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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

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

Jun 11, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishing the CMS Office of Health Technology and Products (OHTP). OHTP will provide enterprise leadership and oversight for CMS healthcare technology modernization, digital products, and transformation of platforms and services supporting Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other CMS-administered programs. This organizational change was effective June 9, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 8, 2026 - The Federal Communications Commission announces that unused Rural Health Care (RHC) Program funds may be carried forward for funding year 2026. Eligible RHC Program funding requests may be fully funded without prioritization.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Jun 7, 2026 - Discusses telehealth as a method for improving rural healthcare access and expanding rural healthcare provider networks, noting the importance of sustainability and reliable broadband access when using telehealth. Describes work by the Health and Resource Services Administration (HRSA) to fund and develop best practices around telehealth.
Source: Fed Gov Today
Jun 5, 2026 - Executive Order from the Office of the President regarding cybersecurity, the protection of critical infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. Among other things, this Executive Order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with directors of other appropriate agencies, to issue binding operational directives and other guidance to facilitate access to AI-enabled cybersecurity tools and services for federal agencies; state and local authorities; and operators of critical infrastructure, including rural hospitals, community banks, and local utilities. This order also establishes an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse, in voluntary coordination with the AI industry and critical infrastructure operators, to identify and remediate software vulnerabilities at scale.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 4, 2026 - Highlights data modernization programs in state Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) plans across the country. Discusses legal concerns related to patient privacy and artificial intelligence.
Source: The Network for Public Health Law
Jun 1, 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 New Mexico Health Care Authority 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 July 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 1, 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 Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department for Community Based Services 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 July 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 27, 2026 - Announces new funding for rural health work that expands workforce capacity; supports startup growth and private investment; strengthens technology infrastructure; builds pathways for piloting and scaling solutions; and creates partnerships between government, providers, and industry. Supported by the state's Rural Health Transformation Program plan.
Source: Louisiana Economic Development
May 26, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announcing a virtual town hall meeting schedule to allow external stakeholders an additional opportunity to provide input on refining the scope and burden of the April 4, 2024, Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Meetings are scheduled for June 15 – 18, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
May 19, 2026 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on June 2, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items are being finalized and will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register