Rural Health Policy – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Dec 5, 2025 - Announces in-person and virtual Indian Health Service (IHS) consultations with tribal nations and urban Indian organizations to discuss proposed IHS realignment. Enclosures with more information on the proposed plan can be found on the IHS Tribal Leader Letters webpage. Comments may be submitted by February 6, 2026.
Source: Indian Health Service
Dec 2, 2025 - Announces that components of a 2024 regulation establishing federal requirements for nursing home staffing has been repealed. Discusses the burden that had been placed on rural and tribal facilities as a result of the rule.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Nov 12, 2025 - Highlights 2 new California laws aiming to increase access to maternal healthcare services in rural areas. One law creates a 10 year pilot program to operate standby maternity units for emergency care rather than maintaining staff full time. A second law relaxes licensing rules for birth centers. Discusses new maternity care options as a result of the new policies in Plumas County where a maternity ward closed in 2022.
Source: Cal Matters
Nov 5, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) announce that all 50 states applied for funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). RHTP goals include supporting rural health innovation, improving sustainability, workforce development, new models of care delivery, and expanding technology access and utilization. Funding decisions will be announced by December 31, 2025.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Oct 16, 2025 - Highlights strategies by various states to apply for Rural Health Transformation Program funds. Discusses known priorities for the states and the role of state legislatures.
Source: NCSL News
Last Updated: 12/9/2025