Search Results for keywords:"Medicare Evidence Development

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new rule to add all species of Asian pond mussels (Sinanodonta), golden mussels (Limnoperna), and marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) to the list of injurious wildlife. This action aims to prohibit the importation and transport of these species within certain U.S. jurisdictions due to their potential to harm native ecosystems by competing for resources, spreading quickly, and carrying pathogens. The proposed listings are part of efforts to protect U.S. interests by preventing these invasive species from establishing themselves and causing ecological damage. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 11, 2025.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule allowing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to send immigration bond-related notices electronically, provided obligors agree to this method of communication. Although no significant changes were made from an earlier interim rule, this final rule clarifies text, updates terminology, and fixes typographical errors. Commenters raised concerns about technical issues, accessibility, and fairness, particularly regarding the new Cash Electronic Bonds Online System (CeBONDS), but the rule aims to make processes more efficient and reduce mail costs. This transition to electronic service is optional, and obligors can still opt for traditional mail service.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has introduced new rules for evaluating water resources projects, offering specific procedures to implement principles from federal guidelines established for such investments. This rule aims to maximize public benefits by balancing economic, environmental, and social considerations while prioritizing collaboration and public engagement, including with Tribal Nations. The rule will apply to new and significant projects and does not impose new mandates on small entities or Tribal governments. It emphasizes transparency, public participation, and the consideration of climate change and environmental justice in decision-making processes.

The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and NASA have introduced a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to incorporate regulatory changes by the Small Business Administration. This rule provides incentives for small businesses in certain U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, under the SBA mentor-protégé program. It allows mentors to gain positive consideration in past performance evaluations if they subcontract with protégés from these areas and counts training costs toward subcontracting plan goals. The rule also clarifies that subcontracting plans are not required for entities treated as small business concerns by statute, such as Alaska Native Corporations.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites public comments on its plan to collect data for evaluating the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Crisis Services Program. This evaluation aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of crisis care by analyzing the implementation, outcomes, and impact of the 988 Lifeline, which connects people in crisis to essential support services across the U.S. The evaluation consists of system-level, client-level, and impact studies, involving various SAMHSA-funded and related programs. SAMHSA encourages written feedback on the necessity and efficiency of the proposed data collection by January 31, 2025.

MIAX Emerald, LLC has submitted a proposed rule change to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to introduce fees for market data products including Top of Market (ToM), Administrative Information Subscriber (AIS) feed, and MIAX Order Feed (MOR). These changes aim to end a previous waiver period where market data fees were not charged, establishing new monthly fees for internal and external distributors. The exchange justifies these fees by detailing the costs involved in providing these data products and argues that the fees are fair, reasonable, and necessary to cover increased expenses while maintaining transparency and competitiveness. The proposed fees are designed to comply with regulatory requirements and are intended to create a fair allocation of costs among users.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a summary of its research programs focused on civil aircraft noise, aiming to inform future aircraft noise policies. The FAA is seeking public feedback on these research initiatives, which cover areas such as the effects of noise on communities, noise modeling, and noise reduction strategies. While the research indicates a decline in noise exposure over the years, it also highlights concerns about increasing operations and the impacts of modern navigation procedures. The public's comments will help shape potential updates to the FAA's noise policies.

The U.S. Department of Education is announcing the availability of funding for the Disability Innovation Fund—Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project. This initiative aims to support state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies in developing career pathways to assist individuals with disabilities in advancing their careers, especially in high-demand fields like STEM. The program focuses on improving employment outcomes and reducing reliance on public benefits. Grants will be awarded to projects that create partnerships with various stakeholders to develop training and support services tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

The Office of Fossil Energy & Carbon Management of the Department of Energy (DOE) has released a study evaluating the effects of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports on the economy, environment, and energy security. This study includes detailed analyses of potential impacts on domestic energy prices, greenhouse gas emissions, and effects on local communities where gas production occurs. DOE encourages public comments on the study but does not plan to make revisions based on these comments, aiming instead to use them to guide decisions on LNG exports in countries without free trade agreements with the U.S. Those interested can provide their feedback electronically by February 18, 2025.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accepted a proposed consent agreement to address anticompetitive practices by Guardian Service Industries, Inc. The company was found to have used "No-Hire Agreements" that prevented other businesses from hiring its employees, which the FTC claims are unfair methods of competition under federal law. The proposed consent order will make these agreements void and includes measures to inform affected parties. Some FTC commissioners have expressed dissent, arguing that there was insufficient evidence of antitrust violations. The public can submit comments on this proposed agreement until January 6, 2025.