Rural Health
News by Topic: Population health
AHRQ: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Federal Register
Dec 30, 2025 - Notice from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection titled "Medical Expenditures Panel Survey—Household Component, OMB No. 0935-0118." Proposed changes include revising the wording of 24 questions for clarity and to improve the response rate; replacing two exercise items on the 2022 MEPS Preventive Care Self-Administered Questionnaire (PSAQ) with five new items for exercise and strength training; adding questions to the PSAQ about use of sleep medication, trouble getting to sleep, screen time, use of wearable devices, self-assessed diet quality, fruit and vegetable consumption, meals eaten away from home, former smoking, and weight loss attempt; and more. Comments are due by March 2, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 26, 2025 - Discusses the importance of an established relationship with a primary care provider, particularly for rural residents where specialty care access is limited. Discusses the preventive role of primary care and the associated improved health outcomes.
Source: WXOW
Dec 23, 2025 - Describes a Wisconsin program that supports self-directed home care services that allows older adults to age in place. The program includes a Care Integration Senior Aide (CISA) which works to support clients with daily activities and monitor various social determinants of health that put clients at risk of poor health outcomes. Notes that rural residents may be in need of extra support. Discusses the role of philanthropy in developing and expanding the program.
Source: Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
Dec 23, 2025 - Describes the work conditions putting Colorado farmers at
risk for skin cancer, alongside cancer healthcare access
challenges for rural communities. Notes that skin cancer
caught early is often successfully treated.
Source: KOAA News 5
CDC: Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
Federal Register
Dec 22, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on a proposed information collection project titled "National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Respiratory Data." This information collection is designed to standardize the data elements collected from across the country regarding the impact of respiratory viruses on healthcare facilities. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
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 - Describes the ways veteran homelessness can be hidden and notes the additional challenges facing rural veterans. Highlights U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs programs to support veterans experiencing housing instability including the Rural Housing Initiative.
Source: VA News
Dec 20, 2025 - The Tennessee Arts Commission and the Tennessee Hospital Association have created a pilot program to introduce arts-based healing programs in 10 rural hospitals. The program aims to create community-centered spaces to support physical, mental, and emotional health for patients and their families.
Source: News Channel 5
Dec 19, 2025 - Announces $20 million in state funding for rural healthcare providers across New Mexico. Funding prioritizes primary care projects from providers participating in Medicaid who are addressing community needs.
Source: New Mexico Political Report
Dec 19, 2025 - Highlights a visit from Tennessee state officials to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Discusses recent and upcoming rural-focused projects at the Center in addition to facility updates. The projects will expand access to healthcare and advance cancer research.
Source: UTHSC News