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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

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

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
May 13, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Community Connect Grant Program for fiscal year 2026. The Community Connect Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants who will provide service at or above the broadband grant speed to all premises in rural, economically challenged communities where broadband service does not exist. Program guidance and application forms are available on USDA's website.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Community Connect Broadband Grant Program
May 6, 2026 - A Missouri University of Science and Technology medical drone delivery program is trialing the delivery of time-sensitive medical materials, including blood and lab samples, between hospital hubs and smaller communities in Missouri.
Source: Fox News
May 6, 2026 - Lackey Memorial Hospital in Scott County, Mississippi will soon apply for Rural Health Transformation Program funds, to modernize technology in medical record keeping and surgical operations. The state has received almost $206 million for the first year of the program.
Source: WLBT