Rural Healthcare Workforce – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
May 8, 2026 - A recent episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast features 3 healthcare and public health experts, who discuss how statewide health challenges are affecting Iowa's economy. They point out that these issues have implications for employers, workforce stability, and long-term economic growth.
Source: Business Record
HRSA: Notice of Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas
Federal Register
May 7, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) finalizing updates to the criteria for determining Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTAs), geographic areas within Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) that have a shortage of maternity care health professionals. This rule also summarizes and responds to comments received on the February 3, 2026, proposed rule. Updates to Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas will be implemented beginning August 15, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 27, 2026 - Littleton Regional Healthcare CMO Richard McKenzie believes that success in rural healthcare delivery is dependent on how systems are designed, and how they provide access, support clinicians, and ensure sustainable revenue. McKenzie previously worked as a manufacturing engineer, combining efficiency with frontline realities.
Source: HealthLeaders Media
Apr 14, 2026 - Google.org and the Johnson & Johnson Foundation are investing $10 million into training rural healthcare workers to use AI-powered tools. The initiative is intended to automate scheduling, streamline patient documentation, and make clinic operations more efficient, in facilities that are struggling with workforce shortages and administrative overload.
Source: The Tech Buzz
Apr 7, 2026 - Announces Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) funding for nutrition service expansion into primary care settings and for rural residency programs for high-need specialties to address rural workforce shortages.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 7, 2026 - Describes a spring break camp for Kansas elementary students aiming to reduce rural healthcare workforce shortages by introducing rural students to healthcare careers.
Source: KCUR, NPR
Mar 26, 2026 - Highlights the Rural Health Agenda, a bipartisan and bicameral group of proposed legislation aiming to support rural hospitals through increased Medicare reimbursement, introduce new funding to promote innovation in rural emergency healthcare, and incentivize rural communities for healthcare workers through extended loan repayment programs.
Source: Office of Senator Marsha Blackburn
Mar 23, 2026 - Profiles a rural Arizona doctor preparing for retirement. Describes the impact on a rural community when the only doctor stops practicing, discussing health professional shortage areas, recruitment challenges, and distance to healthcare.
Source: Cronkite News
Mar 17, 2026 - Announces more than $5 million in funding for 26 teaching health centers offering primary care medical and dental residency programs in rural and other communities through the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program. The program supports training in community-based outpatient facilities and is a strategy for increasing workforce in rural and underserved communities.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration