Search Results for keywords:"HHS final rule"

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has finalized a rule updating the list of select agents and toxins that could be used as biological threats, effective January 16, 2025. The changes include removing certain Brucella species from the list, updating the nomenclature for several agents, increasing the permissible limit for a specific toxin, and designating Nipah virus as a Tier 1 select agent due to its high risk of misuse. The decision to retain or modify agents like the botulinum neurotoxin-producing species of Clostridium reflects considerations of public health, security, and regulatory compliance. These adjustments aim to align with current scientific understanding and reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining necessary security measures.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule detailing changes to regulations associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the year 2026. This rule covers various elements such as payment parameters, risk adjustment programs, and changes to user fee rates for health plans offered through Exchanges. It also introduces modifications to how quality improvement and medical loss ratio reporting are managed, aiming to enhance health equity, reduce health disparities, and minimize the administrative burden on healthcare providers. These updates are part of ongoing efforts to ensure consumers have access to quality and affordable health coverage.