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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Legislation and regulations

Dec 19, 2025 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) prohibiting the use of Medicaid funds for procedures identified as gender-affirming care for children under 18. Additionally the rule prohibits the use of federal Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds for procedures identified as gender-affirming care for children under 19. Comments are due February 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2025 - A notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the requirements of participation for Medicare and Medicaid certified hospitals. The proposed rule prohibits Medicare-participating hospitals from performing certain procedures associated with gender dysphoria on children. Comments are due February 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2025 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revising 45 CFR 84.4(g) in the regulation implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section 504) as it applies to recipients of HHS funding to exclude gender dysphoria from the definition of "disability" and "individual with a disability." This proposed rule intends to clarify the May 9, 2024, final rule titled, "Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance." HHS seeks comments on the impact of the proposed rule, the impact of the May 9, 2024 rule, and regulatory alternatives as described in Section IV of this notice. Comments are due January 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2025 - Pre-publication notice of a request for information on what the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can do to accelerate the adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care. Feedback is requested on how the technology can be most effectively applied, to foster public trust, to reduce uncertainty that impedes innovation, and align federal incentives to deploy AI in a way that enhances productivity, reduces burden, lowers healthcare costs, and improves health outcomes. Comments will be used to inform regulations, reimbursement, and research and development. Comments are due 60 days after publication, scheduled for December 23, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 17, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the August 5, 2025, final rule titled " Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program."
Source: Federal Register
Dec 16, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on an information collection titled "Medicare Enrollment Application for Physician and Non-Physician Practitioners." The Form CMS-855I is the enrollment application submitted by physicians and non-physician practitioners to ensure the applicant has the necessary credentials to provide the healthcare services for which they intend to bill Medicare. Comments are due by February 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 12, 2025 - Highlights proposed legislation that would support the recruitment and retention of tribal law enforcement, increase resources for federal missing persons, and give Native communities and states new tools to respond to violence. The legislation has passed the Senate and will next to the House of Representatives.
Source: Office of Senator John Hoeven
Dec 12, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) confirming the September 30, 2024, final rule with comment period making revisions to the policy and procedures to strengthen oversight and management of the growing Community Facilities (CF), Water and Waste Disposal (WWD), Business and Industry (B&I), and Rural Energy for America (REAP) guarantee portfolios. This rule also responds to comments received in response to the final rule. The final rule is effective and confirmed as of November 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 11, 2025 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) making corrections to the September 30, 2024, final rule. This rule is effective December 11, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 10, 2025 - Describes the impact of new Arkansas legislation which will see 75 community health workers (CHWs) trained. Notes that CHW have had an impact in rural communities with less access to healthcare. Discusses recent CHW training initiatives across the state.