titled, "Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance." HHS seeks comments on the impact of the proposed rule, the impact of the May 9, 2024 rule, and regulatory alternatives as described in Section IV of this notice. Comments are due January 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 18, 2025 - The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (BSC, NCIPC). BSC, NCIPC consists of up to 18 experts in pertinent disciplines involved in injury and violence prevention, including epidemiology, statistics, trauma surgery, rehabilitation medicine, behavioral science, health economics, and more. Nominations are due by February 28, 2026.
Source: Federal Register