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The Department of Health and Human Services has rescinded the Richardson Waiver, a policy that required following certain rule-making procedures beyond what the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) mandates for matters like public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts. The department will now align strictly with the APA, which generally exempts these matters from notice and comment procedures unless law requires otherwise. The Richardson Waiver imposed extra burdens that conflicted with the efficient operation of the department. Effective immediately, the department has more flexibility to issue rules without the previous procedural obligations.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, known as AmeriCorps, has issued a final rule that changes how long AmeriCorps members can receive living allowances and benefits. The rule allows funding for these benefits for either the time it takes a member to earn two full-time education awards or for four terms, depending on which is longer. Public comments received on the proposed rule were addressed, with some supporting the increased flexibility it provides, while others had concerns about the limits set. The regulatory change is designed to provide more flexibility for members, grantees, and the communities they serve without changing the overall terms of service limits.