Search Results for agency_names:"Centers for Medicare

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval to extend a rule under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This rule, referred to as Rule 15a-6, allows foreign broker-dealers to perform certain activities with U.S. institutional investors without registering as broker-dealers, provided they meet specific requirements. The SEC estimates that complying with this rule will take U.S. broker-dealers about 6,000 hours annually and cost around $1,000,000 per year. The public can review and comment on this information collection request until March 31, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are proposing amendments to the consultation regulations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These changes pertain to land management plans by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The proposed revisions aim to make it clear that when new information emerges which could affect species or habitats in ways not previously considered, reinitiating consultation won't always be necessary, as long as a separate action-specific consultation is conducted for any related actions. The goal is to improve the efficiency and consistency of interagency cooperation procedures.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced a change in the fee rate for the Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery to help repay a loan related to their fishing capacity reduction program. Starting January 1, 2025, the fee rate will be lowered from 3.5% to 2.25% for all groundfish landings. This adjustment is necessary to make sure the loan is paid off within the planned 30-year period. Payments for these fees will be due by February 14, 2025.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is asking for a three-year extension from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the clearance of information collection requirements related to the Amplifier Rule, which concerns power output claims for amplifiers in home entertainment products. This clearance, initially expiring on January 31, 2021, helps standardize the measurement and disclosure of these products' features, aiding consumers in making informed purchases. The FTC invites public comments on this extension by February 22, 2021. The deadline extension aims to continue ensuring manufacturers provide consistent information about amplifiers, improving transparency and consumer trust.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a final rule to implement Executive Order 13891, which is focused on improving agency guidance documents. This rule outlines how USAID will create, review, and issue guidance documents, ensuring they are non-binding and written clearly. It also establishes procedures for public access and comments on draft guidance documents. The rule aims to enhance transparency and accountability, with no new reporting requirements or significant economic impact expected.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final rule establishing new guidelines for nonprescription drugs that require an "Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use" (ACNU). This rule allows drugs that can't be safely used with labeling alone to be sold without a prescription if the manufacturer implements an approved ACNU to ensure proper use. It aims to expand consumer access to certain drugs that would otherwise need a prescription and outlines specific requirements for drug application, labeling, and reporting failures of the ACNU process. The rule will take effect on January 27, 2025, and is intended to improve public health by making more medications safely available as nonprescription options.

The National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves a revision of a previously approved data collection, aiming to ensure that funeral honors on VA properties uphold the dignity and safety of these sites. The public can share their thoughts on whether this information is necessary, how accurate the VA's burden estimates are, and how to improve the process. Comments are due by June 9, 2025, and can be submitted via the regulations.gov website.

The Department of Justice has finalized a rule that removes certain regulations related to guidance documents, which were introduced in 2020 following Executive Order 13891. This step follows President Biden's Executive Order 13992, which revoked the earlier order to allow more flexibility in agency guidance. The Department found the old regulations unnecessary and burdensome, as they discouraged helpful guidance and required additional resource allocation to determine if documents were subject to these regulations. The Attorney General has issued a new memorandum to address the development and use of guidance documents, reflecting these updated policies.

The Department of Education has announced the opening for applications for the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program for fiscal year 2021. This program aims to promote the study of modern foreign languages and area studies by offering opportunities for faculty, teachers, and students to conduct projects overseas. The available funding is approximately $3.5 million, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for short-term and long-term projects. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, state educational agencies, nonprofit educational organizations, and consortia of these entities.

The United States Department of Agriculture announced the launch of the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, which provides financial support to specialty crop producers to help them expand or develop markets. Applications for this assistance will be accepted from December 10, 2024, to January 8, 2025. To qualify, producers must be actively engaged in farming specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and floriculture, among others. The program aims to boost domestic market growth and address the challenges specialty crop producers face due to high costs and lower cash receipts.