News stories via the Rural Health Information Hub

Study: Access to Health Care for Rural Residents with Disabilities Severely Lacking in All Researched Areas

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Discusses the findings of a recent study highlighting barriers to healthcare access for rural people with disabilities. Includes an interview with the study author discussing the rural impact of a correlation between disability and Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Opportunities and Legal Considerations for Data Modernization Through the Rural Health Transformation Program

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Bringing Lung Cancer Screening to Rural Minnesota

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a pilot program that aims to increase lung cancer screenings in rural Minnesota. Discusses higher rates of tobacco use for rural adults compared to urban adults and how the program addresses cancer screening barriers through a "whole-of-office" approach.

Meeting the Moment in Rural Health Transformation: Stratis Health Accelerates National Impact Through NARHI Acquisition

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The National Alliance for Rural Health Improvement (NARHI) has been acquired by Stratis Health and renamed the Rural Health Quality Improvement Exchange (RHQIX). RHQIX is a membership organization aiming to impact rural healthcare access, quality, and outcomes through education, professional development, peer networking, and rural-focused resources.

How Rural Hospitals Are Strengthening Heart and Stroke Care

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes the American Heart Association's Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator, a program designed to assist rural hospitals with implementing evidence-based heart disease and stroke care. The 3-year free program includes access to resources, peer-learning and collaboration, and the AHA's Get With The Guidelines program. Highlights improved outcomes at hospitals across the country as part of participation in the program. Enrollment is open through June 2028.

Working Draft Guidebook of Policies and Procedures for PRMR and MSR 2026

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Comments are being accepted on the Partnership for Quality Measurement's 2026 draft of the Guidebook of Policies and Procedures for Pre-Rulemaking Measure Review (PRMR) and Measure Set Review (MSR). 2026 updates include PRMR recommendations meeting structure, PRMR measure previews, MSR performance and impact analyses, public comment posting, and website enhancements. Comments are due June 21, 2026.

OMB: Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice of proposed rule from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposing revisions to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance to improve government-wide policies and requirements related to the management of grants, cooperative agreements, and other forms of assistance. These revisions are intended to improve transparency, accountability, and oversight for federal awards. Among other things, this rule proposes elimination of fixed amount awards and fixed amount subawards, proposed payment accountability reforms, reforms related to subrecipient oversight, and changes to national policy provisions. Comments are due by July 13, 2026.

How Dartmouth Health Is Using Telehealth to Keep Complex Births Close to Home

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a telehealth program connecting patients in New Hampshire and Vermont rural hospitals with neonatologists. Notes that nearly half of babies receiving a consult are able to stay at their local facility. Success of the program led to expanding into outpatient high-risk obstetrics care and fetal-maternal medicine services. Expansion into emergency obstetrics is also planned.

Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support Maternal Healthcare in Rural Communities

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Congresswoman Kim Schrier of Washington, along with representatives Randy Feenstra of Iowa, Jill Tokuda of Hawaii, and Darin LaHood of Illinois have reintroduced the Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support Act. This legislation would allow Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to count labor and delivery beds separate from acute care rooms, allowing hospitals to offer these services without putting their CAH status in jeopardy.

Addressing Workforce Challenges through the Rural Health Transformation Program

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program is providing all states with funding over the next 5 years, to address rural health challenges. More than 60% of Health Professional Shortage Areas are in rural areas, and each state proposes to use at least some of the funding for healthcare workforce issues.

Risk of Social Isolation Among Older Adults: A County-Level View

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Almost a quarter of American adults aged 65 and older are at risk for social isolation. Highlights the variation in risk, both among states and at the county level.

New ACS CAN Survey Finds More than Half of Cancer Patients and Survivors in Rural Communities Report Difficulty Affording Cancer Care

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

A new survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) highlights the challenges rural cancer patients face in accessing screening, finding affordable care, and arranging followup treatment. Patient navigation services help address barriers to care in rural areas and improve quality of care.

HHS Announces Heartland Forward MOU to Advance Maternal Health

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Heartland Forward, a nonprofit organization focused on driving economic growth and stronger communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. HHS and Heartland Forward will collaborate on initiatives to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and strengthen care before, during, and after pregnancy.

Lessons Learned From a Grain Entrapment Rescue

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Highlights the dangers of grain bin entrapment, profiling a rescue operation in Switzerland County, Indiana. A grain rescue tube developed at Purdue University was used successfully by first responders who had practiced with it regularly.

Mental Health Awareness Month: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is highlighting the importance of mental health among pregnant and postpartum women. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can be reached at 1-833-TLC-MAMA and offers free, confidential support 24/7 by call, text, and chat.

HRSA: Notice of Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice of final rule from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) finalizing updates to the criteria for determining Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTAs), geographic areas within Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) that have a shortage of maternity care health professionals. This rule also summarizes and responds to comments received on the February 3, 2026, proposed rule. Updates to Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas will be implemented beginning August 15, 2026.

Advancing Surgical Care in Underserved and Rural Communities

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The American College of Surgeons has created or participated in programs and courses to help surgical teams eliminate disparities in care for underserved and rural communities. These include the Rural Trauma Team Development Course, the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Coalition, and the Emergency Medical Services for Children program.

Report: "Deaths of Despair" Decline Nationwide, but Still More Prevalent in Appalachia

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

According to research done for the Appalachian Regional Commission, deaths associated with drug overdoses, alcohol, and suicide have been declining, but Appalachian deaths of despair remain 33% higher than those in the rest of the U.S. People born between 1981-1999 are among those most affected by deaths of despair.

Facing Financial Pressure, Rural Hospitals Adapt to Survive

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Several Oklahoma rural hospitals have created or expanded swing bed programs, which allow hospitals to use inpatient beds for post-acute care. The additional revenue stream helps facilities remain viable and avoid closure, and allows patients to receive follow-up care locally.

Grassley, Bennet Lead Legislation to Extend Rural Hospital Program

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announces proposed bipartisan legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program 5 more years. RCHD allows for innovative hospital payment model testing under Medicare to maintain healthcare access for rural communities.

How Tech Can Bridge Gaps in Rural Healthcare Data Struggles

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Discusses the implementation of prescription benefit information in electronic health records among rural providers. Discusses federal policy work to ease challenges with using health technology in rural practices.

NRHA Announces 2026 Rural Health Award Recipients

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announces individuals and organizations awarded with a 2026 Rural Health Award from the National Rural Health Association. Award recipients will be honored at the 2026 NRHA Annual Rural Health Conference.

The Help That Many Older Americans Need Most

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Profiles Sandy Guzman, a community health worker (CHW) in rural Oregon, who serves as an intermediary between patients and the healthcare system. CHWs can help patients apply for food and housing benefits, coordinate follow-up appointments, administer cognitive and mental health screenings, and help with other non-medical needs.

Why One CMO Says Design Rather Than Volume is the Problem in Rural Healthcare

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Littleton Regional Healthcare CMO Richard McKenzie believes that success in rural healthcare delivery is dependent on how systems are designed, and how they provide access, support clinicians, and ensure sustainable revenue. McKenzie previously worked as a manufacturing engineer, combining efficiency with frontline realities.

Announcement: Age-Friendly Health

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Health Affairs has issued a call for journal articles focusing on age-friendly health including a focus on rural topics such as innovation in rural delivery of long-term services and supports, addressing rural care gaps associated with nursing home closures, and the impact of payment policies that boost rural home health supply in addition to workforce, caregiving, social determinants of health, technology, and more. Articles will be considered on an ongoing basis through June 2028.

Forensic Health Care Providers Working Diligently to Lessen the Impact of Violent Crimes across Indian Country – Part 2

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Highlights 4 forensic healthcare programs from Indian Health Service providers in Wisconsin, Arizona, and New Mexico for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Includes resources and information for healthcare providers and the general public.

Top Critical Access Hospitals Announced

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announces the National Rural Health Association's top 20 Critical Access Hospitals as well as 40 hospitals receiving best practice designations for either quality of care or patient perspective of hospital performance. Award winners will be recognized at the NRHA Critical Access Hospital Conference in September.

Submit Nominations for Partnership for Quality Measurement (PQM) Committees

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Nominations are being accepted for the Endorsement & Maintenance (E&M), Pre-Rulemaking Measure Review (PRMR), Measure Set Review (MSR), and Scientific Methods Panel (SMP) committees. Eligible committee members include clinicians, healthcare facilities, purchasers, policymakers, researchers, patients, caregivers, and more. E&M committee members review and endorse clinical quality and cost/resource use measures to ensure effectiveness, safety, and that they are evidence-based. PRMR committee members recommend quality and efficiency measures to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid. MSR committee members review measures for continued use in CMS programs and are selected from the PRMR committee. SMP committee members advise on measurement science with a focus on scientific acceptability of clinical quality and cost/resource use measures. Nominations are due June 1, 2026.

New Rural Funding Can Support Accountable Care Through Data And Digital Investments

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Examines ways in which rural communities can create accountable care programs, using funds from the Rural Health Transformation Program. Notes that rural areas have tighter social networks, clearer referral pathways, and fewer competing delivery systems, which can support accountable care after infrastructure is in place.

Rural U.S. Bears Heaviest Burden Accessing Dental Care

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Researchers from Harvard have found that millions of Americans face serious barriers to dental care, and the barriers are especially severe in rural areas. Rural patients face considerably longer travel times, especially for specialty dental care.