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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Jan 6, 2026 - Describes suicide disparities for rural areas compared to urban ones and factors contributing to higher rural rates. Highlights policy measures addressing rural suicide in Montana and Washington.
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures
Jan 5, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announcing updates to the HRSA-supported Women's Preventive Services Guidelines relating to cervical cancer screening. For most non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage, this update will take effect in 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 3, 2026 - Describes the disparate risk for suicide among rural farmers and offers recommendations for addressing that risk including telemedicine, farming support, developing hobbies, and more. Includes Iowa-focused resources for farmers.
Source: Iowa Capital Dispatch
Jan 2, 2026 - Announces that the COVID-19 public health emergency telemedicine flexibilities have been extended until December 31, 2026. Notes that the flexibility increases access to prescriptions for controlled medications for rural residents and others.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Dec 31, 2025 - The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing a temporary rule to extend certain exceptions to existing DEA regulations implemented in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (COVID-19 PHE). The full set of telemedicine flexibilities regarding the prescription of controlled medications that were in place during the COVID-19 PHE as outlined in the Third Temporary Rule will remain in place through December 31, 2026. This rule is effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 30, 2025 - A Virginia law that went info effect Nov. 19, 2025 allows certified nurse midwives to perform newborn care on their own in hospitals, though this is not a requirement. Supporters say this change might help keep labor and delivery units open in rural areas.
Source: Cardinal News
Dec 29, 2025 - Reports on the stress placed on emergency medical services (EMS) due to labor and delivery unit shortages in Arkansas. Discusses the impact on recruiting and retaining EMS workforce, limited labor and delivery training, and long travel times for adequate care.
Source: Arkansas Advocate
Dec 26, 2025 - Discusses the importance of an established relationship with a primary care provider, particularly for rural residents where specialty care access is limited. Discusses the preventive role of primary care and the associated improved health outcomes.
Source: WXOW
Dec 26, 2025 - Highlights proposed legislation in Ohio that would allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense certain medications. Notes the potential impact on rural residents with more barriers in accessing healthcare.
Source: The Center Square
Dec 26, 2025 - Describes the patient increase hospitals see around December holidays and how rural hospitals respond. Discusses staffing challenges and limited access to specialty care.
Source: KFYR