Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services
Oct 21, 2026 - The medical school at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) in Fort Smith has announced the launch of its Doctor of Public Health in Leadership for Rural Health and Sustainable Development program. The first cohort comprises physicians, nurse practitioners, and people working in government agencies, hospital systems, and health-focused nonprofits.
Source: Texarkana Gazette
Oct 21, 2026 - Discusses a new Minnesota-based fellowship to train family medicine physicians in obstetrics to address limited access to obstetric care in rural communities.
Source: MPR News
Oct 21, 2026 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeking comments on an information collection titled "Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data (OMB Control Number: 0930-0396)—Extension" regarding the use of and processing of applications in the standard application process (SAP) Portal to request confidential data from the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. Comments are due November 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
CMS: Medicare Program; Implementation of Sections 6219, 6220, and 6224 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026
Federal Register
Oct 20, 2026 - Notice of a proposed rule that would implement the following sections of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026: 1) section 6219, "Adjustments to Medicare Part D Cost-Sharing Reductions for Low-Income Individuals;" 2) section 6220, "Requiring Enhanced and Accurate Lists of (REAL) Health Providers Act;" and 3) section 6224, "Modernizing and Ensuring Pharmacy Benefit Manager Accountability." The implementation of Section 6219 would reduce the generic drug copayment from $1 to $0 for full-benefit dual eligible individuals at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, effective for plan years starting January 1, 2028. The implementation of Section 6220, the REAL Health Providers Act, would establish new provider directory accuracy and accountability requirements for Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations beginning in contract year 2028. In addition, CMS has several proposals to implement section 6224, which established requirements related to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their affiliates specific to the Medicare Part D program. Comments are due by December 15, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 19, 2026 - Discusses insufficient access to both labor and delivery services and emergency medical services across Iowa, noting the potential impacts on maternal health outcomes.
Source: KMTV
Oct 16, 2026 - Highlights resources available for Minnesota farmers experiencing poor mental health.
Source: Farm Progress: The Farmer
Oct 14, 2026 - Announces a new South Dakota statewide initiative to create regional emergency medical services hubs for the purpose of coordinating resources and strengthening the workforce.
Source: KOTA
Oct 13, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments to inform the development of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition Supplement: 2027 Steps and Muscle-Strengthening Guidance. Specifically, HHS seeks comments regarding existing high-quality, evidence-based reports, programs, or campaigns related to steps and/or muscle-strengthening physical activity and related positive health outcomes. Comments are due by November 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 13, 2026 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced $12.7 million in awards through the Maternal Produce Prescription Program to help pregnant and postpartum women and their families in low-income and medically underserved communities access healthy foods. The program bolsters partnerships among healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and local food systems.
Source: Health Resources and Services Administration
Oct 13, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Healthy Start Evaluation and Quality Improvement, OMB No. 0915-0338—Revision." Proposed revisions include changes to clarifying instructions, updating response options to improve accuracy in reporting, and adding fields to capture the month of infant birth and/or death. Comments are due by November 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register