https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/emergency-department-and-urgent-care-services Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Emergency department and urgent care services - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/10/2026-13971/expansion-of-va-process-for-72-hour-notification-of-emergency-treatment Notice of final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs revising its medical regulations to add a new method of notification for emergency treatment furnished by community providers to be authorized under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). Among other things, this rule amends the requirement that a notice of emergency treatment authorized under the VCCP be provided to the appropriate VA official at the nearest VA facility within 72 hours of treatment by adding that notice can also be provided through the centralized notification process. This rule is effective August 10, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38748 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.fox13news.com/news/usf-health-brings-emergency-pregnancy-training-rural-florida-without-maternal-care Describes a maternal care training program for emergency responders and hospital staff in rural Florida where maternal care is limited. The training includes simulations of emergency scenarios, preparing the trainees to handle critical issues to allow for safe patient transfers to specialty care. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38729 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-groundbreaking-legislation-to-fund-rural-hospitals-ensure-access-to-emergency-care/ Announces proposed bipartisan legislation to provide funding covering emergency room operating expenses for rural hospitals. Highlights how hospital closures have affected rural Missouri communities. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38690 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.aol.com/articles/mercy-program-changes-opioid-addiction-085730000.html Mercy Hospital Lebanon is piloting a program to help rural Ozarks substance use disorder patients get support during the crucial 72-hour period after opioid withdrawal. The program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and is now available at other Missouri communities including Aurora, Cassville, Carthage, and Mountain Home. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38570 Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500