This website is being reviewed for updates. Some information is offline. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Trauma – News

News stories from the past 60 days.

Feb 4, 2026 - Pre-publication 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 30 days after the publication of this notice, which is scheduled for February 5, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 23, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "Emergency Ambulance Transports and Beneficiary Signature." The information collected is used to ensure that emergency and nonemergency ambulance transport services were in fact rendered and were rendered as billed. Comments are due by March 24, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 20, 2026 - 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.
Source: MPR News
Dec 29, 2025 - Reports on the stress placed on emergency medical services (EMS) due to labor and delivery unit shortages in Arkansas. Discusses the impact on recruiting and retaining EMS workforce, limited labor and delivery training, and long travel times for adequate care.
Source: Arkansas Advocate
Last Updated: 2/4/2026