Rural Healthcare Workforce – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
DHS: Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking To File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions
Federal Register
Sep 24, 2025 - Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposing to amend its regulations regarding the process by which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) selects H-1B registrations for unique beneficiaries for filing of H-1B cap-subject petitions. DHS proposes implementing a weighted selection process that would generally favor the allocation of H-1B visas to higher skilled and higher paid aliens, while maintaining the opportunity for employers to secure H-1B workers at all wage levels. Comments on the NPRM are due by October 24, 2025. Comments on revisions of associated information collections are due by November 24, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 22, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has mobilized over 70 Public Health Service Officers to Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities across the country in a move to address staffing shortages.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sep 19, 2025 - Describes the shortage of nurses in North Carolina, particularly among licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Discusses factors driving shortages, a history of the shortage, and areas where progress has been made, particularly in training new LPNs. Looks at workforce projections for the coming decades. Discusses the impact on rural throughout.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Sep 18, 2025 - Highlights new ambulatory care pharmacy residency positions in South Carolina. The goal of the program is to focus on outpatient clinic work and community-based care with the aim of increasing the rural workforce.
Source: University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Sep 15, 2025 - Announces information for states to apply for funding under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Funded projects should address one or more of the stated goals related to healthcare access, rural health innovation, workforce development, and technology. The deadline to apply is November 5, 2025.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Newsroom
Related funding:
Rural Health Transformation Program
Sep 12, 2025 - Highlights 2 doctors in New Mexico who are leaving their small community as part of a larger national trend of declining access to physicians in rural areas. Discusses common challenges including reimbursement and other financial concerns. Notes policy measures proposed by governors in New Mexico and other western states to address healthcare workforce shortages.
Source: KUNC
Sep 11, 2025 - Discusses a recent report on the mental healthcare worker shortage in New Mexico. Highlights programs at New Mexico State University working to fill workforce gaps with focus on training students to meet the needs of rural residents. Notes potential policy changes related to integrated care and certifications.
Source: Source NM
Sep 2, 2025 - Highlights an initiative in South Dakota for virtual nursing services. The program increases access to healthcare services in rural communities and addresses shortages in the registered nurse workforce. Discusses patient satisfaction and rural facility budgets.
Source: Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Last Updated: 9/24/2025