https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/critical-access-hospitals Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Critical Access Hospitals - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2026/03/06/chatham-hospital-shows-one-way-to-restore-rural-maternity-care/ Profiles a labor and delivery department in a rural North Carolina Critical Access Hospital. Maternity services were re-started in 2020 using family physicians after closing the department in 1991. Describes maternity care access across North Carolina, challenges with sustaining the service for rural communities, and how they can be a model to other rural communities. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38314 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-tokuda-alford-and-cuellar-lead-effort-help-protect-critical Announces a bipartisan bill that would create a new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hospital designation called an "In Character" Critical Access Hospital. The new designation would ensure hospitals already designated as CAHs do not lose their designation and directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide administration for the designation. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38292 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-celebrates-opening-new-critical-access-hospital-harlowton Discusses the opening of a new Critical Access Hospital in Montana. Highlights the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other funding that made the new facility possible. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38280 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260210384944/en/Chartis-Announces-Top-100-Critical-Access-Hospitals-and-Top-100-Rural-Community-Hospitals-for-2026 Chartis Center for Rural Health has announced results of its annual awards program, based on data from the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX. The program recognizes outstanding performance among rural hospitals. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38242 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/financial-fix-quality-flaw-lessons-pennsylvania-s-rural-health-model An evaluation of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model, describing changes intended to improve care quality, increase access to preventive services, and address local community health needs. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38243 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600