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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Populations

Dec 30, 2025 - Summarizes discussions between tribal leaders and the Indian Health Service (IHS) regarding impacts of proposed organizational changes in IHS. Topics discussed include protecting tribal participation at IHS, tribal sovereignty and data protection, workforce, access, and more.
Source: The Office of President Buu Van Nygren, The Navajo Nation
Dec 30, 2025 - A Virginia law that went info effect Nov. 19, 2025 allows certified nurse midwives to perform newborn care on their own in hospitals, though this is not a requirement. Supporters say this change might help keep labor and delivery units open in rural areas.
Source: Cardinal News
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
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 - Describes high rates of gun suicide among older California adults, particularly for those in rural communities. Discusses the connection between suicide and health conditions, rural barriers to care, and suicide prevention initiatives.
Source: Cal Matters
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 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