Rural Health
News by Topic: Health occupations
May 8, 2026 - Opinion piece discussing effects of healthcare provider shortages in rural Ohio. Ohio Senate Bill 258 would would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice without the physician collaboration requirement currently in place, and might help alleviate shortages in rural and underserved areas.
Source: Ohio Capital Journal
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
May 7, 2026 - The Stephen F. Austin State University nursing program enrolls about 100 students a year, and is working to address a nurse shortage that is especially acute in rural communities. The Texas Health and Human Services agency estimates that by 2032 there will be a shortage of 57,000 nurses in the state.
Source: KTRE
May 5, 2026 - Announces the opening of the VA Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP), providing loan repayment support to recent physician graduates in exchange for clinical service at a VA facility. Details program eligibility and application information. The SELRP application cycle will close May 31, 2026.
Source: VA News
Related funding:
Veterans Affairs Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP)
May 1, 2026 - Highlights 3 graduates of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine practicing comprehensive dentistry in rural Nevada and Texas.
Source: UNLV News Center
Apr 27, 2026 - Profiles Sandy Guzman, a community health worker (CHW) in rural Oregon, who serves as an intermediary between patients and the healthcare system. CHWs can help patients apply for food and housing benefits, coordinate follow-up appointments, administer cognitive and mental health screenings, and help with other non-medical needs.
Source: KFF Health News
Apr 22, 2026 - The University of Washington's Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program doubled in size last year, after moving to the Gonzaga University campus and expanding Spokane-based training to the first two years of dental school. 78% of RIDE students practice in rural areas after graduation.
Source: The Spokesman-Review
Apr 21, 2026 - Describes psychiatrist workforce shortages in West Virginia following a recent report that the state has the lowest supply in the nation. Discusses drivers of the shortage, including reimbursement rates and administrative process, fewer people entering the field, and behavioral health disparities in the state.
Source: West Virginia Watch
DOD: Extension of the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration; Correction
Federal Register
Apr 17, 2026 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) making corrections to the April 10, 2026, notice announcing the extension of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) through December 31, 2031. This correction is effective April 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 17, 2026 - Researchers from Harvard have found that millions of Americans face serious barriers to dental care, and the barriers are especially severe in rural areas. Rural patients face considerably longer travel times, especially for specialty dental care.
Source: The Harvard Gazette