Rural Health
News by Topic: People with disabilities
HHS: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance
Federal Register
Nov 3, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalizing revisions to 45 CFR 84.4(g) in the regulation implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as it applies to recipients of HHS funding to exclude gender dysphoria from the definition of "disability" and "individual with a disability." This rule is effective January 4, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 9, 2026 - Describes the Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care program at the Houston VA in Texas. The mobile prosthetics and orthotics lab can reach veterans in rural communities in need of adjustments rather than having to drive long distances to the Houston facility. The program was started at VA Puget Sound and has expanded nationally through the Veterans Health Administration Office of Rural Health.
Source: VA Houston Stories
Oct 5, 2026 - Describes bipartisan legislation to extend the reporting deadline for Indian Health Service (IHS) patients who seek emergency care from non-IHS facilities. The bill would increase the deadline from 72 hours to 15 days for most patients. Older adults and people with disabilities would continue to have a 30-day deadline as the current law allows.
Source: Office of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto