Search Results for keywords:"Health and Human Services Department"

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a final rule revising the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). This rule mandates that state Title IV-E agencies collect and report more detailed data related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) for children in foster care. The aim is to better understand the experiences and outcomes for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and to improve culturally responsive care. States are given a three-year timeframe to implement these changes, which will take effect on October 1, 2028.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set January 1, 2024, as the uniform compliance date for food labeling regulations that were published between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. This means any new food labeling rules released during this timeframe must be followed by the start of 2024 to reduce the economic impact of labeling changes on the food industry. The FDA states that while these regulations don't immediately introduce new costs, they allow businesses time to adjust their labeling practices. The rule also specifies that special circumstances may justify a different compliance date, which will be detailed as needed.

The Health and Human Services Department has released a final rule aimed at enhancing access to electronic health information while addressing concerns about privacy and legal implications for patients and providers, especially concerning reproductive health care. This rule refines existing information blocking exceptions and introduces a new "Protecting Care Access Exception," allowing health care providers to withhold certain sensitive information to avoid potential legal risks related to seeking, obtaining, or providing lawful reproductive health care. The rule aims to protect patient trust and ensure that health care providers continue to use digital records, thus avoiding a return to paper methods that could hinder patient care and health IT advancements. Additionally, it emphasizes that if any part of this rule is legally challenged, the remaining provisions will still stand.

The Office of Child Care (OCC), a part of the Administration for Children and Families, is seeking public comments on a proposed application for disaster relief funds provided by the American Relief Act of 2025. These funds, totaling $250 million, are intended to help eligible states, territories, and tribes affected by major disasters in 2023 and 2024. The OCC is specifically interested in comments about the necessity and effectiveness of the information collection process, and they are considering setting predetermined funding grant ranges. Comments are due by March 18, 2025.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting public comments on its plan to collect information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves proposals for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and other health entities, focusing on COVID-19 vaccine education and documentation. CMS is seeking feedback on the burden and utility of these collections, aiming to reduce any unnecessary strain while ensuring vital data is gathered appropriately. Additionally, CMS has streamlined the documentation process relating to COVID-19 vaccine offers due to the conclusion of the public health emergency.

The Administration for Children and Families has issued a final rule permitting State and Tribal child support agencies to use federal funds to provide employment and training services to eligible noncustodial parents. These services aim to help parents find and keep jobs to ensure consistent child support payments. Effective January 13, 2025, the rule allows noncustodial parents with open child support cases to receive assistance such as job search help, skills training, and work support services. The initiative also seeks to enhance coordination with existing federal employment and training programs to prevent duplication and maximize benefits.

The Indian Health Service (IHS), under the Health and Human Services Department, has announced the approved rates for medical care at IHS facilities for 2025. These rates cover both inpatient and outpatient services and are applicable to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as other federal program recipients. Notably, there are different rates for services in the Lower 48 States and Alaska. The new rates will take effect from January 1, 2025, aligning with consistent annual updates.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have finalized a rule expanding the ability for practitioners to prescribe certain controlled substances for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment through telemedicine, including audio-only calls. Under these new rules, practitioners can prescribe a six-month supply of these medications after reviewing the patient's prescription drug monitoring program data, with the possibility of extending prescriptions through telemedicine or after a face-to-face evaluation. Additional safeguards include identity verification by pharmacists before filling prescriptions to prevent misuse. The rule aims to continue the telemedicine flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic while addressing the opioid crisis and concerns about substance misuse.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is introducing a new system of records to be managed by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within its Administration for Children and Families. This system, titled ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau Child Abuse or Neglect Investigation Records and Central Registry, aims to document cases related to child abuse or neglect at ORR facilities and maintain a registry to vet individuals who may work with unaccompanied children. The information stored will be used for investigations and to ensure that those with a history of abuse or neglect are not allowed to work or volunteer in positions involving direct contact with children under ORR care. Importantly, the data recorded will not be shared for immigration enforcement purposes without prior written consent from the individual concerned.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the user fee rates for fiscal year 2025 under the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Monograph Drug User Fee Program. This program allows the FDA to collect fees from manufacturers of OTC monograph drugs, which do not require a new drug application. For FY 2025, the fee for facilities manufacturing these drugs is set at $37,556 for monograph drug facilities and $25,037 for contract manufacturing organizations. These fees help the FDA cover the costs associated with regulating OTC monograph drugs.