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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Technology for health and human services

Apr 6, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing a delay in the implementation of two services from the list of Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) model items and services. The two services for which the prior authorization or pre-payment review process are delayed are 1) Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease (NCD 160.24) and 2) Percutaneous Image-Guided Lumbar Decompression for Spinal Stenosis (NCD 150.13). This notice is effective April 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 6, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making typographical and technical corrections to the July 1, 2025 notice titled "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model." Corrections are effective April 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 1, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reversing the July 29, 2024, notice that moved technology and data policy and strategy functions from the Assistant Secretary for Administration to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC). This notice restores ONC as a singularly titled office. In addition, the roles and responsibilities of the HHS Chief Technology Officer, Office of the HHS Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, and Office of the HHS Chief Data Officer will no longer be part of ONC.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 25, 2026 - Announces increased funding caps for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) programs including the Rural Health Care program under the Healthcare Connect Fund.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Related funding: Rural Health Care Program – Healthcare Connect Fund
Mar 24, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) adopting standards for healthcare claims attachments transactions and a standard for electronic signatures to be used in conjunction with these transactions. This rule also summarizes and responds to comments received on the December 21, 2022, proposed rule. This final rule is effective May 26, 2026. Compliance with these regulations are required by May 26, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 22, 2026 - Describes a research initiative investigating how artificial intelligence and mobile clinics might be used to increase access to care in rural areas with workforce shortages. Highlights rural healthcare access disparities and implementation challenges related to broadband and patient privacy.
Source: The Independent Florida Alligator
Mar 19, 2026 - Summarizes conversations at the Rural Health Transformation Summit on March 18, 2026, a meeting of state officials, experts, and federal administrators to discuss implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Plan. Discusses state program alignment with RHTP's 5 strategic goals: Make Rural America Healthy Again, sustainable access, workforce development, innovative care, and tech innovation. Notes the role of the Office of Rural Health Transformation (ORHT) within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS).
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Mar 17, 2026 - Highlights remarks and the results of a study from a Washington medical student comparing rural and urban experiences in surgical clerkship programs. Discusses robotic surgery as a solution to rural surgeon shortages.
Source: Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine News
Mar 12, 2026 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by April 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 10, 2026 - Highlights a pilot program in a rural Missouri community offering a coordinated response to health and social needs for Medicaid patients. The program allows hospitals and other organizations to refer patients to service providers and track whether their needs are getting addressed. Describes how the program was started, the federal waiver that allows the program to run, and the technology used for it. Discusses sustainability challenges common for rural service providers.
Source: The Beacon: Missouri