This website is being reviewed for updates. Some information is offline. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

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

Jun 30, 2025 - Pre-publication notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing a 6-year model, the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model. This model will test the implementation of technology-enabled prior authorization processes for select services, with the aim of reducing fraud, waste (including low-value care), and abuse in Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) in six states: Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington. This notice is effective January 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2025 - Advises health and public health organizations to prepare for the potential of increased cyber threats. Includes suggestions such as reviewing vulnerability management strategies, contingency plans, and implementing increased actions and routines focused on a defensive cybersecurity position. Shares the related Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin and additional resources to enhance cybersecurity for health and public health organizations.
Source: Office of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection (OCIP), Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
Jun 23, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments on information collection requests titled "Medicare Advantage Model of Care Submission Requirements" and "Certification Statement for Electronic File Interchange Organizations (EFIOs) that submit National Provider Identifier (NPI) data to the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES)." Comments are due by July 23, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2025 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and Minnesota Department of Human 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 10, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 6, 2025 - Policy notice announcing modifications and changes to requirements outlined in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program notice of funding opportunity that are effective immediately. Shares a template letter for awardees who are required to submit a letter to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) within 30 calendar days requesting an initial proposal correction to incorporate the new guidance and terms of this policy notice into their original proposals. BEAD was established by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to provide funding to states and territories for the planning, development, mapping, and adoption of high-speed broadband access.
Source: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
Jun 4, 2025 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the reliability and interoperability of emerging Next Generation 911 (NG911) networks. Among other things, this proposed rule proposes updating the definition of "covered 911 service provider" in the FCC's existing 911 reliability rules to ensure that the rules apply to service providers that control or operate critical pathways and components in NG911 networks, as well as updating reliability standards for providers of critical NG911 functions to ensure the reliable delivery of 911 traffic to NG911 delivery points. Comments are due by July 21, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
May 29, 2025 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeking comments on a new data collection related to the evaluation of the SAMHSA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Crisis Services Program Evaluation (988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Evaluation). The information collected will be used by SAMHSA to conduct an evaluation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Crisis Services, to ensure individuals in suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis can contact 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and are connected to crisis centers providing evidence-based care and are able to receive critical resource referral and linkage. Comments are due by July 28, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
May 28, 2025 - 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 Arizona Department of Economic Security 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 June 27, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
May 20, 2025 - 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, 2025, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Pacific. 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 16, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments regarding the market of digital health products for Medicare beneficiaries and the state of data interoperability and broader health technology infrastructure. Information collected may be used to inform CMS and Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) efforts to lead infrastructure progress in this market, increase beneficiary access to effective digital capabilities needed to make informed health decisions, and increase data availability for all stakeholders contributing to health outcomes. Comments are due by June 16, 2025.
Source: Federal Register