Federal Register Notices Relevant to Rural Health
Selected Federal Register notices of interest to the rural health community from the past 90 days.
Oct 11, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will hold a public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Minority Health on November 14-15, 2024. The meeting will discuss the implementation of the updated Office of Management and Budget (OMB) federal race and ethnicity data collection standards, with a focus on opportunities for engagement with racial, ethnic, and tribal community-level organizations to support increased awareness of the race and ethnicity data collection standards and their intended goals within their communities. Registration is required by October 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 11, 2024 - Notice from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) extend the period to waive two regulatory requirements for the Section 502 Direct and Guaranteed Manufactured Housing program while USDA completes the rulemaking to remove regulatory barriers to assist eligible applicants by improving the ease of the pilot program (pilot) use for very low to moderate-income homeowners. The duration of the pilot is anticipated to continue until May 1, 2025, or the date the Updating Manufactured Housing Provisions Final Rule is published and effective, whichever comes first. The regulatory waivers are effective November 4, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 11, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) updating the Water and Environmental Programs' (WEP) Technical Assistance Grants regulation. This rule updates the audit and financial statement language to align with the Office of Management and Budgets (OMB) 2024 revisions. This rule is effective October 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 10, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposing payment parameters and provisions related to the risk adjustment and risk adjustment data validation programs and user fee rates for federally-facilitated exchanges and state-based exchanges on the federal platform, among other things. Comments are due by November 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 9, 2024 - Notice from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announcing modifications to its organizational structure. These changes are effective October 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 9, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Bid Pricing Tool (BPT) for Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP); and 2) the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey. Comments are due by December 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 9, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking comments on the adoption of updated Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) delineations for use in certain of FEMA's grant programs: Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP), the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP), the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), and the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP). Comments are due by December 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 9, 2024 - Notice from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) seeking comments on the proposal to extend approval of the information collection requirements specified in the COVID-19 Recordkeeping and Reporting in Healthcare Standard. The COVID-19 Recordkeeping and Reporting in Healthcare Standard contains information collection requirements that require employers to: establish and maintain a COVID-19 log of each instance identified by the employer in which an employee is COVID-19 positive, regardless of whether the instance is connected to exposure to COVID-19 at work; report to OSHA each work-related COVID-19 fatality within 8 hours of the employer and each work-related COVID-19 in-patient hospitalization within 24 hours of the employer learning about the in-patient hospitalization; and more. Comments are due by December 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 9, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) seeking comments on the revision of an information collection titled "Survey of Veteran Enrollees' Health and Use of Health Care." Information collected is used to gain insights into factors influencing health care choices, enrollees' perceived health status and need for assistance, available insurance, self-reported utilization of VA services versus other health care services, barriers to seeking care, ability and comfort level with accessing virtual care, and more. Comments are due by December 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 8, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the reinstatement of an information collection titled "Medicare Program: Conditions for Payment of Power Mobility Devices, including Power Wheelchairs and Power-Operated Vehicles." This information collection is related to requirements for a face-to-face examination of the beneficiary by the physician or treating practitioner, a written prescription, and receipt of pertinent parts of the medical record by the supplier within 45 days after the face-to-face examination that the durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers maintain in their records and make available to CMS and its agents upon request. Comments are due by November 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 8, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting on October 24, 2024, from 8:00 - 4:30 p.m. Eastern. 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 by subject matter experts on general rural healthcare access.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 7, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) is seeking feedback on the development of four strategic plans for the United States for 2026-2030: 1) National HIV/AIDS Strategy; 2) Sexually Transmitted Infections National Strategic Plan; 3) Vaccines National Strategic Plan; and 4) Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan. The strategic plans will serve as national roadmaps for a broad range of constituents to help prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure disease; improve health outcomes; reduce health disparities and inequities; and advance research and technology. Comments are due by December 6, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 7, 2024 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is accepting applications from qualified candidates to be considered for appointment as members of the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC). NEMSAC serves as a nationally recognized council of emergency medical services (EMS) representatives and consumers to provide advice and recommendations regarding EMS to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Applications are due by November 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 4, 2024 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking comments concerning the National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness, which identifies progress and gaps in individual and community preparedness and to better understand the motivational factors and barriers to preparedness that people face. Comments are due by December 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 4, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting on October 24, 2024, from 8:00 - 5:30 p.m. Eastern. 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 by subject matter experts on general rural healthcare access.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 3, 2024 - Notice of interim final action with comment period from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising Medicare wage index values for fiscal year (FY) 2025, establishes a transitional payment exception for low-wage hospitals significantly impacted by those revisions, and makes conforming changes to the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) payment rates for FY 2025. These changes reflect the removal of the low wage index hospital policy following the appellate court decision in Bridgeport Hosp. v. Becerra. This rule also makes conforming changes to IPPS rates and factors used to determine certain payments under the long-term care hospital prospective payment system (LTCH PPS). This action is effective on September 30, 2024. Comments are due by November 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
HHS: Charter Renewal of the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Oct 3, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing that the charter for the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) has been renewed. he PACCARB advises and provides information and recommendations to the Secretary of HHS regarding programs and policies intended to reduce or combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may present a public health threat. The charter renewal is effective through August 29, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 2, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the August 28, 2024, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 2, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical corrections to the August 7, 2024, final action. This correction in effective October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 2, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical corrections to the August 6, 2024, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 2, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the August 6, 2024, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 2, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments on revisions to forms related to Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers, Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal Service Support. The revisions will implement the new requirements captured in the Safe Connections Act Survey in the Safe Connections Act Order, FCC 23-96, which requires that surveys be developed and sent to stakeholder groups working directly with survivors of domestic violence to conduct a program evaluation. Comments are due by December 2, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 2, 2024 - Notice of interim rule with comment period from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) adopting the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, to include 12 existing HHS-specific modifications. Among other things, this rule also repeals HHS' existing regulations governing the administration of HHS financial assistance awards. This rule is effective October 1, 2025, except for amendatory instruction 2, which is effective October 1, 2024. Comments are due by November 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 1, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowing an additional 30 days for 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 within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 1, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the August 6, 2024, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 1, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on revisions to an information collection titled "Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Home Health Facilities (HHAs) and Supporting Regulations." Information collected is used to determine whether HHAs are complying with their Conditions of Participation (CoP). Comments are due by December 2, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 1, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments on 12 new objectives proposed to be added to Healthy People 2030. Objectives cover the inclusion of environmental health in health professions education programs, age-appropriate vaccinations, hypertension during pregnancy, and more. HHS is also soliciting proposals for additional new core, developmental, or research objectives or topics to be included in Healthy People 2030. Comments are due by October 31, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 1, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) on March 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will provide information on federal efforts related to serious mental illness (SMI) and serious emotional disturbance (SED). The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the SAMHSA website before the meeting.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Evaluation of Stakeholder Training and Program Support and 2) Federally Qualified Health Center Cost Report Form. Comments are due by November 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the April 23, 2024, final rule. This correcting amendment is effective September 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces the renewal of the Council on Graduate Medical Education. The charter is effective through September 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) making necessary revisions to the policy and procedures which will strengthen oversight and management of the growing Community Facilities (CF), Water and Waste Disposal (WWD), Business and Industry (B&I), and Rural Energy for America (REAP) guarantee portfolios. Comments are due by October 30, 2024. This rule is effective November 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 27, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing 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, this rule establishes benchmarks for ACOs starting agreement periods in 2024, 2025, and 2026, 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. These regulations are effective October 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 27, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announcing the annual adjustment in the amount in controversy (AIC) threshold amounts for Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings and judicial review under the Medicare appeals process. The calendar year 2025 AIC threshold amounts are $190 for ALJ hearings and $1,900 for judicial review. These adjustments will be effective for requests filed on or after January 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 27, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) withdrawing the May 10, 2016, proposed rule titled "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)." This rule would have amended the SNAP regulations to establish procedures for planning, requesting, and operating D-SNAP. FNS is withdrawing this proposed rule to maintain the flexibility to adapt D-SNAP to unique disaster situations. This withdrawal is effective September 27, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 27, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) announcing it is accepting applications for the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration Program (MPR) and Section 515 Loan Program. These loan and grant funds may be used to preserve and improve existing Rural Rental Housing (RRH) and Off-Farm Labor Housing (OFF-FLH) projects to extend their affordable use. Applicants must send an email message to the RHS Production and Preservation Division by 12:00 p.m. Eastern on December 16, 2024. Applications are due by December 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Multifamily Housing Non-Profit Transfer Technical Assistance Grants
Sep 26, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implementing policies in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) related to the new legislative requirements in the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 (MSIAA). Among other things, this rule finalizes several other proposed program integrity and program administration provisions or modifications. This rule also rescinds revisions made by the December 31, 2020, final rule consistent with a May 2022 court order. These regulations are effective November 19, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 26, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the reinstatement with change of an information collection titled "End Stage Renal Disease Annual Facility Survey Form." This form collects certification and other information about End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) facilities approved by Medicare to provide kidney dialysis and transplant services. Comments are due by November 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 26, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on revisions to an information collection titled "Medicaid Managed Care and Supporting Regulations." Comments are due by October 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 24, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcing the approval of an information collection associated with the rules outlined in the January 11, 2024, final rule and the FCC's Third Report and Order. Amendments to sections 54.601(b) and (c) (amendatory instruction 2) and 54.622(e)(1)(i) through (ii) and (i)(3)(iv) (amendatory instruction 4) are effective September 24, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 23, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) making amending regulations implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) and adding new regulations implementing the nonquantitative treatment limitation (NQTL) comparative analyses requirements under MHPAEA, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, 2021). Specifically, these rules amend the existing NQTL standard to prevent plans and issuers from using NQTLs to place greater limits on access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits as compared to medical/surgical benefits. These regulations are effective November 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 20, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on a proposed information collection project titled the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS). The goal of the project is to assess the health of the population through patient use of physician and advanced practice provider offices, health centers, and to monitor the characteristics of physician and advanced practice provider practices. Comments are due by November 19, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 20, 2024 - The Census Bureau will hold a virtual public meeting of the 2030 Census Advisory Committee on October 17-18, 2024. The committee will review and provide feedback related to 2030 Census plans and execution to assist the Census Bureau in devising strategies to increase census awareness and participation, reduce barriers to response, and enhance the public's trust and willingness to respond. Meeting information, including the agenda and how to join the meeting, will be posted on the Census Advisory Committee website.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 19, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of The Compliance Team (TCT) for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for suppliers providing home infusion therapy services that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This accreditation is effective September 28, 2024 – September 28, 2030.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 19, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for suppliers providing home infusion therapy services that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This accreditation is effective September 26, 2024 – September 26, 2030.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 19, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a virtual public meeting on November 6-8, 2024, to discuss the preliminary coding, Medicare benefit category, and payment determinations, if applicable, 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
Sep 19, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) seeking comments on a proposed information collection for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Health Outcomes and Participant Experience (HOPE) Study. Information collected will provide the USDA and FNS with information about the population WIC serves, how well WIC services align with participants' needs, and how WIC influences participants' health outcomes. Comments are due by November 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 19, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service (RHS) proposing to amend the current Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) regulations. Among other things, this rule proposes changes to the requirements for the length of time a prior Agency loss is considered significant derogatory credit and address seasoning requirements and payment performance for refinance transactions and the establishment of a seven-year time frame for the applicant to re-establish credit after a prior loss claim with the Agency before that loss would no longer be considered significant derogatory credit. Comments are due by November 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 18, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for suppliers providing home infusion therapy services that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This accreditation is effective September 25, 2024 – September 25, 2030.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 18, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) announcing revised performance standards for Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs). The standards reflect practices identified both by OIG and MFCUs that will improve MFCU effectiveness in fulfilling their oversight mission. These standards replace and supersede standards published on June 1, 2012, and are effective on September 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 17, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Request for Employment Information and 2) Community Mental Health Center Cost Report. Comments are due by November 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 17, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Notice of Denial of Medical Coverage (or Payment)—NDMCP; 2) Notice of Denial of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage; 3) Subpart D-Private Contracts and Supporting Regulations; and 4) Rural Health Clinic Cost Report. Comments are due by October 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 17, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of receipt of an application for continued recognition of the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) as a national accrediting organization for home health agencies that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Comments are due by October 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 17, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on the potential to require a winning bidder in the 5G Fund Phase I auction to demonstrate Tribal consent during the long-form application process. Specifically, the FCC seeks input on how it can best assess an applicant's eligibility to be authorized to receive 5G Fund support for the purpose of deploying network facilities that would enable 5G mobile broadband service located on Tribal lands, while incorporating Tribal government consent into the Commission's approval process. Comments are due by October 17, 2024. Reply comments are due by November 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeking comments and technical review on the draft Hazard Review: Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure Among Farmworkers and Other Outdoor Workers. The purpose of the Hazard Review document is to provide an overview of the relevant health effects literature and present evidence-based recommendations to protect outdoor workers, including farm workers, construction workers, oil and gas workers, park rangers, emergency responders, and others, from the adverse health effects of occupational exposure to wildland fire smoke. Comments are due by November 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) announcing a virtual town hall meeting to be held on December 11-12, 2024, to discuss FY 2026 applications for add-on payments for new medical services and technologies under the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). Information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the New Technology website. The deadline to register to present at the meeting is November 4, 2024. Written comments and agenda items for discussion at the meeting are due by November 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 12, 2024 - The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is seeking comments on a project titled "Local Estimates of Internet Adoption" (Project LEIA). Project LEIA is a new joint project of NTIA and the U.S. Census Bureau to develop model-based estimates of internet adoption for smaller populations than would typically be possible using survey data alone. Comments are due by October 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 11, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments on revisions to the client-level Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), which is used to instrument to collect performance and program monitoring data of its substance use services grant programs. Comments are due by November 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 10, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program; 2) Medicare Part C Utilization Management Annual Data Submission and Audit Protocol Data Request; 3) Medicare Program: Procedures for Making National Coverage Decisions; and 4) Transcatheter Valve Therapy (TVT) Registry. Comments are due by November 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 9, 2024 - The National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS) will hold a virtual public meeting the Subcommittee on Privacy, Confidentiality, and Security and the Subcommittee on Standards on September 19-20, 2024. Agenda items include a panel on privacy and security in health data access with invited experts, an update on the ongoing work of the ICD-11 Workgroup, and preparation for the upcoming work of the Subcommittee on Standards. Registration for the meeting is available on the NCVHS website.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 9, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Health Statistics (BSC, NCHS). Nominations are being sought for individuals who have the expertise and qualifications necessary to contribute to the accomplishment of the Board's objective to provide advice and guidance on statistical and epidemiological research, data collection, and activities that support the National Center for Health Statistics, such as determinants of health, extent and nature of illness and disability, prevalence of chronic diseases and impairments, infant and maternal morbidity and mortality, and more. Nominations are due by November 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 9, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Hospice Facility Cost Report Form and 2) Organ Procurement Organization Histocompatibility Laboratory Cost Report. Comments are due by October 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 9, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the June 17, 2024, final rule titled "Medicare Program; Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program; Health Information Technology Standards and Implementation Specifications." These corrections are effective September 9, 2024, and applicable to the start of the transition period for the use of the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) SCRIPT standard and NCPDP Formulary and Benefit (F&B) standard versions beginning July 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 6, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a virtual public meeting of the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) on October 16-17, 2024. The CPSTF is charged with identifying community preventive programs, services, and policies that increase healthy longevity and improve quality of life while saving money. Agenda items include deliberation on systematic reviews of the literature on substance use, injury prevention, and social determinants of health. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 5, 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." The purpose of the Home Health Change of Care Notice (HHCCN) is to notify original Medicare beneficiaries receiving home health care benefits of plan of care changes. Comments are due by October 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 4, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will hold a public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM) on October 16-17, 2024. Agenda items are being finalized but may include 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
Sep 3, 2024 - The Advisory Committee to the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACD, CDC) will hold a hybrid public meeting on October 22, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items will include an update on CDC priorities from the CDC Director, discussions on strategic science and impact, artificial intelligence, childhood immunization coverage and efforts to address lagging rates, global 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
Sep 3, 2024 - The Consensus-Based Entity (CBE) Report on 2023 Activities to Congress and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary's comments on the report, are published by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Federal Register in accordance with the Social Security Act. The report includes a summary of the CBE's consideration of the unique challenges related to quality measure reporting and thresholds for rural providers.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 30, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Indian Health Service (IHS) finalizing regulations governing the administration of the Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund (CHEF). The purpose of the CHEF is to meet the extraordinary medical costs associated with the treatment of victims of disasters or catastrophic illnesses who are within the responsibility of the IHS. This regulation establishes 1) definitions governing the CHEF, including definitions of disasters and catastrophic illnesses; 2) that a Service Unit shall not be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of treatment from the CHEF until its cost of treating any victim of such catastrophic illness or disaster has reached a certain threshold cost; 3) a procedure for reimbursement of the portion of the costs for authorized services that exceed such threshold costs; 4) a procedure for payment from the CHEF for cases in which the exigencies of the medical circumstances warrant treatment prior to the authorization of such treatment; and 5) procedure that will ensure no payment will be made from the CHEF to a Service Unit to the extent the provider of services is eligible to receive payment for the treatment from any other Federal, state, local, or private source of reimbursement for which the patient is eligible. This rule is effective October 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 30, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs from September 24-26, 2024. The Committee will provide advice and guidance to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on all matters relating to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Native American Veterans. The agenda will include, among other things, updates on the VA Native American Direct Loan and Specialty Adapted Housing Programs; homeless programs; VA Office of Rural Health; VA Reimbursement Agreement program; Veterans Benefits Administration/Outreach, Transition, and Economic Development/PACT ACT; and the VA Office of Connected Care.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 30, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting on September 16, 2024, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Eastern. 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 by subject matter experts on general rural healthcare access.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 29, 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) Home Office Cost Statement. Comments are due by September 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 28, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2025. This rule also makes changes to Medicare graduate medical education (GME) for teaching hospitals and updates 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, this rule also finalizes the proposal of a separate IPPS payment for establishing and maintaining access to essential medicines; finalizes a new mandatory alternative payment model called the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), which will test whether financial accountability for selected episode categories reduces Medicare expenditures while preserving or enhancing the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries; and finalizes the proposal requiring respiratory illness reporting for hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) as a condition of participation following the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency requirements. With three exceptions, this final rule is effective October 1, 2024. Instruction 2 (§ 405.1845) is effective January 1, 2025. Instructions 29 and 31 (§ 482.42(e) and § 485.640(d)) are effective November 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 28, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Tribal Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) on September 17, 2024. SAMHSA will also hold a joint virtual public meeting with the TTAC and Indian Health Service (IHS) National Tribal Advisory Committee on Behavioral Health (NTAC) on September 18, 2024. Meeting information Meeting information will be posted on the SAMHSA Council's website. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 27, 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 September 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 27, 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 September 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 26, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcing the reorganization of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). The NCIPC established the Behavioral Integration Branch. Among other things the Behavioral Integration Branch plans, directs, and supports epidemiological analysis, applied research, and demonstration projects to advance the integration of behavioral health (including suicide prevention) strategies with healthcare delivery and community behavioral health services; provides technical assistance to local, state, territorial, and tribal agencies to advance the integration of surveillance and suicide prevention strategies with healthcare delivery and community behavioral health services; develops guidance to reduce or mitigate risk factors and increase protective factors as appropriate; and disseminates scientific findings, evidence-based prevention strategies, and suicide prevention guidelines. This reorganization is effective August 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 26, 2024 - Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) on September 12-13, 2024. Agenda items will include presentations on implementing the universal hepatitis B vaccine recommendations for adults aged 19-59 years and adults aged 60 years and older with risk factors, new approaches for tuberculosis vaccine innovation, and research to inform future HIV vaccine development. NVAC will also host panels on vaccine equity, provider payment, and planning for the development of the next national vaccine strategy. Confirmed meeting times and information regarding attending this meeting will be posted on the NVAC website. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 22, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comment on an information collection for the Coverage of Certain Preventive Services under the Affordable Care Act. Comments are due October 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 22, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comment on an information collection for the Patient Access through Application Programming Interfaces (API), which is a policy focused on advancing interoperability and patient access to health information. Comments are due September 23, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 22, 2024 - Announcement of a change to the September meeting of the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME). The meeting was previously scheduled for two days and will now be held for one day on September 12, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern. The agenda a meeting materials will be available on the COGME website.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 21, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medical Necessity and Claims Denial Disclosures under MHPAEA and 2) On-Site Inspection for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Supplier Location and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR, Section 424.57. Comments are due by September 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 21, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education (APOE) will hold an in-person public meeting on September 19, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Presentations and written comments must be submitted to the designated federal official by September 5, 2024. Agenda items include remarks from CMS leadership; a recap of the April 2024 meeting; a discussion of CMS programs, initiatives, and priorities; and more. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 21, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) making regulatory changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) to support and stabilize the Head Start workforce and improve the quality of services Head Start programs. Among other things, changes aim to support and stabilize the Head Start workforce through new requirements for staff wages, benefits, and wellness supports; strengthen mental health services for children, families, and staff by integrating mental health into all aspects of program service delivery; and improve the quality of services provided to children and
families across a variety of other service areas. This rule is effective August 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 20, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Reform of Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities; and 2) Financial Statement of Debtor. Comments are due by October 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 20, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the reinstatement of an information collection titled "Prospective Payments for Hospital Outpatient Services and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 413.65." Among other things, the information collected will be used to distinguish facilities or organizations that function as departments of hospitals from those that are freestanding so CMS can determine which services should be paid under the Outpatient Prospective Payment System, the clinical laboratory fee schedule, or other payment provisions applicable to services furnished to hospital outpatients. Comments are due by September 19, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 20, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration will hold an additional public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry (ACTPCMD) on November 15, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the ACTPCMD website.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 20, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) proposing to update Policy Notice 21-01, "Waiver of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Core Medical Services Expenditure Requirement." The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) statute grants the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) authority to waive the requirement that RWHAP Parts A, B, and C recipients send 75 percent of Parts A, B, and C grant funds on core medical services for individuals who are identified with HIV/AIDS and eligible for RWHAP services under the statute. Proposed updates reflect a new policy aimed at clarifying which percentages of HIV service dollars will be allocated to core medical and support services. Comments are due by September 19, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 16, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration will hold a public meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS) on September 4-6, 2024. The agenda will include discussions on the opioid crisis and its impact on rural families, with an emphasis on prevention efforts. Information about NACRHHS and the agenda for this meeting will be available on the NACRHHS website. Written statements and requests to make oral comments should be submitted to Sahira Rafiullah at least 3 business days prior to the meeting.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 15, 2024 - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is accepting applications for the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations (Tribal Transit) Program for fiscal year 2024. Proposals are due by November 13, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 15, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments on a revision of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). For 2025, SAMHSA is proposing to change the name of the study to the National Household Survey on Behavioral Health (NHSBH) to emphasize the inclusion of mental health-related survey elements and to clarify the full content of the survey's questions and data for key stakeholders. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 14, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the South Carolina Department of Social Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by September 13, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 14, 2024 - Notice from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on August 21, 2024, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Mountain. An agenda will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 14, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) on August 29, 2024. The PACCARB advises and provides information and recommendations to the Secretary of HHS regarding programs and policies intended to reduce or combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may present a public health threat. The confirmed times, agenda, and information on how to register and provide public comment during the meeting will be published on the PACCARB website.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 14, 2024 - Notice from the Indian Health Service (IHS) announcing the decision to expand the geographic boundaries of the Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon (CTGR) to include Clackamas County in Oregon. The expanded boundaries will include the current PRCDA for the CTGR, which includes Washington, Polk, Yamhill, Marion, Multnomah, and Tillamook counties. This expansion is effective August 14, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2024 - The Census Scientific Advisory Committee will hold a virtual public meeting on September 19-20, 2024. The Committee will discuss policy, research, and technical issues for a range of Census Bureau activities, including decennial, economic, field operations, information technology, and statistics. Participation is available in person or via webcast. Meeting information will be published on the Census Advisory Committees website.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the reinstatement with changes of an information collection titled "Conditions of Participation for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and Supporting Regulations." Changes include new Conditions of Participation regarding obstetrical services and respiratory illness reporting requirements outlined in the July 22, 2024, and scheduled August 28, 2024, rules, respectively. Comments are due by October 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on a new information collection titled "Prior Authorization Demonstration for Certain Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Services." CMS seeks to develop and implement a Medicare demonstration project to assist the development of procedures to identify, investigate, and prosecute Medicare fraud occurring in ambulatory surgical centers providing services to Medicare beneficiaries. The information required for the prior authorization request includes all documentation necessary to show that the service meets applicable Medicare coverage, coding, and payment rules. Comments are due by September 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 12, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalizing the process CMS will use to provide transitional coverage for emerging technologies (TCET) through the national coverage determination (NCD) process. The TCET pathway is designed to deliver transparent, predictable, and expedited national coverage for certain eligible breakthrough devices that are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) market authorized. This notice also summarizes and responds to comments received on the proposed notice. This final notice is effective upon publication in the Federal Register, which is scheduled for August 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)
Aug 12, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Virginia Department of Social Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by September 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 12, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Economic Services Administration to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by September 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 12, 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—Revision." 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 September 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 9, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on a proposed revision to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 2025-2027. BRFSS is a nationwide system of cross-sectional surveys that produces state-level information primarily on health risk behaviors, health conditions, and preventive health practices that are associated with chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and injury. Proposed revisions include the addition of questions on the following topics to questionnaires: heart attack and stroke, disaster/pandemic preparedness, veterans' health, and the use of newly available tobacco products. Comments are due by October 8, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 8, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service invites applications for the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) for fiscal year 2025. IRP provides direct loans to intermediaries for the establishment of revolving loan programs for the purpose of providing loans to ultimate recipients for business facilities and community developments in rural areas. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and compete for available funds on a quarterly basis.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 7, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the reinstatement with changes of an information collection titled "Hospital Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and Supporting Regulations." Among other things, changes include how the annual burden costs for information collection requirements for hospital Conditions of Participation (CoPs) are calculated and additional information collection requirements associated with a number of new CoPs for hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) regarding obstetrical services that are outlined in detail in a July 2024 proposed rule. Comments are due by October 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 7, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on an information collection titled "Quality Payment Program/Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Surveys and Feedback Collections." This generic clearance will cover a program of surveys and feedback collections designed to strategically obtain data and feedback from MIPS-eligible clinicians, third-party intermediaries, Medicare beneficiaries, and any other audiences that would support the Agency in improving MIPS or the Quality Payment Program. Comments are due by September 6, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 7, 2024 - Notice of final action 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. Among other things, this action revises the patient-level adjustment factors, the Emergency Department adjustment, and the payment amount for electroconvulsive therapy, and adopts a new quality measure. This final rule does not finalize modifications to reporting requirements under the IPF Quality Reporting Program beginning with the FY 2027 payment determination. This action also summarizes comments received regarding potential future revisions to the IPF PPS facility-level adjustments and regarding the development of a standardized IPF Patient Assessment Instrument. This final action is effective October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 6, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Transitional Coverage and Retroactive Medicare Part D Coverage for Certain Low-Income Beneficiaries through the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) Program." The LI NET demonstration consolidates administration of transitional and retroactive Part D coverage for eligible beneficiaries to a single Part D sponsor and provides an exception to the 36-month maximum period of retroactive enrollment if there is a Medicaid determination within the last 90 days that confers Medicaid eligibility going back further than 36 months. Comments are due by September 5, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 6, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the April 23, 2024, final rule. This correcting amendment is effective August 6, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 6, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for fiscal year 2025. This rule updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program; adopts the most recent Office of Management and Budget statistical area delineations, which impacts the hospice wage index; clarifies policy related to the "election statement" and the "notice of election;" and adds clarifying language regarding hospice certification. This rule also summarizes comments regarding the potential implementation of a separate payment mechanism to account for high-intensity palliative care services. These regulations are effective October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 6, 2024 - Notice of final action from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the prospective payment rates for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) for fiscal year (FY) 2025. This rule includes the classification and weighting factors for the IRF prospective payment system's case-mix groups and a description of the methodologies and data used in computing the prospective payment rates for FY 2025; updates the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) market area delineations for the IRF prospective payment system (PPS) wage index, which applies a 3-year phase-out of the rural adjustments; and updates the IRF Quality Reporting Program. IRF PPS rates are applicable for IRF discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2024, and on or before September 30, 2025. This final action is effective October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 6, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) payment rates for fiscal year 2025. This rule rebases and revises the SNF market basket to reflect a 2022 base year; updates the wage index used under the SNF PPS to reflect data collected during the most recent decennial census; finalizes technical revisions to the code mappings used to classify patients under the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) to improve payment and coding accuracy; and updates the requirements for the SNF Quality Reporting Program and the SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program. Among other things, this rule also includes revisions to strengthen nursing home enforcement regulations. These regulations are effective October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 6, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Advisory Committee for Women's Services (ACWS) will hold a virtual public meeting on August 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include discussions on assessing SAMHSA's current strategies, including the mental health and substance use needs of women and girls. ACWS will also address strategic initiatives and policy recommendations regarding maternal behavioral health, pregnant and parenting women, eating disorders, and gender-based violence. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 5, 2024 - Notice of a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) that seeks to advance interoperability, improve transparency, and support the access, exchange, and use of electronic health information. This rule proposes establishing a new baseline version of the United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) and updating the ONC Health IT Certification Program to enhance interoperability and optimize certification processes. The proposed rule would also implement certain provisions related to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which would support the reliability, privacy, security, and trust within TEFCA. Comments are due by October 4, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 5, 2024 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announcing modifications to the organizational structure and functional statements for the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). Among other things, this notice proposes a new Division of Health Systems Improvement, which will focus on equity, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and the continuum of care consistent with, and necessary for, the achievement of goals outlined in the President's Unity Agenda and the Office of National Drug Control Policy's National Drug Control Strategy.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 1, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopting, with changes, a March 10, 2022, interim final rule that established a requirement for the VA to implement a three-year community-based grant program to award grants to eligible entities to provide or coordinate the provision of suicide prevention services to eligible individuals and their families for the purpose of reducing veteran suicide. This rule also summarizes comments received on the interim final rule. This rule is effective September 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 31, 2024 - Notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing: 1) changes to the Physician Fee Schedule and Medicare Part B payment policies; 2) policies for the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; 3) updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; payment for dental services inextricably linked to specific covered medical services; 4) updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B including immunosuppressive drugs and clotting factors; 5) Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; 6) updates to the Quality Payment Program; 7) Medicare coverage of opioid use disorder services furnished by opioid treatment programs; 8) updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); 9) electronic prescribing for controlled substances for a covered Part D drug under a prescription drug plan or an MA-PD plan; 10) updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; 11) updates to Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule regulations; 12) updates to the diabetes payment structure and COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) flexibilities; 13) expansion of colorectal cancer screening and Hepatitis B vaccine coverage and payment; 14) establishing payment for drugs covered as additional preventive services; and 15) Medicare Parts A and B Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Comments are due by September 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 30, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) National Provider Identifier (NPI) Application and Update Form and Supporting Regs in 45 CFR 142.408, 45 CFR 162.408, 45 CFR 162.406; and 2) Improper Payment Pre-Testing and Assessment (IPPTA) Data Request Form. Comments are due by September 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 29, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing the reorganization of the role and function of the Assistant Secretary for Administration. This reorganization moves technology and data policy and strategy functions from the Assistant Secretary for Administration to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), including moving the Office of the Chief Data Officer, Office of the Chief AI Officer, and a newly recreated Chief Technology Officer.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 29, 2024 - Notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeking comments on a National Traffic Safety Survey. The information collected is intended to enable NHTSA to better understand the public's behavior and attitudes regarding traffic safety issues including seat belts, distracted driving, new and emerging vehicle technologies, and traffic safety and enforcement. Comments are due by August 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 29, 2024 - Announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service of up to $38 million in grant funding available through its Community Facilities Program (CF). Grants will be provided to eligible applicants to repair essential community facilities damaged by Presidentially Declared Disasters and other disasters in Calendar Year (CY) 2023. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis beginning July 29, 2024, until funds are expended.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Community Facilities Program Disaster Grants
Jul 29, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) National Advisory Council (NAC) will hold a public meeting on August 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items will include an update on CSAT activities; discussions on SAMHSA's Data Strategy, infectious diseases, and harm reduction-related issues; a review of fiscal year (FY) 2024 activities; and a look ahead of FY 2025 activities. Registration for the meeting is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 29, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) announces virtual public subcommittee meetings of the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) throughout calendar years 2024 and 2025. The meetings will provide information on the following focus areas: Data and Evaluation, Access, Treatment and Recovery, Justice, and Finance. Information on how to join the meetings will be posted on the ISMICC website.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 29, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs amending its medical regulations governing the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment. This final rule makes technical revisions to the organizational alignment of the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment and revises where evaluation results are posted for public review for the pilot programs. This rule is effective July 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 26, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is allowing an additional 30 days for 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 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 within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 26, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHAC) will hold a public meeting on October 21-22, 2024. Agenda items include discussions re-engaging people with HIV out of care, the use of long-acting injectables for HIV care and treatment, and increasing access to mental health services for people with HIV and STDs. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 26, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking comments on an information collection titled "Child Nutrition Programs: Community Eligibility Provision—Increasing Options for Schools." The information collected from state and local education agencies will ensure Community Eligibility Program (CEP) eligibility determinations are verified. The information collected from households will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price meal benefits to verify eligibility determinations. Comments are due by August 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 25, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the revision of an information collection titled "Reform of Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities." Revisions reflect new requirements outlined in the May 10, 2024, final rule titled "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting." Comments are due by August 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 25, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold a public meeting of the Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC) on August 13, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern. The CEDC makes recommendations to the FCC on advancing equity in the provision of and access to digital communication services and products. The agenda will include introductions of working group chairs, discussions of plans, and the receiving of information from the FCC Office of Communications Business Opportunities. The meeting will be streamed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 24, 2024 - Notice from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) amending section 564(b)(1)(C) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act to recognize the significant potential for a public health emergency that could affect national security or the health and security of United States citizens living abroad involving biological agents, namely pandemic influenza A and influenza A viruses with pandemic potential. This determination broadens an April 19, 2013, determination regarding the avian influenza A (H79N) virus to apply generally to pandemic influenza A viruses and influenza A viruses with pandemic potential.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 24, 2024 - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) announces a demonstration program, the Payment Supplement Account (PSA). The PSA is intended to assist borrowers who have experienced a documented hardship that led to an involuntary inability to pay their mortgage obligation, require payment reduction to resume making a monthly payment, and currently have a below market interest rate. This notice describes a special servicing option for servicers to use to assist borrowers who seek loss mitigation alternatives, regardless of the nature of their hardship. This demonstration program is effective July 24, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 23, 2024 - The National Advisory Council on Migrant Health (NACMH) will hold a virtual public meeting on October 22-23, 2024. Agenda items include discussions on topics related to migratory and seasonal agricultural worker health, including impacts of heat and wildfire smoke; farmworker data; and best practices for fostering partnerships between farmworkers, health centers, growers, and community organizations. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting 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
Jul 22, 2024 - Quarterly listing of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) manual instructions, substantive and interpretive regulations, and Federal Register notices published from April through June 2024, including contact information for general questions or additional information about specific sections.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 22, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ACS) payment system for calendar year 2025. This proposed rule would also update and refine the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR) Program, Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting (REHQR) Program, ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program, and Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program and proposes Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) for obstetrical services. Among other things, this rule would request information on options being considered for future changes to the Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating methodology and further information related to a Tribal Technical Advisory Group request to apply the Indian Health Service encounter rate to all outpatient tribal clinics. This proposed rule would also provide exceptions to the Medicaid clinic services benefit four walls requirement for Indian Health Service and Tribal clinics, and, at state option, for behavioral health clinics and clinics located in rural areas. Comments are due by September 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 19, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is seeking comment on an information collection to research adverse and positive childhood experiences, social determinants of health, and health equity among young adults in the United States. Comments are due September 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 19, 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 August 28-29, 2024. The meeting will include panels on the U.S. government's global HIV response; the science impact of "Undetectable = Untransmittable", or U = U; and Affordable Care Act risk adjustment model to expand access and uptake of PrEP. The full agenda of be posted on the PACHA website prior to the meeting. To provide public comment, pre-registration is required by August 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 18, 2024 - Announces a virtual public meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Classifications and Public Health Data Standards, ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance (C&M) Committee to be held on September 10-11, 2024. The agenda includes a discussion of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS topics, a list of which is provided in the notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 18, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the charter renewal of the Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOHSS). The charter renewal is effective for a two-year period, through June 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
CDC: Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Jul 18, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The role of the ACIP is to provide advice to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that will lead to a reduction in the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases in the United States, and an increase in the safe use of vaccines and related biological products. Nominees will be selected based on expertise in the fields of immunization practices; immunization practices and public health, use of vaccines and other immunobiological agents in clinical practice or preventive medicine, clinical or laboratory vaccine research, assessment of vaccine efficacy and safety, or have knowledge about consumer perspectives and/or social and community aspects of immunization programs. Nominations are due by August 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 18, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the approval of The Joint Commission for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for Ambulatory Surgical Centers that wish to participate in Medicare or Medicaid programs. This approval is effective September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2030.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 17, 2024 - Advisory notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to alert certain clinicians who are Qualifying APM participants (QPs) and have earned an Alternative Payment Model (APM) Incentive Payment that CMS does not have the current information needed to disburse the payment. Provides information to QPs on how to update their Medicare billing information so that CMS can disburse payments. All information should be sent to CMS by September 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families to amend the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations to allow all Indian tribes and tribal organizations operating CCDF program to establish eligibility criteria regardless of family income. Comments on the proposed rule are due September 16, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comment on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS); 2) Implementation of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) and Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan Disenrollment Reasons Survey; and 3) New Technology Services for Ambulatory Payment Classifications Under Outpatient Prospective Payment System. Comments are due August 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. (DNV) as a national accrediting organization for psychiatric hospitals that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This accreditation is effective July 30, 2024 - July 30, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - The United States Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service is seeking comments on the renewal of an information collection on supplemental food security questions in the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey. Comments are due September 16, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on performance testing measures for its Universal Service Programs. Comments are due by September 16, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council (CMHS NAC) will hold a public meeting on August 27, 2024. Agenda items include updates from the SAMHSA CMHS director, remarks from SAMHSA's Assistant Secretary, updates on disasters, and updates on subcommittee tasks. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the SAMHSA website prior to the meeting. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 15, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on a revision of an information collection request titled "Data Collection to Support Eligibility Determinations for Insurance Affordability Programs and Enrollment through Health Benefits Exchanges, Medicaid and CHIP Agencies." Information collected will be used to determine eligibility for coverage through the Marketplace and insurance affordability programs and assist consumers in enrolling in a qualified health plan, if eligible. Comments are due by August 14, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 15, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will
hold a virtual meeting of the Advisory Panel on Hospital
Outpatient Payment on August 26-27, 2024. The purpose of
the Panel is to advise the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services and the Administrator of CMS
concerning the clinical integrity of the Ambulatory Payment
Classification groups and their associated weights, as well
as supervision of hospital outpatient therapeutic services.
The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will
be posted on the
Panel's website. Presentations and comment letters are
due by August 2, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
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