Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Tribal communities

Oct 14, 2026 - Notice from the Indian Health Service (IHS) seeking comments on a proposed reinstatement of an information collection titled "Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Proof of Residency." The information collected is used to verify that individuals seeking medical services through PRC meet the residency requirements. Comments are due by December 14, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 8, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Indian Health Service (IHS) removing language in the Code of Federal Regulations that refers to an outdated process for determining what the IHS will charge for care to non-IHS beneficiaries. This rule is effective December 7, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 8, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Indian Health Service (IHS) removing regulations appearing in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that duplicate other regulations in the CFR, have never been implemented, and were referred to as "suspended" in a 1999 Federal Register Notice. This rule is effective December 7, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 6, 2026 - Announces new bipartisan legislation creating a process for redistributing unused housing vouchers to tribal communities in need of additional vouchers in the Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing demonstration program. The program offers support and rental assistance to homeless Native American veterans. Also describes previous legislation addressing needs for tribal communities and veterans.
Source: Office of Representative Eli Crane
Oct 5, 2026 - Describes bipartisan legislation to extend the reporting deadline for Indian Health Service (IHS) patients who seek emergency care from non-IHS facilities. The bill would increase the deadline from 72 hours to 15 days for most patients. Older adults and people with disabilities would continue to have a 30-day deadline as the current law allows.
Source: Office of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Sep 23, 2026 - Discusses family medicine in rural communities following the announcement of new federally funded family medicine residency programs. Notes that clinicians from or trained in rural areas are more likely to practice there, addressing workforce needs in rural communities. Describes how residencies have been used in various states, the use of Rural Health Transformation Program funds, and tribal community residencies.
Source: Wyoming Public Radio
Sep 22, 2026 - Announces awarded funding to 14 tribal and urban Indian communities for phase 2 of a produce prescription program. The program aims to address chronic disease through nutrition. Notes that tribal communities have higher rates of food insecurity and chronic diseases.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sep 16, 2026 - Announces newly awarded funding from the Indian Health Service to expand the Community Health Aide Program, which increases access to primary, behavioral, and oral healthcare in tribal communities.
Source: Indian Health Service
Sep 14, 2026 - Describes the work of libraries to connect rural and tribal communities with tools and education promoting heart health through the American Heart Association's Libraries with Heart initiative. Discusses rural heart health risk and highlights how the program has been implemented in Florida, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Sep 11, 2026 - Summarizes discussions in an August virtual session between the Indian Health Service's Health Information Technology Modernization Program and tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations regarding PATH EHR implementation. Includes links to offer feedback and connect with the program.
Source: Indian Health Service