https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/health-occupations Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Health occupations - 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://news.uams.edu/2026/03/05/new-mls-extended-program-seeks-to-fill-the-gap-in-rural-medical-laboratories/ Highlights the new Medical Laboratory Sciences Extended Internship Program at an Arkansas university. The program aims to reduce rural medical laboratory staff shortages in Arkansas and nearby states by training local students. An increase in rural lab staff would both speed up lab processing times and decrease the cost of care. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38313 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.ruralhealth.us/blogs/2026/03-march/two-years-of-rural-chw-4ms-training,-development,-and-leadership-in-texas Describes progress made and upcoming plans for a grant aiming to train community health workers in Texas to deliver the 4Ms of Age-Friendly Care. This work is part of the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative, an initiative developed through a partnership between the National Rural Health Association and The John A. Hartford Foundation. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38306 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/02/2026-04133/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-for-omb-review-comment-request The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on an information collection titled "Medicare Enrollment Application for Physician and Non-Physician Practitioners." The Form CMS-855I is the enrollment application submitted by physicians and non-physician practitioners to ensure the applicant has the necessary credentials to provide the healthcare services for which they intend to bill Medicare. Comments are due by April 1, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38297 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.gjsentinel.com/news/western_colorado/a-look-at-cus-pipeline-for-rural-doctors/article_ea5706d7-c29f-40a0-af7f-ab93c51a2a18.amp.html Describes workforce shortages in rural Colorado and a rural-focused program in the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz School of Medicine aiming to reduce those shortages. Highlights the programs attention to rural training and preparing students for family medicine. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38275 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://krcgtv.com/news/local/missouri-grant-funds-new-rural-physician-training-at-mu-health-care-clinics Discusses the work of resident physicians in rural Missouri. A new rural residency program has placed 2 residents in rural communities, improving access for those in the area. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38268 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/meharry-medical-college-brings-more-care-to-rural-tennessee Describes a Tennessee university's mobile dental care program bringing access to oral care into rural communities. Notes the potential improvements on both health outcomes and the dental workforce in the area. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38263 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://den.mercer.edu/school-of-medicine-receives-over-600000-to-continue-fighting-opioid-epidemic/ The Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust has awarded more than $600,000 to research and prevention projects at Mercer University School of Medicine. The projects address substance use in Georgia and emphasize prevention, treatment, and impact in rural communities most affected by the opioid epidemic. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38245 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/governor-signs-two-bills-that-could-boost-emergency-medical-staffing/ South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed a bill protecting nurses who provide care in ambulances and another bill adding firefighters and law enforcement officers to the statutory definition of "ambulance operator." The bills will help improve the continuum of care in rural areas. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38241 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/health-wellness/2026/02/09/how-one-university-trains-and-retains-rural-care Touro University's medical and dental schools have built clinics and workforce pipelines in rural areas of California and New Mexico. The initiative gives students community-based training while increasing healthcare access for patients. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38234 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.kcrg.com/2026/02/05/rural-medical-partnership-gives-students-hands-on-experience-aims-address-iowa-provider-shortages/ Describes the experience gained by Iowa medical students in a program aiming to reduce rural physician shortages by exposing students to rural healthcare opportunities. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38228 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://unknews.unk.edu/2026/02/05/loper-spotlight-unk-freshman-avery-lowther-is-committed-to-rural-health-care/ Profiles a Nebraska freshman college student aiming to practice medicine in a rural community. Describes her experiences growing up in a rural area, interactions with the medical system, and what drew her to her rural-focused program. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38223 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/05/2026-02288/registering-emergency-medical-services-agencies-under-the-protecting-patient-access-to-emergency Notice of final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) establishing a new registration category for emergency medical services (EMS) agencies that handle controlled substances in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017. This rule creates standards for registering EMS agencies; establishes requirements for delivery, storage, and recordkeeping related to their handling of controlled substances; and allows EMS professionals to administer controlled substances outside the physical presence of a medical director or authorizing medical professional while providing emergency medical services. This rule is effective March 9, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38218 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://vitalrecord.tamu.edu/special-delivery-aggies-work-to-support-obstetrics-in-rural-communities/ The Texas Legislature has provided funding through the Rural Engagement Program for Texas A&M Health to develop a practical program to train emergency room personnel to treat expectant mothers in rural Texas. The multidisciplinary training is designed for staff who may be the first to respond to an obstetric emergency. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38233 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/02/04/ky-lawmaker-wants-ems-reimbursements-increased-to-address-shortages/ Describes proposed policy to increase emergency medical service (EMS) reimbursement rates in Kentucky. Highlights long response times across the state, particularly for rural residents, and the strain that underfunding puts on EMS workforce. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38224 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/03/2026-02130/request-for-public-comment-on-the-updated-criteria-for-determining-maternity-care-health Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on proposed 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. Comments are due by March 5, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38212 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.ihs.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2026-press-releases/indian-health-service-launches-largest-hiring-effort-in-agency-history/ Announces hiring plans for the Indian Health Service (IHS), noting that filling vacancies in rural and remote locations has the highest priority. Includes information on how to apply for current and future positions. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38205 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/29/2026-01803/modifications-to-the-reimbursement-of-childbirth-support-services-under-the-tricare-childbirth-and Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) announcing adjustments to the certified labor doulas (CLDs) performing childbirth support services under the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD). This notice announces changes to the reimbursement methodology for childbirth support services intended to stabilize reimbursement. DHA is modifying reimbursement for childbirth support services so that the rate approved for March 1, 2025, will be considered a "baseline." The DHA Director will approve a new baseline if it is found that TRICARE reimbursement is not keeping pace with Medicaid reimbursement. The new reimbursement methodology will be effective for rates beginning March 1, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38201 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01435/rescission-of-guidance-on-nondiscrimination-protections-under-the-church-amendments Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescinding the September 17, 2021, HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) notice titled "Guidance on Nondiscrimination Protections under the Church Amendments." https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38193 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01420/physician-focused-payment-model-technical-advisory-committee-meetings Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing the 2026 meetings of the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), which will include discussion and voting on proposals for physician-focused payment models (PFPMs). The 2026 meeting dates are: February 23-24, June 15-16, September 14-15, and December 8-9. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38192 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/22/st-olaf-students-work-as-emts-helping-fill-ambulance-worker-shortage Highlights a college program partnering with a local rural emergency department to hire students as emergency medicine technicians to address workforce shortages. Describes common rural challenges with hiring and retaining EMTs and the benefits of rural hands-on training for the students. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38186 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/game-changer-free-medical-flights-start-for-some-neighbor-island-residents/ Highlights a state-funded program offering charter flights for rural Hawaiians with off-island medical appointments. Describes current and projected funding needs for sustainability, physician shortages in rural areas, reimbursement rate challenges driving workforce shortages, and the state's Rural Health Transformation Program plans. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38178 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://pennsylvaniaindependent.com/uncategorized/maternal-health-care-deserts-rural-hospitals-physicians-obgyn-midwives-childbirth/ Discusses reasons for labor and delivery department closures across Pennsylvania including challenges with recruiting and retaining obstetricians and gynecologists and low reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid. Also notes poor health outcomes associated with maternal healthcare deserts. Describes potential solutions including increasing access to and the scope of practice for nurse midwives and certified midwives https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38168 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://blogs.bcm.edu/2026/01/09/addressing-the-shortage-of-registered-nurses-in-rural-america/ Baylor University has conducted a scoping review of rural nursing workforce recruitment and retention programs across the U.S., to address shortages of registered nurses. The study highlights what is being done to support the nurses' rural communities, and which strategies work best. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38159 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.statenews.org/section/the-ohio-newsroom/2026-01-08/this-ohio-pharmacy-professor-is-training-to-bridge-rural-healthcare-gaps Interview with pharmacy professor Emily Eddy, who leads the Rural and Underserved Scholars program at Ohio Northern University in rural Hardin County. She offers thoughts on increasing access to medications in pharmacy deserts. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38158 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600