Rural Health
News by Topic: Statistics and data
Census Bureau: Decennial Census of the Population of Americans; Proposed Residence Criteria and Proposed Regulations for Demographic Questions
Federal Register
Sep 10, 2026 - The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would add two new regulations regarding the decennial census. The proposed additions would outline the residence criteria used for identifying each person's "usual residence" and establish standards and restrictions for the inclusion of certain demographic questions on the decennial census short-form questionnaire and any other questionnaire used for the enumeration of the population. Comments are due by October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
CMS: Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Federal Register
Sep 9, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) modifying an existing system of records maintained by CMS titled "Hospice Item Set (HIS) System." The amended System of Records Notice (SORN) reflects changes to now include real time data collection at the time of patient assessments to improve the understanding of patient care needs and care coordination. CMS is also changing the name of the system of records to "Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE)." This modified system of records notice is effective on September 9, 2026, with the exception of the routine uses, which are effective October 9, 2026. Comments are due within 30 days of the publication of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 9, 2026 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) seeking comments on proposed revisions to the NTIA Internet Use Survey, also referred to as the Current Population Survey (CPS) Computer and Internet Use Supplement. Revisions reflect a re-examination of the questions and language in NTIA's Internet Use Survey to ensure the resulting data meets today's needs and will allow NTIA to respond to congressional concerns and directives. The proposed survey is available on the NTIA website. Includes specific questions and topics of interest to NTIA. Comments are due by November 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 8, 2026 - Discusses the impact of labor and delivery department closures across the nation and highlights one Minnesota hospital that has managed to maintain labor and delivery services in spite of the trends. Describes budgeting and patient relationships as key factors in their success.
Source: NPR
Sep 2, 2026 - Describes newly funded research investigating chronic pain among rural older adults using machine learning to extract data and make it more useful to clinicians.
Source: Virginia Tech News
Aug 30, 2026 - Discusses a new survey showing a continued decline in primary care providers in Vermont. Describes how Vermont's shortage compares with national trends, challenges with primary care distribution in a small population state, a rise in specialization, and physician demographic trends.
Source: VT Digger
Aug 27, 2026 - Appeals regarding endorsed and not endorsed Spring 2026 quality measures may be submitted to the Partnership for Quality Measurement. The deadline to submit an appeal is September 16, 2026.
Source: Partnership for Quality Measurement
Aug 20, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on the extension of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for 2027. In addition, the CDC is interested in comments regarding a redesign of NHIS for 2028. The draft questionnaires for 2028 are available on the NHIS website. Comments are due by October 19, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 18, 2026 - Highlights research finding that recent flooding in rural Appalachia increased opioid overdose deaths due to the stress of the event, disrupted treatment, and weakened support systems in the aftermath. Discusses data trends following severe floods and how lessons learned from one destructive flood prepared providers for future flooding disasters.
Source: Medical Xpress
Aug 17, 2026 - Explains policy changes at the U.S. Census Bureau regarding disclosure avoidance methods in its statistical products. Notes how the policy change will impact small geographic areas and population groups, where confidentiality risks are highest.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau