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The Health and Human Services Department has released a final rule aimed at enhancing access to electronic health information while addressing concerns about privacy and legal implications for patients and providers, especially concerning reproductive health care. This rule refines existing information blocking exceptions and introduces a new "Protecting Care Access Exception," allowing health care providers to withhold certain sensitive information to avoid potential legal risks related to seeking, obtaining, or providing lawful reproductive health care. The rule aims to protect patient trust and ensure that health care providers continue to use digital records, thus avoiding a return to paper methods that could hinder patient care and health IT advancements. Additionally, it emphasizes that if any part of this rule is legally challenged, the remaining provisions will still stand.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the information collection related to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Surface Coating of Metal Cans. This request is part of a routine process required to ensure compliance with air quality standards. The EPA is inviting public comments on this proposal until March 31, 2025. The information collected is crucial for verifying that facilities using significant quantities of surface coatings comply with air pollution regulations.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new rule regarding emissions from mercury cell chlor-alkali plants. This proposal aims to address standards for mercury and chlorine emissions to ensure they do not pose an unacceptable risk to public health or the environment. The EPA suggests that current practices at the one remaining operating facility sufficiently minimize emissions through monitoring and work procedures, but is also soliciting comments on technological advances and more stringent measures, like prohibiting mercury use altogether. Additionally, changes are proposed for record-keeping, electronic reporting, and ensuring emissions controls are effective during startup and shutdown periods. Public input is requested to ensure standards are protective and realistic.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a direct final rule to correct and clarify errors in a previous rule regarding the management of coal combustion residuals (CCR) from electric utilities. Published on January 16, 2025, this rule focuses on legacy CCR surface impoundments and CCR management units, updating several regulatory sections to address inconsistencies and unclear language. Key changes include revised deadlines, more unified compliance guidelines, and enhanced definitions. These amendments ensure the rule aligns with existing standards and the EPA's original intent.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the availability of funding for the Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT) Grant Program for 2021. This program aims to support the development of new technologies to help veterans and service members with disabilities live independently in adapted homes. Applicants can receive up to $200,000 for projects that focus on innovative assistive technologies, but they must submit their applications through the online portal, www.Grants.gov, by February 22, 2021. The program emphasizes technologies that address unmet needs and prioritize the independence of veterans, especially those that can be implemented quickly and effectively.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is renewing its request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to continue collecting information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves the NASA New Technology Reporting System, which requires contractors involved in research and development to report inventions, patents, data, and copyrights. The information is collected through an electronic system, and the burden on respondents is estimated in terms of hours and cost. NASA encourages public comments on the necessity, utility, and burden of this information collection.

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.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is offering a funding opportunity worth $5 million under the Public Transportation Innovation Program to manage a new Technology Transfer (T2) Program. The T2 Program aims to promote the deployment of innovative research in public transportation. Eligible applicants include various government entities, transportation providers, and educational institutions. Applications must be submitted through grants.gov by February 11, 2025.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a request for information (RFI) to improve the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors for commercial information technology products. They are seeking feedback from the public on how to strengthen America's semiconductor supply chain by relying on domestic sources and reducing dependency on foreign production. The agency aims to gather insights on various strategies, including dual sourcing and industrial mobilization, to enhance national and economic security. Responses to the RFI will inform potential government actions to support U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and are due by March 17, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has introduced new regulations to strengthen the security of the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) supply chain in accordance with Executive Order 13873. Effective March 22, 2021, these rules will allow the Secretary of Commerce to review, block, or impose conditions on transactions between U.S. and foreign entities that may pose security risks due to involvement with foreign adversaries. The regulations outline a process for reviewing transactions and require entities to retain records related to a transaction if it is under review. Additionally, certain countries such as China, Iran, and Russia are identified as foreign adversaries, and the rule aims to protect U.S. national security by mitigating risks associated with these and other foreign entities.