Search Results for keywords:"Medicare Evidence Development

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a rule to modify the Vaccine Injury Table, which relates to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This new rule removes Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) and vasovagal syncope from the list of injuries eligible for compensation under the VICP. Some members of the public opposed the change, expressing concerns about safety and potential impacts on liability for vaccine administrators. However, HHS argued that these injuries are often due to improper administration techniques rather than the content of the vaccines themselves, and stated that this change aims to ensure that funds are directed to injuries directly caused by vaccines.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a final rule updating regulations for the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program. This rule introduces new definitions, aligns regulations with current laws, and standardizes language across SBA's contracting programs to clarify control and employment requirements. Additionally, it modifies how SBA reviews certification applications and encourages consistency in regulation across various government contracting programs. These updates aim to reduce confusion and streamline processes without significantly impacting small businesses economically.

The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing to stop issuing certificates that allow employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Section 14(c). This decision is based on the conclusion that such wages are no longer necessary due to improved employment opportunities and legal protections for individuals with disabilities. If enacted, the proposal would phase out new certificates immediately and existing ones over three years, ensuring that all affected workers transition to being paid at least the regular minimum wage. The Department believes that this change reflects broader societal shifts towards equality and inclusion for workers with disabilities.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is proposing a change to better reflect the cost of food in Hawaii, impacting the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). Currently, SNAP benefit calculations for Hawaii are based solely on food prices in Honolulu, but the proposed rule seeks to include prices from across the entire state. This change aims to provide a fairer and more accurate distribution of SNAP benefits to residents in all parts of Hawaii, acknowledging that food costs can be higher in areas outside of Honolulu. The public is invited to comment on this proposed rule until February 3, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act to address health and environmental risks posed by decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical. The rule prohibits the manufacture, processing, and distribution of decaBDE and products containing decaBDE, with some exceptions, aiming to significantly reduce exposure to the chemical. To comply, recordkeeping is required for those involved with decaBDE, except in cases involving recycling, where no new decaBDE is added. The restrictions will help to protect human health and the environment by decreasing the presence and exposure risks associated with decaBDE.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has updated its regulations to improve the management of antidumping and countervailing duty (AD and CVD) laws. These changes aim to make the rules clearer and increase transparency by detailing how duties are applied and calculated. The amendments address issues like determining duty rates for nonmarket economies and handling subsidies from foreign governments. These new rules will take effect on January 15, 2025, to better enforce fair trade practices.

This document from the Securities and Exchange Commission outlines a proposed rule change by MIAX PEARL, LLC regarding its fee schedule for network connectivity. MIAX PEARL plans to raise the monthly network connectivity fees for its 10 gigabit ultra-low latency (ULL) connections from $9,300 to $10,000 for both members and non-members. The Exchange argues that these fees are necessary to cover the costs of maintaining its network infrastructure and that the change is reasonable and fair. The SEC is seeking comments on this proposal to ensure transparency and fairness in the setting of fees.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the availability of funds for grants under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. This notice of funding opportunity outlines the application process for both renewal and new applicants, specifying that operations funded by these grants will start on October 1, 2025. The main goal of the program is to provide supportive services to very low-income veteran families that are either currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The notice also details funding priorities, application submission instructions, and the eligibility criteria for organizations interested in applying for the grants.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has delayed the implementation of a new rule regarding the H-1B visa selection process until December 31, 2021. This rule intended to change how H-1B visa applications are selected, focusing on using wage levels for prioritization. The delay allows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) additional time to update and test their systems and train their staff to ensure a smooth transition, avoiding confusion and operational disruptions. During this delay, H-1B registrations for the fiscal year 2022 will follow the existing random selection process.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule to address national security risks related to connected vehicles, particularly those involving technology designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by entities in China or Russia. The rule aims to regulate certain software and hardware that enable vehicle connectivity and automated driving systems. It requires vehicle manufacturers and importers to verify their supply chains and submit Declarations of Conformity to confirm compliance, with some options for specific or general authorizations to continue certain transactions otherwise prohibited. The rule is designed to protect U.S. infrastructure from potential threats associated with these technologies.