Federal Register Notices Relevant to Rural Health
Selected Federal Register notices of interest to the rural health community from the past 90 days.
Jul 1, 2024 - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on proposed updates to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) – Household and Medical Provider Components (MEPS-HC). Proposed changes include wording changes that will help identify telehealth utilization and access, as well as maintain consistency between Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems 5.1 and MEPS-HC questionnaire items. Comments are due by July 31, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 1, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) implementing the provision of the 21st Century Cures Act specifying that a healthcare provider determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General to have committed information blocking shall be referred to the appropriate agency to be subject to appropriate disincentives. This rule also establishes disincentives for certain healthcare providers that have been determined to have committed information blocking. This rule is effective July 31, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 1, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces the availability of the complete lists of all geographic areas, population groups, and facilities designated as primary care, mental health, and/or dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HPSA designations that are currently proposed for withdrawal will remain in this status until they are re-evaluated in preparation for the publication of the HPSA Federal Register notice on or before November 1, 2024. Lists are available on the shortage areas topic page on data.hrsa.gov and are current as of April 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 1, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposing policies for assessing performance year (PY) 2023 financial performance of Medicare Shared Savings Program (Shared Savings Program) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in light of significant, anomalous, and highly suspect (SAHS) billing activity for selected intermittent urinary catheters on Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics & Supplies (DMEPOS) claims. Among other things, rule proposes benchmarks for ACOs starting agreement periods in 2024, 2025, and 2026; and financial calculations used in the application cycle for ACOs applying to enter a new agreement period beginning on January 1, 2025, and the change request cycle for ACOs continuing their participation in the program for PY 2025. Comments are due by July 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 1, 2024 - Announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service of funding available for the Native Community Development Financial Institution (NCDFI) Relending Demonstration Program. The program will provide loans to qualified NCDFIs to relend funds to low-income recipients to acquire, build, rehabilitate, improve, or relocate dwellings on tribal land in rural areas. Applications are due August 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 28, 2024 - The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) seeks comments on the final draft "FY2025-FY2028 NIEHS Strategic Plan: Health at the Intersection of People and Their Environments." Comments are due by July 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 28, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making changes related to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for calendar year 2025 and proposing updates to the payment rate for renal dialysis services furnished by an ESRD facility to individuals with acute kidney injury (AKI). Among other things, this rule also proposes updated requirements for the Conditions for Coverage for ESRD facilities, the ESRD Quality Incentive Program, and the ESRD Treatment Choices Model. Comments are due by August 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 27, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Organ Procurement Organization Histocompatibility Laboratory Cost Report; and 2) Hospice Facility Cost Report Form. Comments are due by August 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 27, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the May 10, 2024, final rule titled "Medicaid Program; Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services." The effective date of the Access final rule is July 9, 2024. This notice is effective July 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 27, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for Ambulatory Surgical Centers that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Comments are due by July 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 27, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the home health payment rates for calendar year (CY) 2025. This rule also proposes changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HH QRP) requirements; provides an update on potential approaches for integrating health equity in the Expanded Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model; proposes a new standard for acceptance to service policy in the home health conditions of participation (CoPs); proposes rebasing and revising the home health market basket; and proposes updates to provider and supplier enrollment requirements and changes to the long-term care reporting requirements for acute respiratory illnesses, among other things. Also includes requests for information seeking input on permitting rehabilitative therapists to conduct the initial and comprehensive assessment and the factors that may influence the patient referral and intake processes. Comments are due by August 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 25, 2024 - The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (BSC, NCIPC). BSC, NCIPC consists of up to 18 experts in pertinent disciplines involved in injury and violence prevention, including epidemiology, statistics, trauma surgery, rehabilitation medicine, behavioral science, and health economics. Nominations are due by August 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 25, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "Home Health Change of Care Notice." Comments are due by August 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 25, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Appointment of Representative and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 405.910 and 2) Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Fee-For-Service Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Survey. Comments are due by July 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 25, 2024 - Announcement from the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service of guarantee fee rates, guarantee percent for guaranteed loans, the periodic retention fee, and fees for the issuance of the loan note guarantee prior to construction completion for FY 2025 for the following loans programs: 1) Community Facilities, 2) Water and Waste Disposal (WWD), 3) Business and Industry, and 4) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). These fees are effective on October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making typographical corrections to the May 10, 2024, final rule titled "Medicaid Program; Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Managed Care Access, Finance, and Quality." These corrections are effective July 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the May 10, 2024, final rule. The effective date of the Minimum Staffing final rule is June 21, 2024. This notice is effective June 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) making technical corrections to the March 1, 2024, final rule regarding childcare access, affordability, and stability in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). These correcting amendments are effective June 24, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 21, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is accepting applications for the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The Broadband Technical Assistance Program provides competitive cooperative agreement funding to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training that promotes the expansion of broadband into rural areas. Applications are due by August 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Broadband Technical Assistance Program
Jun 20, 2024 - Notice from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on June 24, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Central. An agenda will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 18, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposing amending its regulations governing the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP). Changes include implementing the mandates of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which expands the number of scholarships available to those who are pursuing degrees or training in mental health programs. This rule is effective July 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 17, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) regulations to implement changes related to required standards for electronic prescribing and adoption of health information technology (IT) standards for Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) use. Among other things, CMS will require Part D sponsors, prescribers, and dispensers of covered Part D drugs for eligible individuals to comply with standards CMS has either adopted directly or is requiring by cross-referencing ONC standards for electronically transmitting prescriptions and prescription-related information. These regulations are effective July 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 14, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "ASC Forms for Medicare Program Certification." Comments are due by August 13, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 14, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Outcome and Assessment Information Set OASIS-E1 and 2) End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Annual Home Dialysis within Nursing Home Survey Form. Comments are due by July 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 14, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Establishment of Qualified Health Plans and American Health Benefit Exchanges; and 2) Disclosure Requirement for the In-Office Ancillary Services Exception. Comments are due by July 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 14, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announcing three, two-part virtual public listening sessions to allow interested persons an opportunity to learn about and provide comments on the May 29, 2024, proposed rule titled "HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Program Updates and Streamlining." The first part of each virtual public listening session (Part 1) will address the topics of community housing development organizations, maximum subsidy amounts, green building incentives, homebuyer housing, and community land trusts. The second part of each virtual public listening session (Part 2) will address the topics of rental housing,
tenant-based rental assistance, and tenant protections. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the reinstatement of a generic information collection umbrella titled "Generic Umbrella for Medicaid and CHIP State Plan, Waiver, and Program Submissions" and fifty individual generic information collections. Comments are due by August 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 13, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application from the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, dba QUAD A, for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for Ambulatory Surgical Centers that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Comments are due by July 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 13, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application from the DNV Healthcare USA, Inc. for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for Critical Access Hospitals that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Comments are due by July 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 12, 2024 - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is accepting nominations for appointment to the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), which provides comments and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on physician payment models. Nominations are due by July 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 12, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is seeking comments to guide the development of an educational campaign utilizing community health workers (CHWs) to increase the cultural and linguistic competency efforts related to public health vaccines. Includes background information and presents key questions. Comments are due by July 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 12, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is accepting applications for the Delta Health Care Services (DHCS) grant program for fiscal year 2024. The purpose of the program is to address the unmet healthcare needs in the Delta Region through cooperation among health care professionals, institutions of higher education, research institutions, and economic development entities in the region. Applications are due by August 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 11, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Identification of Extension Units of Medicare Approved Outpatient Physical Therapy/Outpatient Speech Pathology (OPT/OSP) Providers and Supporting Regulations and 2) Conditions for Certification for Rural Health Clinics and Conditions for Coverage for Federally Qualified Health Centers in 42 CFR 491. Comments are due by July 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comment on the following information collections: 1) Notice of Denial of Medical Coverage (or Payment)—NDMCP; 2) Notice of Denial of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage; and Prospective Payments for Hospital Outpatient Services and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 413.65. Comments are due by August 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comments on 1) International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) and 2) Triennial Network Adequacy Review for Medicare Advantage Organizations and 1876 Cost Plans. Comments are due by July 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comment regarding the Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers, Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal Service Support information collection. Comments are due by July 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold the first Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) meeting on June 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. The CSRIC will provide recommendations to the FCC on improving the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. Attendance is available in person or online at https://www.fcc.gov/live.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) summarizing and responding to comments received in response to in-person and virtual consultation sessions in August-September 2023 regarding how the Tribal Transit competitive program and technical assistance to tribes should be administered.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - The USDA Rural Housing Service is accepting applications for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for fiscal year 2024. RCDI provides funding for private, nonprofit, and public intermediary organizations to support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Applications that will assist rural communities reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support, ensure rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects, and assist rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure are encouraged. Electronic applications are due by July 10, 2024, and paper applications must be received by July 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)
Jun 7, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application for continued recognition of the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) as a national accrediting organization for hospices that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Comments are due by July 8, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 6, 2024 - Notice from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a public meeting of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders on July 1-2, 2024. Agenda items include discussions on full and draft recommendations by the Commission's six Subcommittees on ways to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The final location and agenda will be posted on the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders website. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 4, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on a proposed information collection project titled "National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Surveillance in Healthcare Facilities." This information collection is designed to standardize the data elements collected from across the country regarding the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare facilities. Comments are due by August 5, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 4, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Examination and Treatment for Emergency Medical Conditions and Women in Labor (EMTALA) and 2) Rate Increase Disclosure and Review Requirements (45 CFR part 154). Comments are due by August 5, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 4, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the May 2, 2024, proposed rule regarding changes to the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 3, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service (RHS) is accepting applications for the 2024 Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant program. The funding supports organizations that will provide technical assistance and training regarding the essential community facilities programs. Electronic submissions are due July 3, 2024, and paper submissions must be received by July 8, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant
May 31, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Ambulatory Surgical Center Conditions for Coverage and 2) Submission of 1135 Waiver Request Automated Process. Comments are due by July 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 31, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women will hold a virtual public meeting of the Task Force on Research on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women on June 17, 2024, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include an update on the National Institute of Justice's research program on violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women and facilitated Task Force discussion and recommendations addressing violence against American Indian and Alaska Native Women. Registration is required by June 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 31, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
will hold a public meeting of the Advisory Committee on
Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM) on June 26-27, 2024.
Agenda items are being finalized but may include an update
on the federal Healthy Start program; Committee discussions
on the workgroup topics of rural healthcare access, social
drivers of health, and women's health before/between
pregnancies; federal updates; and possible recommendations
to achieve optimal maternal health and overall birth
outcomes for underserved populations, including
Black/African-American families. The webinar link and
log-in information will be available at the
ACIMM website before the meeting. Requests for public
comment should be sent via email to SACIM@hrsa.gov.
Source: Federal Register
May 30, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is extending the deadline for nominations for membership on the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD). The ACD consists of up to 15 experts knowledgeable in areas pertinent to the CDC mission, including public health, global health, health disparities, biomedical research, and other fields as applicable. Nominations are now due by July 8, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 30, 2024 - Notice from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcing its intent to implement Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, which prohibits the collection of copayments for the first three mental health care outpatient visits of a Veteran in a calendar year for which the Veteran would otherwise be required to pay a copayment. The copayment exemption for the first three outpatient mental health care visits includes appointments completed in VA clinics as well as those conducted by community care providers. The implementation of the copayment exemption will be applicable upon the publication of modifications to the VA regulations to comply with this law.
Source: Federal Register
May 29, 2024 - Notice from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announcing a joint Tribal consultation session between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ACF Office of Early Childhood Development (ECD), Office of Head Start (OHS), and Office of Child Care (OCC) and the leadership of Tribal governments operating Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting; Tribal Child Care and Development Fund; and Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The Tribal consultation session will be held on July 9-10, 2024, in Fort McDowell, Arizona. The purpose of this consultation session is to discuss ways to better meet the needs of Tribal children and their families and issues affecting the delivery of early childhood services in their geographic locations. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
May 29, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the reinstatement of an information collection request titled "Skilled Nursing Facility and Skilled Nursing Facility Complex Cost Report." The information collected will be used to determine the cost weights for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) market basket, conduct payment adequacy analyses, and determine reasonable costs. Comments are due by June 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 29, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposing to require wireless carriers to implement one or more georouting solutions for calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to ensure that calls are routed based on the geographic location for the origin of the call, rather than the area code and exchange associated with a wireless phone. The FCC also seeks comment on a variety of issues related to the implementation of a georouting solution for wireless calls, non-wireless calls, and text messages to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Comments are due by June 28, 2024. Reply comments are due by July 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 29, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proposing revisions to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME program) regulations to update, simplify, or streamline requirements; better align the program with other federal housing programs; and implement recent amendments to the HOME statute. This rule also includes minor revisions to the regulations for the Community Development Block Grant and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs consistent with the implementation of proposed changes to the HOME program. Comments are due by July 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 28, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeking comments on a proposed information collection titled "Needle Exchange Utilization Survey (NEXUS)." The purpose of NEXUS is to develop a surveillance system to monitor drug use, prevention behaviors, and the infectious disease consequences of drug use in select urban and non-urban areas of the U.S. impacted by the opioid crisis. Comments are due by July 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 28, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will hold virtual listening sessions to obtain feedback from stakeholders and other interested parties about the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program. The purpose of the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program grant program is to encourage and improve telemedicine services and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. Listening sessions will be held on June 11, 2024, and June 18, 2024, from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern each day. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grants
May 24, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Advisory Panel for Outreach and Education (APOE) on June 27, 2024, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include remarks from CMS leadership; a recap of the April 2024 meeting; presentations on CMS programs, initiatives, and priorities; and more. Presentations and written comments must be submitted to the designated federal official by June 13, 2024. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
May 24, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application from The Joint Commission for re-approval as an accreditation organization for clinical laboratories under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) program for several specialty and subspecialty laboratories. CMS has re-approved The Joint Commission as an accreditation organization under CLIA and grants deeming authority for 6 years through May 24, 2030.
Source: Federal Register
May 24, 2024 - Notice of direct final rule from the Department of Defense Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (ASD(HA)) removing certain temporary regulation changes put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that were automatically terminated by the end of the President's national emergency and the associated Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health Emergency (PHE). Temporary provisions being removed by this rule include a waiver of the requirement for a three-day prior hospital stay before admission to a skilled nursing facility; waiver of certain acute care hospital requirements for temporary hospitals and freestanding ambulatory surgery centers; a waiver of certain interstate and international licensing requirements for individual professional providers; and more. If adverse comments are received, DOD will withdraw this rule and issue a proposed rule. Otherwise, this rule is effective on August 2, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 24, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is requesting information to assist in the development of a national standard of practice for VA medical technologists. Outlines the proposed standard of practice, including education, state licensure, and tasks and duties the profession will be able to perform within the scope of their VA employment, among other things. Comments are due by July 23, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 23, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the reestablishment of a matching program between CMS and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) titled "Identification and Recovery of Duplicate Payments for Medical Claims." This matching program will assist CMS and VHA in identifying those VHA-enrolled beneficiaries who are also enrolled as Medicare beneficiaries; the specific claims where VHA and CMS made duplicate payments for the same healthcare services; and potential fraud, waste, and abuse. Comments are due by June 24, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 23, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) on June 5-6, 2024. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the PACHA website prior to the meeting. To provide public comment, pre-registration is required by May 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 23, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Interdepartmental Substance Use Disorders Coordinating Committee (ISUDCC) on June 10, 2024, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern. The ISUDCC agenda will focus on the ISUDCC's recommendations to HHS on how the Federal Government can further integrate and coordinate harm reduction approaches and strategies across the continuum of prevention, treatment, and recovery policies, programs, and practices. Agenda items will also include presentations on the recently released harm reduction framework, the Naloxone Saturation Academies, and SAMHSA's Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit. Information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the SAMHSA website.
Source: Federal Register
May 23, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amending its medical regulations to conform with section 101 of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement (Cleland-Dole) Act of 2022, which expanded the provision of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to World War II (WWII) veterans. The VA is also amending its medical regulations to remove existing references to Mexican border period and World War I (WWI) veterans since there are no longer any living veterans of these eras. This rule is effective May 23, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 22, 2024 - The National Advisory Council (NAC) for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ) will hold a virtual public meeting on
June 28-29, 2024. Among other things, agenda items include
an update by the AHRQ director, a conversation on the
vision for health services research, an update on the
Age-Friendly Healthcare Systems Strategic Plan, and
discussion on priority populations and maternal health.
Information on how to access the meeting and other updates
will be posted on the NAC
website.
Source: Federal Register
May 22, 2024 - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking scientific information submissions to inform its review on Management of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Youth. Includes background information and key questions related to the review. The full research protocol is available for review on the AHRQ website. Submissions are due by June 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 22, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopting a Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, Order, and Order on Reconsideration that reestablishes the FCC's authority over broadband internet access service (BIAS). Among other things, this rule reinstates the telecommunications service classification of BIAS under Title II of the Communications Act, which will enhance the FCC's ability to safeguard national security, advance public safety, protect consumers, and facilitate broadband deployment. This final rule is effective July 22, 2024, except for amendatory instruction 7, which is delayed indefinitely.
Source: Federal Register
May 22, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comment on an information collection request titled "National Survey of Organ Donation Attitudes and Practices, OMB No. 0915-0290—Revision." The information collected will facilitate appropriate tailoring and targeting of donation outreach messages and strategies, provide an overall assessment of the impact of previous outreach messages and strategies, and inform the development of policy related to organ donation and transplantation. Comments are due by June 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 21, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is requesting information regarding its Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) investigation and report process for traumatic injuries. NIOSH is interested in how human factors might be considered during investigations, including, but not limited to, communication, team dynamics, psychological stress, and safety culture, and how these factors impact decision-making during responses. Information collected will be used to improve reporting templates and processes to provide a holistic lens into the causes and prevention of line-of-duty deaths (LODD). Comments are due by July 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 21, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "Quality Payment Program/Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Surveys and Feedback Collections." This generic clearance will cover surveys and feedback collections designed to obtain data and feedback from MIPS eligible clinicians, third-party intermediaries, Medicare beneficiaries, and any other audiences that would support CMS in improving MIPS or the Quality Payment Program. Comments are due by July 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 21, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing modifications to the organizational structure of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of Population Affairs (OPA). OPA is responsible for implementing and administering the Title X family planning program, managing the Office of Adolescent Health, and implementing and administering the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program and other adolescent health activities. The new organizational structure is effective May 14, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 20, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) regarding the re-establishment of a matching program between HHS/ACF/OCSS and state agencies administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The matching program compares state SNAP agency records with information maintained in the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) system of records maintained by OCSS. This matching program helps state agencies with establishing or verifying eligibility for applicants and recipients of SNAP benefits, reducing SNAP benefit errors, and maintaining program integrity. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
May 20, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces the renewal of charters for several advisory committees, including the Veterans' Rural Health Advisory Committee. The charters are renewed for a two-year period, beginning on the dates listed in this notice.
Source: Federal Register
May 17, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the charter renewal of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The charter renewal is effective for a two-year period, through April 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 17, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) describing a new mandatory Medicare payment model, the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model (IOTA Model). The IOTA Model would test whether performance-based incentive payments paid to or owed by participating kidney transplant hospitals increase access to kidney transplants for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) while preserving or enhancing the quality of care and reducing Medicare expenditures. This proposed rule also describes standard provisions for CMS Innovation Center (CMMI) models relating to beneficiary protections, cooperation in model evaluation and monitoring, audits and records retention, rights in data and intellectual property, monitoring and compliance, and more. These standard provisions would apply to any CMMI model whose first performance period begins on or after January 1, 2025, and in whole or in part to any CMMI model whose first performance period began before January 1, 2025. Comments are due by July 16, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 17, 2024 - The Food and Drug Administration has revoked Emergency Use Authorizations issued to Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., and Fast Track Diagnostics Luxembourg S.á.r.l. (A Siemens Healthineers Company) related to COVID-19 detection and diagnosis tests.
Source: Federal Register
May 16, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "Prior Authorization Process and Requirements for Certain Hospital Outpatient Department (OPD) Services." CMS requires prior authorization for certain covered OPD services as a condition of Medicare payment to help to reduce unnecessary utilization and payments for these services. Comments are due by June 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 16, 2024 - The Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for certain medical devices related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These authorizations are effective on their date of issuance.
Source: Federal Register
May 15, 2024 - Announcement of public meetings of the Advisory Committee on Training and Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry (ACTPCMD) to take place throughout the 2024 calendar year. Meetings will be held on August 1-2, 2024, and at a later date that will be announced at least 30 days in advance. Information on how to join the meetings, agenda items, and other updates will be posted on the ACTPCMD website.
Source: Federal Register
May 14, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on revisions to an information collection titled "Fast Track Appeals Notices: NOMNC/DENC." Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), home health agencies (HHAs), comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities (CORFs), and hospices must provide notice to all beneficiaries/enrollees whose Medicare-covered services are ending no later than two days in advance of the proposed termination of service via the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC). Comments are due by July 15, 2024.
May 14, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service (RHS) is accepting applications under the Puerto Rico Rural Partners Network (RPN) Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program to provide authorized activities in Puerto Rico areas affected by a disaster declared by the President or the Secretary of Agriculture. RCDI provides funding for nonprofit housing and community development intermediary organizations to support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Electronic applications are due by June 28, 2024, and paper applications must be received by July 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeking comments on proposed revisions to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). NHANES produces descriptive statistics, which measure the health and nutrition status of the general population. For 2025-2026, substantial changes to NHANES content and procedures are not being considered. Comments are due by July 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 10, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implementing improvements to increase transparency and accountability, standardize data and monitoring, and create opportunities for States to promote active beneficiary engagement in their Medicaid programs, with the goal of improving access to care. These regulations are effective July 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 10, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advancing CMS' efforts to improve access to care, quality and health outcomes, and better address health equity issues for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) managed care enrollees. This rule specifically addresses standards for timely access to care and States' monitoring and enforcement efforts, reduces burden for some State directed payments and certain quality reporting requirements, adds new standards that will apply when States use in lieu of services and settings (ILOSs) to promote effective utilization and specify the scope and nature of ILOS, specifies medical loss ratio (MLR) requirements, and establishes a quality rating system for Medicaid and CHIP managed care plans. These regulations are effective July 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 10, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishing minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities. This rule also requires states to report the percentage of Medicaid payments for certain Medicaid-covered institutional services that are spent on compensation for direct care workers and support staff. These regulations are effective on June 21, 2024, except for § 483.71, § 483.35(b)(1) and (c)(1), § 483.35(b)(1)(i) and (ii), and §§ 438.72(a) and 442.43 as indicated.
Source: Federal Register
May 10, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing its approval of The Compliance Team for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for Rural Health Clinics that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This recognition is applicable July 17, 2024, to July 17, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
May 9, 2024 - Notice of final rule and interpretation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising and amending its section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section 504) regulations, which prohibits recipients of financial assistance from HHS from discrimination on the basis of disability in their programs and activities. This notice also summarizes and responds to public comments on the September 14, 2023, proposed rule. This rule is effective July 8, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 9, 2024 - Notice from the Rural Housing Service (RHS) correcting the April 19, 2024, notice that announced the acceptance of pre-applications for Section 514 Off-Farm Labor Housing (Off-FLH) loans and Section 516 Off-FLH grants. Specifically, this notice corrects errors to the commitment letter requirements.
Source: Federal Register
May 8, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) modifying the Older Americans Act of 1965 regulations by adding a new subpart D regarding adult protective services (APS). This rule establishes mandatory minimum federal standards to govern APS program policies, procedures, and practices for state APS systems and programs that receive federal Elder Justice Act funding. Among other things, this rule includes definitions for foundational terms used in APS practices and requires state APS entities to define in their policies and procedures processes for receiving, screening, prioritizing, and referring cases based on the risk and nature of the adult maltreatment or self-neglect. This rule is effective on June 7, 2024. Regulated entities must fully comply with these regulations by May 8, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
May 8, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD). The ACD consists of up to 15 experts knowledgeable in areas pertinent to the CDC mission, including public health, global health, health disparities, biomedical research, and other fields as applicable. Nominations are due by June 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 8, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making several clarifications and updating the definitions used to determine whether a consumer is "lawfully present" in order to be eligible to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through an Exchange; a Basic Health Program (BHP), in states that elect to operate a BHP; and for some state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIPs). This rule includes Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and certain other noncitizens in the definitions of "lawfully present" for purposes of eligibility for these insurance affordability programs. These regulations are effective November 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 8, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) is seeking public comments on potential viral hepatitis quality measures for implementation at the state and territory level. Specifically, HHS requests comments on the clinical significance, usability, feasibility, and likely uptake of hepatitis C screening and hepatitis C treatment initiation quality measures, as well as recommendations on other feasible viral hepatitis measures. Comments are due by June 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 7, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on a proposed information collection titled "Assessing Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Occupational Well-Being from The PRIDE Study." The survey will be a modified version of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (Well-BQ) to establish descriptive baseline health information on U.S. SGM workers, describe factors that may be associated with SGM worker health and well-being outcomes, and improve the capabilities of The PRIDE Study to better assess the work-related health experiences of the SGM workforce. Comments are due by July 8, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 7, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on a proposed information collection titled "Data Collection for the Residential Care Community and Adult Day Services Center Components of the National Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Study." The data collected in 2024 will include the basic characteristics, services, staffing, and practices of Residential Care Communities (RCCs) and Adult Day Services Centers (ADSCs), and aggregate-level distributions of the demographics, selected health conditions and health care utilization, physical functioning, and cognitive functioning of RCC residents and ADSC participants. Comments are due by July 8, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 6, 2024 - Notice of final rule and interpretation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that reinstates regulatory protections from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in covered health programs and activities. Among other things, HHS is finalizing its interpretation regarding whether Medicare Part B constitutes Federal financial assistance for purposes of civil rights enforcement and to nondiscrimination provisions to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual in regulations issued by the CMS governing Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE); health insurance issuers and their officials, employees, agents, and representatives; and States and the Exchanges carrying out Exchange requirements; among others. This rule is effective July 5, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 6, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is allowing an additional 30 days for comment on the April 4, 2024, proposed rule titled "Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) Reporting Requirements." DHS is seeking comments on the practical and policy issues related to the implementation of regulations regarding covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities, as required by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Comments are now due July 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 3, 2024 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announcing the formation of the Substance Use Prevention Workforce subcommittee within the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council (CSAP NAC). The subcommittee is expected to exist for approximately one year and hold virtual meetings monthly. Information about CSAP NAC, including future public meetings and a roster of Council members, can be accessed on the CSAP NAC website.
Source: Federal Register
May 2, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding changes to the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2025. Contains details of proposed changes impacting Medicare graduate medical education (GME) for teaching hospitals and payment policies and the annual payment rates for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals, among other things. Comments are due by June 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 2, 2024 - The National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters (NACSD) will hold a virtual public meeting on May 20, 2024, from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern. NACSD seeks input from the public on climate and health equity considerations in disaster training as well as opportunities and strategic priorities for national public health and medical preparedness, response, and recovery specific to the needs of older adults. Requests to speak to the NACSD during the public meeting must be sent to the Designated Federal Official by May 15, 2024. A detailed agenda and registration information will be published on the NACSD website.
Source: Federal Register
May 2, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comment on an information collection request titled "COVID-19 Provider Relief Programs Single and Commercial Audits and Delinquent Audit Reporting Submission Activities, OMB No. 0906-0083—Extension." HRSA will use the information collected to ensure that Provider Relief Program recipients who expended over $750,000 in funding during the recipient's fiscal year submit an audit and resolve audit findings. Comments are due by July 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 1, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing its approval of the Joint Commission for initial recognition as a national accrediting organization for Rural Health Clinics that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This recognition is applicable June 1, 2024, to June 1, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
May 1, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) announcing the publication of the Common Agreement for Nationwide Health Information Interoperability, Version 2.0.
Source: Federal Register
May 1, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) correcting the February 13, 2024, notice titled "Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024." This notice clarifies that Community Facilities Grant Program funds will not be reserved for the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) priority program in fiscal year 2024. This notice also clarifies that approved USDA Rural Partners Network (RPN) networks are considered multi-jurisdictional entities for purposes of SECD and that community and economic development plans created in association with an RPN network will be accepted as plans under SECD.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Strategic Economic and Community Development Program
May 1, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) updating the data it uses to determine a state's percentage of national nonmetropolitan unemployment income. This rule amends two regulations to correct the data source and provide transparency on its process of determining state funding allocations for various USDA programs. This rule is effective May 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 30, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application for continued recognition of the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) as a national accrediting organization for suppliers providing home infusion therapy services that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Comments are due by May 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 30, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on proposed revisions to forms related to the Universal Service Fund's Rural Health Care Program. Proposed revisions will extend some of the existing information collection requirements for the Healthcare Connect Fund and Telecom Programs, revise some of the information collection requirements for the Healthcare Connect Fund and Telecom Programs as a result of the 2023 Third Report and Order, and add a new information collection requirement for the Healthcare Connect Fund and Telecom Programs as a result of the 2023 Third Report and Order. Comments are due by July 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 30, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Indian Health Service (IHS) removing regulations that do not align with the current statutory text of the Hyde Amendment. Removing these regulations is intended to eliminate any potential confusion and align IHS guidelines with the applicable Congressional guidelines governing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This rule is effective May 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 30, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amending its medical regulations regarding Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) coverage. This rule removes the exclusion of audio-only telehealth visits. This rule also removes quantitative limitations on outpatient mental health visits and cost-sharing requirements for contraceptive services and contraceptive products approved, cleared, or granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This rule is effective May 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 29, 2024 - The Advisory Committee to the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACD, CDC) will hold a public meeting on June 6, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern. CD advises the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Director of the CDC on policies and strategies that will enable the CDC to fulfill its mission of protecting health through health promotion, prevention, and preparedness. Agenda items will include an update on CDC priorities from the CDC Director, discussions on CDC's work to address equity and social determinants of health, lab readiness and response improvement efforts, programmatic updates, and updates from the ACD Data and Surveillance Workgroup and the Communications and Public Engagement Workgroup. Information on how to join the meeting virtually will be posted on the ACD website prior to the meeting.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 29, 2024 - Quarterly listing of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) manual instructions, substantive and interpretive regulations, and Federal Register notices published from January through March 2024, including contact information for general questions or additional information about specific sections.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 29, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application for continued recognition of The Compliance Team (TCT) as a national accrediting organization for suppliers providing home infusion therapy services that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Comments are due by May 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 26, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the revision of an information collection request titled "Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS)." The MCBS provides unique insight into the Medicare program and helps CMS and external stakeholders better understand and evaluate the impact of existing programs and significant new policy initiatives. Comments are due by June 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 26, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Health Insurance Common Claims Form and Supporting Regulations at 42 CFR part 424, subpart C; and 2) Subpart D-Private Contracts and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 405.410, 405.430, 405.435, 405.440, 405.445, 405.455, 410.61, 415.110, and 424.24. Comments are due June 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 26, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application for continued recognition of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a national accrediting organization providing home infusion therapy services that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Comments are due by May 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 26, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) modifying the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (Privacy Rule). This rule limits the circumstances in which provisions of the Privacy Rule permit the use or disclosure of an individual's protected health information (PHI) about reproductive healthcare for certain non-healthcare purposes that could be detrimental to privacy of the individual or another person or the individual's trust in their healthcare providers. This rule is effective June 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 26, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) is seeking comments on proposed modifications to the definition of rural areas by integrating the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) 2023 Road Ruggedness Scale (RRS). FORHP proposes including census tracts of at least 20 square miles in area in metro counties with RRS 5 (highly rugged) and rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) code 2 or 3 in its definition of rural areas. This notice also includes a technical clarification regarding how FORHP will use Census data to identify outlying Metropolitan Statistical Area counties that qualify as rural in future updates given the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 Census terminology. Comments are due by May 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 26, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is requesting information to assist in the development of a national standard of practice for VA marriage and family therapists. Outlines the proposed standard of practice, including education, state licensure, and tasks and duties the profession will be able to perform within the scope of their VA employment, among other things. Comments are due by June 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 25, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application from Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) for re-approval as an accreditation organization for clinical laboratories under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) program for several specialty and subspecialty laboratories. CMS has re-approved AABB as an accreditation organization under CLIA and grants deeming authority for 6 years through April 25, 2030.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 25, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) finalizing long-term school nutrition requirements based on the goals of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, stakeholder input, and lessons learned from prior rulemaking. Among other things, this rule phases in added sugars limits for the school lunch and breakfast programs and in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, implements a single sodium reduction in the school lunch and breakfast programs, and establishes long-term milk and whole grain requirements for school meals. Program operators will not be required to make changes to their menus until school year 2025-2026 at the earliest. This rule is effective July 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 24, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission will hold an open meeting on April 25, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Agenda items include a discussion of a proposed rule that would require the implementation of one or more georouting solutions for wireless calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to ensure that calls are routed based on the geographic location of the origin of the call, among other things. The meeting can be viewed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 23, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the extension of the Medicaid and CHIP Program (MACPro) generic clearance process umbrella and the individual generic collection of information requests that fall under the MACPro umbrella. Comments are due by May 23, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 23, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising regulations for Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Revisions include Star Ratings, marketing and communications, agent/broker compensation, health equity, dual-eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), utilization management, network adequacy, and other programmatic areas. These regulations are effective June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 23, 2024 - Notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking comments on a proposed generic information collection to support social and behavioral research used by FDA about drug products. Comments are due by June 24, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 22, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a virtual public meeting of the Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Readiness and Response (BSC, ORR) on May 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern. The agenda includes an organizational update; an overview of the Division of Readiness and Response Science; Division Directors follow-up discussion; polio containment working group updates; healthy equity working group updates; and more. Registration to attend the meeting is required.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 22, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHACHSPT). The Committee is charged with advising CDC and HRSA on objectives, strategies, policies, and priorities for HIV, viral hepatitis, and other STD prevention and treatment efforts. Nominations are due by October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 22, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a virtual public meeting on May 28-30, 2024, to discuss the preliminary coding, Medicare benefit category, and payment determinations for new revisions to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code set. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the CMS website. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 22, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) updating income levels used to identify a "low-income family" to determine disadvantaged background eligibility for Titles III, VII, and VIII nursing and health professions programs authorized by the Public Health Service Act. These programs provide health professions students with scholarships and/or loan repayment in return for service in underserved locations.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on proposed updates to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) – Household and Medical Provider Components (MEPS-HC). Proposed changes include wording changes that will help identify telehealth utilization and access, as well as maintain consistency between Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems 5.1 and MEPS-HC questionnaire items. Comments are due by June 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
FNS: Establishing the Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-Congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs
Apr 19, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) extending the comment period on the December 29, 2023, interim final rule titled "Establishing the Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-Congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs." The interim final rule amends the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the National School Lunch Program's Seamless Summer Option (SSO) regulations to codify the flexibility for rural program operators to provide non-congregate meal service in the SFSP and SSO. This rule also establishes regulations and codifies a permanent summer electronic benefits transfer for children program (Summer EBT) to ensure continued access to food when school is not in session for the summer. Comments are now due by August 27, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is seeking comments from language access stakeholders, including organizations representing and/or serving communities with limited English proficiency (LEP), to inform the development and implementation of a universal symbol informing people about the availability of language assistance services in healthcare settings. Comments are due by May 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) revising the 340B Administrative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to address policy and operational challenges to the implementation of the December 14, 2020, final rule. Among other things, revisions intend to make 340B ADR process more accessible, administratively feasible, and timely, and require that the 340B ADR Panel members have specific knowledge of the authorizing statute and the operational processes of the 340B Program. This rule is effective June 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - The National Advisory Council on Migrant Health (NACMH) will hold a virtual public meeting on May 15-16, 2024. Agenda items include discussions on topics related to migratory and seasonal agricultural worker health. Meeting information will be published on the NACMH website. Requests for public comment should be sent to the Designated Federal Official at least 3 business days before the meeting.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - The National Council on Disability will hold a virtual quarterly business meeting on May 9, 2024, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include reports from the Executive Committee and Chair, policy updates, policy proposals for fiscal year 2025, a presentation by the Intertribal Disability Advisory Council (IDAC) on living with a disability on tribal lands, a public comment session focused on public facilities and public transportation, and Council Member training on National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is accepting pre-applications for Section 514 Off-Farm Labor Housing (Off-FLH) loans and Section 516 Off-FLH grants for the construction of new off-farm FLH units for domestic farm laborers, retired domestic farm laborers, or disabled domestic farm laborers. This program aims to increase the supply of affordable housing for farm laborers. Pre-applications will be accepted until July 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Off-Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans and Grants
Apr 19, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Social Security Administration (SSA) expanding the definition of a public assistance household for purposes of SSA programs to include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as an additional means-tested public income-maintenance (PIM) program. Among other things, this rule also revises the definition of a public assistance household from a household in which every member receives some kind of PIM payment to a household that has both an SSI applicant or recipient, and at least one other household member who receives one or more of the listed PIM payments. This rule is effective September 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 18, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) revising regulations governing the WIC food packages. The revisions align the WIC food package regulations with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and reflect recommendations made by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) in its 2017 report, "Review of WIC Food Packages: Improving Balance and Choice" while promoting nutrition security and equity. Among other things, this rule intends to provide WIC participants with a wider variety of foods that align with the latest nutritional science; provide WIC State agencies with greater flexibility to prescribe and tailor food packages that accommodate participants' special dietary needs and personal and cultural food preferences; provide foods in amounts that are more consistent with the supplemental nature of the Program; and strengthen support for individual breastfeeding goals to help establish successful long-term breastfeeding. This rule is effective June 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 18, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting on April 30-May 1, 2024. Agenda items include updates from VA leadership, the Executive Director of the VA Office of Rural Health, and the Committee Chair, as well as presentations on general rural healthcare access.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 17, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the reinstatement of an information collection titled "Skilled Nursing Facility and Skilled Nursing Facility Complex Cost Report." The information collected will be used to determine the cost weights for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) market basket, conduct payment adequacy analyses, and determine reasonable costs. Comments are due by May 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 17, 2024 - Executive Order from the Office of the President revoking three executive orders related to COVID-19 – Executive Order 13910 of March 23, 2020, Executive Order 13991 of January 20, 2021, and Executive Order 13998 of January 21, 2021. This order also transfers the responsibilities of the Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response and Counselor to the President to the Director of the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR) and terminates the COVID-19 Response Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response positions.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 16, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeks comments on revisions to an information collection titled "Reform of Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities." The information collected will be used by CMS, state survey agencies, and long-term care (LTC) facilities to ensure compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements and quality of care provided to LTC residents. Revisions include new requirements proposed at 42 CFR 483.35 and new section 483.71, which were discussed in the September 6, 2023, proposed rule on page 61391. Comments are due by June 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 16, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announces a virtual public meeting on June 25, 2024, to receive recommendations and comments regarding payment amounts for new or substantially revised test codes Medicare is considering under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) for calendar year 2025. Written comments are due by May 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). HICPAC is charged with advising the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CDC regarding the practice of infection control and strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control of healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, and related events in settings where healthcare is provided. Nominations are due by September 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2024 - The Census Bureau has renewed the National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic and Other Populations (NAC), which provides advice to the Director of the Census Bureau on the economic, housing, demographic, socioeconomic, linguistic, technological, methodological, geographic, behavioral, and operational variables affecting the cost, accuracy, and implementation of Census Bureau programs and surveys, including the decennial census.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2024 - The Census Bureau will hold a virtual public meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic and Other Populations (NAC) on May 2, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern. The NAC addresses policy, research, and technical issues related to Census Bureau programs and activities, including decennial, demographic and economic statistical programs, field operations, and information technology. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the NAC website.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) as a national accrediting organization providing home infusion therapy services that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. The approval is effective April 23, 2024, through April 23, 2030.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) setting parameters for risk adjustment and user fees for state and federal-based exchanges for 2025. This rule also addresses requirements related to the auto re-enrollment hierarchy, essential health benefits, the Insurance Affordability Program enrollment eligibility verification process, network adequacy, prescription drug benefits, and more. These regulations are effective June 4, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2024 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will hold a public meeting of the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC) on May 1-2, 2024. Agenda items will include informational sessions, updates on NHTSA initiatives, subcommittee reports, and strategic planning. The agenda and instructions on how to register for the meeting will be posted on the NEMSAC section of the NHTSA Office of EMS website at least one week before the meeting. Pre-registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 12, 2024 - Announcement from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of a plan to modify the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Data System to add Tribal TANF records from a separate system of records that is being rescinded. This notice is effective April 12, 2024 but comments will be accepted.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 12, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Transitional Coverage and Retroactive Medicare Part D Coverage for Certain Low-Income Beneficiaries through the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) Program; and 2) Appointment of Representative and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 405.910, which says that an individual or entity may appoint a representative to act of their behalf when exercising their rights for claim determinations and appeals. Comments are due June 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 11, 2024 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) announcing adjustments to the reimbursement and provider qualifications for childbirth support services under the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD). The second phase of CBSD will include a new reimbursement methodology, new doula-specific codes, increased flexibility for antepartum and postpartum visits, and a new requirement for certified labor doulas (CLDs) to be participating providers. DHA also announces the National Black Doula Association (NBDA) as a certification body for CLDs and the certification requirement for doulas practicing in a state with an active state-wide doula Medicaid benefit will be waived when that doula is actively enrolled in that state Medicaid program. Phase 2 will be fully implemented by January 1, 2025, with a transition period beginning June 10, 2024. The modifications to the certified labor doulas (CLD) certification requirement are effective April 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 11, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) seeks comments on a draft Policy Information Notice (PIN) that proposes program policy guidance for health centers and look-alikes under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. This draft PIN aims to clarify the circumstances under which health centers may provide certain health services as part of the Health Center Program scope of project to justice-involved individuals who are expected to be or scheduled for release from a carceral setting and re-enter the community within 90 days. Comments are due by June 14, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical corrections to the August 7, 2023, final rule. This notice is effective April 10, 2024, and is applicable October 1, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopting a Report and Order amending existing rules and requirements governing the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program. Changes will streamline processes, align timelines, and refine certain rules to more precisely address specific situations experienced by carriers. This rule is effective May 10, 2024, except for amendments to sections 36.4 (amendatory instruction 2), 54.205 (amendatory instruction 7), 54.313 (amendatory instruction 10), 54.314 (amendatory instruction 11), 54.316 (amendatory instruction 13), 54.903 (amendatory instruction 18), and 54.1306 (amendatory instruction 22), which are delayed indefinitely.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection regarding forms used by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs). The forms are used to assess an LRP applicant's eligibility and qualifications for the LRP, determine LRP applicants' Spanish language proficiency if relevant to their application, and obtain information for NHSC site applicants. Comments are due by May 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 8, 2024 - Notice from the Census Bureau announcing the renewal of the Bureau of the Census Scientific Advisory Committee. The Committee provides advice to the Director of the Census Bureau on the full range of Census Bureau programs and activities including communications, decennial, demographic, economic, field operations, geography, information technology, and statistics.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 8, 2024 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for the FEMA National Advisory Council (NAC), which advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management, incorporating input from and ensuring coordination with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and the non-governmental and private sectors. Applications are due by May 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 5, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Outcome and Assessment Information Set OASIS-E1; 2) Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Fee-For-Service Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Survey; 3) Application for Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) for People with End-Stage Renal Disease; and 4) End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Annual Home Dialysis within Nursing Home Survey Form. Comments are due by June 4, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part A Internet Claim (iClaim) Application Screen Modernized Claims System and Consolidated Claim Experience Screens and 2) CAHPS Hospice Survey. Comments are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for fiscal year 2025. Includes proposals regarding changes to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program; the adoption of the most recent Office of Management and Budget statistical area delineations, which would change the hospice wage index; clarifications to current policy related to the "election statement" and the
"notice of election;" and clarifying language regarding hospice certification. Among other things, this rule seeks comments regarding the potential implementation of a separate payment mechanism to account for high-intensity palliative care services. Includes rural considerations throughout. Comments are due by May 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking comments on the practical and policy issues related to the implementation of regulations regarding covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities, as required by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Includes rural references throughout and encourages comments regarding the impact of proposed requirements on small entities. Comments are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Notice from the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announcing the availability of proposed guidance to assist recipients in their implementation of the Rural Areas Formula Program and the rural component of the Buses and Bus Facilities Program. Among other things, proposed changes include updating references to "Urbanized Area," a designation no longer used by the U.S. Census Bureau, to "Urban Area" as defined by the Secretary of Commerce. Comments are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is accepting applications for the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program for fiscal year 2024. The RCDG program awards grants up to $200,000 to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. Applications are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 3, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the FY 2025 prospective payment rates, outlier threshold, and wage index for Medicare inpatient hospital services provided by inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPF), including psychiatric hospitals and excluded psychiatric units of an acute care hospital or Critical Access Hospital. Includes proposed revisions to the patient-level adjustment factors, the Emergency Department adjustment, and the payment amount for electroconvulsive therapy; and seeks to adopt a new quality measure and modify reporting requirements under the IPF Quality Reporting Program beginning with the FY 2027 payment determination. Seeks comments regarding potential future revisions to the IPF prospective payment system (PPS) facility-level adjustments and the development of a standardized IPF Patient Assessment Instrument. Comments are due by May 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 3, 2024 - Notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would update the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) payment rates for fiscal year 2025. Includes proposals to rebase and revise the SNF market basket to reflect a 2022 base year; update the wage index used under the SNF PPS to reflect data collected during the most recent decennial census; technical revisions to the code mappings used to classify patients under the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) to improve payment and coding accuracy; and update the requirements for the SNF Quality Reporting Program and the SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program. Among other things, this rule also includes proposals to strengthen nursing home enforcement requirements. Comments are due by May 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 3, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announcing that it will not be funding applications for Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program for fiscal year 2024. RBS issued a notice of solicitation of applications on January 2, 2024, subject to the availability of funding, but did not receive the anticipated appropriations. Any applications submitted to date will not be funded through the RISE program.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 3, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the availability of up to $3 million in competitive grants under the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) program for fiscal year 2024. The purpose of the SDGG program is to provide technical assistance to socially disadvantaged groups in rural areas through cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers. Technical assistance includes feasibility studies, business plans, strategic planning, and leadership training. Applications are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 3, 2024 - Notice of final rules from the Department of the Treasury, Department of Labor (DOL), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) amending the definition of short-term, limited-duration insurance, which is excluded from the definition of individual health insurance coverage under the Public Health Service Act. This notice also amends the regulations for hospital indemnity or other fixed indemnity insurance to be considered an excepted benefit in the group and individual health insurance markets. These regulations are effective June 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
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