Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Pharmacy and prescription drugs - Rural Health Information Hub

HRSA: Request for Information: 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Extension

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on the February 17, 2026, request for information regarding the potential use of rebates to effectuate the ceiling price under the 340B Program. Comments are now due by April 20, 2026.

HHS: Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder; Correction

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) making corrections to the February 2, 2024, final rule titled "Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder." These corrections are effective February 23, 2026.

HRSA: Request for Information: 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comments on a request for information (RFI) regarding the potential use of rebates to effectuate the ceiling price under the 340B Program. The information collected through this RFI will be used to evaluate the potential benefits and costs of a rebate model, and such a model's operational, financial, and access to drugs for patients of a rebate model on covered entities, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. Comments are due by March 19, 2026.

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

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Program; 2) National Implementation of the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (OAS CAHPS); and 3) Elimination of Cost-Sharing for Full Benefit Dual-Eligible Individuals Receiving Home and Community-Based Services. Comments are due by March 16, 2026.

CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) for Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) in order to determine is MLRs meet the statutory standard of a minimum of 85%. Comments are due April 13, 2026.

Durango Compounding Pharmacy Fills Niche Role In Rural Health Care Web

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Rivergate Pharmacy and Compounding Center in Durango, Colorado is a specialized facility that combines, mixes, or alters medications to meet specific needs of individual patients or animals. The pharmacy provides service to rural areas of Southwest Colorado.

DEA: Registering Emergency Medical Services Agencies Under the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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.

HHS: Medicare and State Health Care Programs: Fraud and Abuse; Request for Information Regarding the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute and Beneficiary Inducements CMP

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Notice from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeking comments on whether any additions or modifications are needed to the safe harbor regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute or the exceptions to the civil monetary penalty provision prohibiting inducements to beneficiaries for emerging direct-to-consumer sales programs established by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Comments are due by March 30, 2026.

HHS: Rescission of Guidance to Nation's Retail Pharmacies: Obligations Under Federal Civil Rights Laws To Ensure Nondiscriminatory Access to Health Care at Pharmacies (Issued September 29, 2023)

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescinding the September 29, 2023, titled "Guidance to Nation's Retail Pharmacies: Obligations under Federal Civil Rights Laws to Ensure Nondiscriminatory Access to Health Care at Pharmacies."

FDA: Authorization of Emergency Use of Certain Medical Devices During COVID-19; Availability

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for certain medical devices related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These authorizations are effective on their date of issuance.

Choctaw Nation Launches Drone Program To Enhance Rural Health Care

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Choctaw Nation is using a $2 million Department of Transportation grant to develop a drone program designed to improve health care delivery in rural areas. Airborne drones and a "drone dog" can make quick deliveries and provide critical services in remote regions.

Costs, Closures and Community: Perspectives on Operating a Rural Pharmacy

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Discusses the work of independent pharmacies in rural communities and the challenges that come when one closes. Highlights reasons for closures including workforce recruitment challenges and low reimbursement rates. Discusses recent Colorado legislation that aimed to ease burdens on rural pharmacies in the state.

HRSA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Public Comment Request; Information Collection Request Title: Enrollment and Re-Certification of Entities in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, OMB No. 0915-0327-Revision

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Enrollment and Re-Certification of Entities in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, OMB No. 0915-0327—Revision." HRSA requires covered entities to submit administrative information, certifying information, and attestation from appropriate grantee-level or entity-level authorizing officials and primary contacts in order to enroll and certify the eligibility of federally funded grantees and other safety net health care providers. Comments are due by February 9, 2026.

This Ohio Pharmacy Professor Is Training To Bridge Rural Healthcare Gaps

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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.