Search Results for keywords:"fairness"

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule aimed at increasing transparency and fairness in their civil enforcement actions. This rule ensures that individuals and companies receive clear notices about which laws and regulations apply to them and must be given a chance to respond before the agency takes any action with legal consequences. It also specifies that HHS cannot use guidance documents to impose binding requirements unless explicitly allowed by law and must rely on statutes and regulations when taking enforcement actions. The rule highlights the importance of fairness, especially avoiding "unfair surprise," and outlines how the Department should handle these processes to promote efficiency and clarity.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has outlined procedures regarding off-the-record communications related to legal proceedings. According to the rules, prohibited communications, which are not allowed in the official decision-making process, must be shared with the Secretary of the Commission either in written form or as a summary if they are oral. These prohibited communications might be shared publicly but are typically not used in decision-making unless deemed necessary for fairness. Exempt communications are generally included in the decision record unless they involve a cooperating agency. A recent list of such communications can be reviewed online through the Commission's resources.

The National Human Genome Research Institute will hold two closed meetings in March 2021 to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings are closed to the public because they involve discussing confidential trade secrets and personal information. The first meeting will take place on March 18th and the second on March 23rd. Both meetings will be held virtually at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, with Keith McKenney as the contact person for further details.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a notice concerning "off-the-record" communications, which are discussions or messages not part of official proceedings. FERC rules require that any such communication related to ongoing cases be reported to the Commission and may not influence the decision unless the Commission finds it necessary for fairness. The notice lists recent communications received that are either prohibited, meaning they shouldn't affect decisions, or exempt, meaning they can be included in the case record. Individuals involved in these communications must share the details with all relevant parties in the case.

In Executive Order 13993, the President outlines changes to immigration enforcement policies in the United States. The order emphasizes the importance of setting priorities that protect national security, address challenges at the southern border, and safeguard public health and safety, while also ensuring fairness and respect for immigrant families and communities. It revokes a previous order, Executive Order 13768, and directs relevant government officials to review and adjust policies to better align with the new administration's values. Additionally, the order clarifies that it does not create legal rights enforceable against the U.S. government.