This website is being reviewed for updates. Some information is offline. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce

Sep 24, 2025 - Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposing to amend its regulations regarding the process by which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) selects H-1B registrations for unique beneficiaries for filing of H-1B cap-subject petitions. DHS proposes implementing a weighted selection process that would generally favor the allocation of H-1B visas to higher skilled and higher paid aliens, while maintaining the opportunity for employers to secure H-1B workers at all wage levels. Comments on the NPRM are due by October 24, 2025. Comments on revisions of associated information collections are due by November 24, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 23, 2025 - Announces revisions to the State & Congressional District Profiles Dashboard to include metrics relevant for The Rural Transformation Fund including workforce shortage area designations, opioid overprescribing counties, and Medicaid coverage data. The Dashboard was created in partnership with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH).
Source: Stroudwater Associates
Sep 22, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has mobilized over 70 Public Health Service Officers to Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities across the country in a move to address staffing shortages.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sep 19, 2025 - Describes the shortage of nurses in North Carolina, particularly among licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Discusses factors driving shortages, a history of the shortage, and areas where progress has been made, particularly in training new LPNs. Looks at workforce projections for the coming decades. Discusses the impact on rural throughout.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Sep 18, 2025 - Highlights new ambulatory care pharmacy residency positions in South Carolina. The goal of the program is to focus on outpatient clinic work and community-based care with the aim of increasing the rural workforce.
Source: University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Sep 18, 2025 - Describes emergency maternity training for staff in a rural Arizona hospital without a labor unit. Highlights increasing maternal mortality rates in the state.
Source: KOLD
Sep 17, 2025 - Highlights a collaborative between Arkansas organizations working to improve rural healthcare outcomes, discussing its growth since its founding. The group recently launched the Arkansas Rural Health Academy to provide additional training to healthcare students across the state as a way to address workforce gaps.
Source: Talk Business & Politics
Sep 17, 2025 - Highlights proposed legislation that aims to improve access to healthcare for veterans by allowing rural Veterans Administration (VA) clinics to contract with outside healthcare providers. The bill is in response to staffing issues in VA facilities.
Source: KOLD
Sep 15, 2025 - Announces information for states to apply for funding under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Funded projects should address one or more of the stated goals related to healthcare access, rural health innovation, workforce development, and technology. The deadline to apply is November 5, 2025.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Newsroom
Related funding: Rural Health Transformation Program
Sep 15, 2025 - Announces a new pathway for enrolled American Indian/Alaska Native members to participate in a free post-baccalaureate program aiming to recruit, train, and retain medical students for tribal communities. The program is open to previously unsuccessful medical school applicants. Discusses the differences in health outcomes for tribal communities.
Source: Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine News