Search Results for keywords:"Medicare Evidence Development

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is proposing a temporary waiver under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) that would allow the use of domestically assembled solar modules for certain federally funded projects, as fully BABA-compliant solar modules are currently not available in sufficient quantities. The waiver aims to consolidate waivers for multiple projects, reduce paperwork, and support the growth of domestic solar manufacturing. This proposal supports creating a supply chain for American-made solar products and promoting the benefits for communities receiving HUD assistance. HUD is inviting public comments on this proposed waiver, which would be effective until December 31, 2025, with installation by June 30, 2026.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reviewed the test procedure for commercial warm air furnaces (CWAFs) after a court remand regarding the thermal efficiency two (TE2) metric. The DOE determined that the industry test procedure for measuring energy efficiency during a typical use cycle, considering jacket losses and part-load operation, is inadequate. Consequently, the DOE reaffirmed its new test procedure, which accounts for these factors, ensuring that energy efficiency is accurately measured. This revised procedure will help provide clearer information for consumers and manufacturers when new energy standards are set.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program for fiscal year 2021. This program provides federal financial assistance to important transportation projects, focusing on enhancing highway and freight infrastructure of national or regional importance. Key objectives for project selection include promoting economic growth, addressing climate change, advancing racial equity, and encouraging innovation. The deadline for submitting applications through the Grants.gov platform is March 19, 2021.

The Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) of the Department of the Interior is making changes to its regulations to improve the hearings and appeals process. These updates aim to make procedures more efficient, reflect changes in the law, and incorporate modern technology like electronic filing and case management systems. They are meant to help both the people involved in these cases and the department work more effectively, ensuring that decisions are reviewed quickly and fairly. The new regulations will be effective from February 10, 2025, and public comments on these changes can be submitted until March 11, 2025.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes a voluntary program called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) for vehicles with automated driving systems (ADS). The program aims to review and oversee these vehicles, focusing on safety and public transparency. Participants can apply to perform specific operations or seek exemptions from certain safety standards. The program is designed to help NHTSA monitor the safe development of ADS while collecting data that could inform future safety standards.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture is amending the list of biological agents and toxins under the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. This change involves removing pathogens like Brucella abortus, Brucella suis, Brucella melitensis, Peronosclerospora philippinensis, and African horse sickness virus from the list of select agents. These changes are due to the evaluation that these agents are unlikely to serve as bioterrorism threats and are expected to reduce costs and enhance research opportunities, benefiting producers and research institutions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to limit the use of pentachlorothiophenol (PCTP), a chemical identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. The rule prohibits manufacturing, processing, and distributing PCTP and PCTP-containing products if the concentration exceeds 1% by weight. This restriction aims to lower the availability and exposure of PCTP, thereby reducing the potential risks to human health and the environment. By enforcing these limits, the EPA encourages the use of safer alternatives and reduces environmental and human exposure to PCTP.

In the Federal Register notice titled "Ibrahim Al-Qawaqneh, D.D.S.; Decision and Order," the DEA sought to revoke Dr. Ibrahim Al-Qawaqneh's registration due to his exclusion from federal health care programs after pleading nolo contendere to a charge of offering unlawful Medi-Cal remuneration. Despite being given a chance to defend himself, the DEA found that Dr. Al-Qawaqneh failed to take full responsibility for his actions, which led to doubts about his trustworthiness. Consequently, his DEA Certificate of Registration was revoked to ensure compliance with laws regulating controlled substances.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released an interim final rule to manage the handling of retaliation complaints under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (AMLA), as part of anti-retaliation efforts. This rule outlines procedures for filing complaints, the investigation process, and the resolution, including possible appeals and judicial review, in cases of alleged retaliation against whistleblowers. The interim final rule is effective from January 14, 2025, and comments are invited until March 17, 2025, to refine these guidelines. The document ensures whistleblowers are protected when they report actions they reasonably believe to be violations of law, though it excludes employees of federally insured banks and credit unions, which are protected under different statutes.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating the definition of the term "healthy" as it applies to food labeling to align with current nutrition science and dietary guidelines. This new rule outlines what food manufacturers must meet to label their products as "healthy," focusing on food groups and limiting certain nutrients like added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. The rule aims to help consumers make better choices for maintaining a nutritious diet and to reduce diet-related chronic diseases. It is designed to ensure that foods labeled as "healthy" provide accurate and helpful information, promoting overall health and nutrition equity.