Rural Healthcare Workforce – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Nov 3, 2026 - Discusses long-term provider recruitment plans as a strategy to limit gaps in care for rural hospitals, particularly as the existing workforce ages. Describes best practices including considering both current and future needs, succession planning, opportunities for improved operational efficiencies, opportunities for feedback, relationship building, and a culture of retention.
Source: Stroudwater Associates
Oct 26, 2026 - Describes the challenges with introducing rural students into nursing education programs to address the workforce shortages. Highlights one hospital that supported existing employees in continuing their education through a "grow-your-own" model.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Oct 26, 2026 - Highlights a Missouri program that helps healthcare employers provide childcare support for their employees in an effort to attract and retain workforce. The program is being expanded with Rural Health Transformation Program money. Discusses the challenges with finding child care in rural communities.
Source: The Beacon: Kansas City
Oct 23, 2026 - Announces a new initiative to support recruiting and retaining nurses for rural and higher labor shortage area nursing homes through loan repayment and stipends in exchange for 3 years of employment in qualified facilities. Describes eligibility guidelines for nurses interested in the program.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Related funding:
Nurses for Nursing Homes
Oct 5, 2026 - Discusses recent research finding surgeon workforce shortages in rural communities. Notes that one driver of the shortage is surgeon training not meeting the workforce demand.
Source: The Week
EOP: Enhancing Program Integrity and Interagency Coordination in the Administration of the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program
Federal Register
Sep 23, 2026 - Executive Order from the Office of the President regarding the H-1B program. Among other things, this Executive Order directs the Secretary of State, Secretary of Labor, and Secretary of Homeland Security to coordinate and consult with the Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Education, and Administrator of the Small Business Administration to ensure the compliance of H-1B petitions and visas with regulatory requirements.
Source: Federal Register
DHS: Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions
Federal Register
Sep 10, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) making corrections to the August 25, 2026, proposed rule titled "Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions."
Source: Federal Register
Sep 10, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced awards to 132 hospitals in 13 states through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program. This will help eligible small rural hospitals maintain their workforce, sustain essential services, and strengthen patients' access to care.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services