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Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Pharmacy and Prescription Drugs – News

News stories from the past 60 days.

Feb 26, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on a proposed information collection request titled "340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, OMB No. 0906-XXXX." This information collection request includes the collection of proposed rebate model plans from qualifying drug manufacturers, the ongoing collection of sales data from drug manufacturers for program evaluation and 340B Program integrity and compliance monitoring, and the collection of data submitted by covered entities to manufacturers to request a rebate in connection with a potential 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program. Comments are due by April 27, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 26, 2026 - 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.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 17, 2026 - 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.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 6, 2026 - 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.
Source: Durango Herald
Feb 5, 2026 - 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.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 13, 2026 - 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.
Source: University of Colorado Anschutz Health Science News and Features
Jan 8, 2026 - 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.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 8, 2026 - 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.
Source: The Ohio Newsroom
Last Updated: 2/26/2026