Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Healthcare facilities - Rural Health Information Hub

HRSA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Public Comment Request; Information Collection Request Title: National Practitioner Data Bank for Adverse Information on Physicians and Other Health Care Practitioners-45 CFR Part 60 Regulations and Forms, OMB No. 0906-0081-Revision

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

Notice from the Health Services and Resources Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "National Practitioner Data Bank for Adverse Information on Physicians and Other Health Care Practitioners—45 CFR part 60 Regulations and Forms, OMB No. 0906-0081—Revision." The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) aims to improve the quality of healthcare by encouraging hospitals, state licensing boards, professional societies, and other eligible entities providing healthcare services to identify and discipline those who engage in unprofessional behavior, and to restrict the ability of incompetent healthcare practitioners, providers, or suppliers to move from state to state without disclosure or discovery of previous damaging or incompetent performance. Comments are due by September 15, 2026.

CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Calendar Year 2027 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing: 1) changes to the Physician Fee Schedule and Medicare Part B payment policies; 2) policies for the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; 3) the Ambulatory Specialty Model; 4) updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B; 5) Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; 6) updates to the Quality Payment Program; 7) updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); 8) updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; 9) codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 provisions; 10) updates to Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule regulations; and 11) updates to the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program. Comments are due on September 14, 2026.

HHS: Request for Information, Training and Care Delivery Models for Safe Administration of Potential FDA-Approved Psychedelic Therapies in Ambulatory Clinical Settings

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking comments on training and care delivery models to ensure safe and effective use of psychedelic drugs. Questions for consideration include training regarding patient eligibility, drug administration, and post-administration follow up; access for Federally Qualified Health Centers, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, and Rural Health Clinics; and technologies that allow for expanded access while maintaining patient safety. Comments are due August 13, 2026.

VA: Expansion of VA Process for 72-Hour Notification of Emergency Treatment

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

CMS: Medicare Program; Announcement of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment Meeting-August 24, 2026

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a virtual meeting of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment on August 24, 2026. The purpose of the Panel is to advise the Secretary on the clinical integrity of the Ambulatory Payment Classification groups and their associated weights, which are major elements of the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and the Ambulatory Surgical Center payment system, and supervision of hospital outpatient therapeutic services. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the Panel's website. Presentations and comment letters are due by July 31, 2026.

CMS: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; and Quality Reporting Programs; Including the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Program; Request for Information on Strengthening the Standardization and Comparability of Hospital Price Transparency (HPT) Data; Prior Authorization; Accrediting Organization (AO) Deeming for Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA); and Notices of Closure of Teaching Hospitals and Opportunities To Apply for Available Slots

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making changes to the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system for calendar year 2027, including changes to the amounts and factors used to determine the payment rates for Medicare services paid under the OPPS and those paid under the ASC payment systems. Among other things, this rule also proposes updates related to the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting Program; requests information regarding potential approaches to improve comparability and standardization of the HPT information reported in machine-readable files and consumer-friendly displays, particularly for complex contracting methodologies; and announces notices of closure of teaching hospitals and opportunities to apply for available slots. Comments are due by August 31, 2026.

RHS: Notice of Recission of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for Fiscal Year 2025

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service rescinding the July 8, 2025, notice announcing that RHS was accepting applications for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for fiscal year 2025. USDA Rural Development is currently updating the program's notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to ensure it reflects existing guidance in addition to new policy and program priorities that have emerged since the original publication. Applications submitted under this NOFO will not advance further in the review process. Applicants will be required to submit a new application once a future RCDI NOFO is issued.

CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Submissions of Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) Waiver Submission and Data Collection; 2) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Regulations; and 3) Granting and Withdrawal of Deeming Authority to Private Nonprofit Accreditation Organizations and CLIA Exemption Under State Laboratory Programs. Comments are due by August 3, 2026.

What Are the Top Threats Rural Hospitals Face for Survival?

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Highlights common rural hospital healthcare delivery challenges as identified by Wisconsin hospital CEOs. Discusses nursing workforce shortages, employee burnout, reimbursement rates, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, home health, Medicare Advantage, and maintaining inpatient care access.

SAMHSA: Solicitation for Public Comments on the Development of an Independent Accreditation System for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion (CCBHC-E) Grant Recipients

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments to inform the development, implementation, and oversight of an independent accreditation system for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion (CCBHC-E) grant recipients. Specifically, SAMHSA seeks comments on the standards, processes, oversight mechanisms, timing, and supports needed to implement this accreditation system effectively. Comments are due by July 27, 2026.

Hawley Introduces Groundbreaking Legislation to Fund Rural Hospitals, Ensure Access to Emergency Care

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announces proposed bipartisan legislation to provide funding covering emergency room operating expenses for rural hospitals. Highlights how hospital closures have affected rural Missouri communities.

Drive Time to Arkansas Hospitals for Labor and Delivery Getting Longer, Report Shows

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Highlights new data showing increasing drive times to labor and delivery services for rural Arkansans. Discusses labor and delivery department closures in the state and how the population distribution makes offering the service challenging.

HRSA: 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, Correction

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) correcting the total number of responses listed in the June 15, 2026, notice.

Rural, Independent Kansas Hospitals Launch Clinically Integrated Network

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

7 independent hospitals in Kansas have formed a clinically integrated network (CIN). Describes how the CIN is organized and will function. Also discusses a recent trend in forming CINs and the inclusion of CINs in Rural Health Transformation Program funding.

Closing the AI Divide: Finding a Path Forward for Rural Hospitals

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes artificial intelligence (AI) use in rural hospitals, noting that recent research found AI is used less compared to urban hospitals. Highlights the implementation of AI in a rural Oklahoma hospital.

RBCS: Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Intermediary Relending Program for Fiscal Year 2026

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service invites applications for the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) for fiscal year 2026. IRP provides direct loans to intermediaries for the establishment of revolving loan programs that are then used to provide loans to ultimate recipients for business facilities and community developments in rural areas. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and compete for available funds on a quarterly basis. Future notices of funding availability for this program will be published on the program website, without notice in the Federal Register.

CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on revisions to an information collection titled "Submission of 1135 Waiver Request Automated Process." CMS aims to better support emergency response by capturing the emergency date, simplifying ongoing status updates for stakeholders, and providing a more comprehensive view of cybersecurity incidents through expanded reporting on patient and operational impacts. The Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) initiative was codified in the Consolidate Appropriations Act, 2025, and is no longer part of the 1135 waiver information collection request. Comments are due by July 20, 2026.

HRSA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Public Comment Request; Health Resources and Services Administration Uniform Data System

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on proposed updates to the Uniform Data System (UDS) for performance year 2026. Summarizes and responds to comments received in response to the related December 10, 2025, notice. Comments are due by July 16, 2026.

CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Conditions of Coverage for Portable X-ray Suppliers and Supporting Regulations; and 2) Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part II. Comments are due by July 16, 2026.

CMS: Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and Preventing AO Conflicts of Interest, and Related Provisions

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice of final rule with comment period from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishing provisions to strengthen the oversight of Medicare national accrediting organizations by addressing conflicts of interest; establishing consistent standards, processes, and definitions; and updating the validation and performance standards systems. In addition, this rule revises the psychiatric hospital survey process, adds a limitation on terminated deemed providers and suppliers when reentering the program, and provides technical corrections for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) facilities and Transplant Programs. This rule is effective June 16, 2027. Comments are due by August 17, 2026.

HRSA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Public Comment Request; Information Collection Request Title: 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, OMB Number 0906-NEW

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on a proposed information collection request (ICR) titled "340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, OMB No. 0906-NEW." HRSA's Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) intends to introduce a revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (Pilot) as a mechanism for qualifying drug manufacturers, who wish to participate, to effectuate the 340B ceiling price on a limited set of drugs sold to covered entities using rebates. This ICR includes the collection of proposed rebate model plans from qualifying drug manufacturers, the ongoing collection of sales data from drug manufacturers to allow OPA to monitor implementation of the Pilot and enhance 340B program integrity and compliance monitoring, and the collection of data submitted by covered entities to manufacturers to request a rebate under a potential Pilot. Comments are due by July 15, 2026.

CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "Physician Certifications/Recertifications in Skilled Nursing Facilities Manual Instruction." The physician certification and recertification is intended to ensure that the beneficiary's need for services has been established and then reviewed and updated at appropriate intervals and is a condition for Medicare Part A payment for post-hospital skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. Comments are due by July 10, 2026.

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.

CMS: Medicare Program; Alternative Payment Model Updates and the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model

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

Notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating and revising the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model (IOTA Model) for Performance Year (PY) 2. The IOTA Model tests whether performance-based upside risk payments or downside risk payments paid to or owed by participating kidney transplant hospitals increase access to kidney transplants for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) while preserving or enhancing the quality of care and reducing Medicare expenditures. This rule is effective July 1, 2026.

In Focus: Hospitals Serve as Anchor Institutions in Rural Communities

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes the economic impact of hospitals on rural communities with a focus on Wisconsin. Discusses community engagement, workforce training, and rural livability as factors influencing the recruitment of healthcare workforce.

In Texas, Rural Nursing Homes Outperform Urban Facilities on Some Key Metrics

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

Analyzes Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) nursing home data to compare rural and urban staffing and health inspection ratings in Texas.

CMS: Medicare Program: Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals (IPPS) and the Long Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2027 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes; Correction

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services making technical and typographical corrections to the April 14, 2026, proposed rule. Comments on the proposed rule are due by June 9, 2026.