Search Results for agency_names:"Health and Human Services Department"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended a temporary halt on residential evictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This extension lasts from January 31, 2021, through March 31, 2021, and aims to protect renters from eviction if they meet certain criteria, like having a drop in income or making partial rental payments. The order seeks to prevent evicted individuals from moving into crowded settings, which can heighten the risk of spreading the virus. It also highlights available federal resources, such as rental assistance programs, to support those financially impacted by the pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule that would require most packaged foods to display a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition label called the Nutrition Info box. This label aims to help consumers quickly find and better understand important nutrition information by providing easy-to-read details about saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. The new rule also includes updates to regulations for low sodium and low saturated fat claims, and would allow businesses time to adjust, with compliance dates varying based on their annual sales.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) have finalized a rule to enhance the exchange of health information across networks. This rule establishes the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which sets guidelines and standards for networks known as Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) to facilitate seamless and secure data sharing. The rule outlines specific requirements for becoming a QHIN, procedures for onboarding, and processes for dealing with suspensions and terminations. It also ensures that QHINs can voluntarily attest to adopting TEFCA and establishes a directory to list organizations that meet the standards for trusted health information exchange.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule regarding the "NIH Police Records" system, which contains law enforcement records maintained by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Police Division. This rule establishes exemptions from certain requirements of the Privacy Act, allowing the NIH to withhold access to specific investigatory records to protect law enforcement procedures and sources. The exemptions apply to both criminal and non-criminal investigatory materials to prevent interference with ongoing investigations and safeguard the integrity of investigatory techniques. The rule is set to become effective on February 18, 2025, and it has been determined that it will not have significant economic impacts on small entities or impose significant expenses on state or local governments.

The Office of Child Care (OCC), a part of the Administration for Children and Families, is seeking public comments on a proposed application for disaster relief funds provided by the American Relief Act of 2025. These funds, totaling $250 million, are intended to help eligible states, territories, and tribes affected by major disasters in 2023 and 2024. The OCC is specifically interested in comments about the necessity and effectiveness of the information collection process, and they are considering setting predetermined funding grant ranges. Comments are due by March 18, 2025.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), issued an order requiring everyone to wear masks on all forms of public transportation and at transportation hubs within the United States. This measure aims to reduce the spread of COVID-19, a virus that is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets. The mask requirement applies to all travelers, operators, and anybody present in transportation hubs, with certain exemptions for young children and individuals with specific disabilities. This order is intended to help control the pandemic and support public health response efforts across various governmental levels.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting public comments on its plan to collect information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves proposals for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and other health entities, focusing on COVID-19 vaccine education and documentation. CMS is seeking feedback on the burden and utility of these collections, aiming to reduce any unnecessary strain while ensuring vital data is gathered appropriately. Additionally, CMS has streamlined the documentation process relating to COVID-19 vaccine offers due to the conclusion of the public health emergency.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule to improve care coordination and individual engagement. These changes aim to facilitate better communication among healthcare providers, payors, and individuals, reducing unnecessary barriers and maintaining patient privacy. The proposed modifications include new definitions for terms like "electronic health record" and adjustments to individual rights for accessing their health information. HHS seeks public comments on these proposals by March 22, 2021, to ensure that the regulations support the shift to value-based healthcare.

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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is extending the comment period on the request for information about export lists for human food from other countries until February 21, 2025. This extension allows individuals and companies more time to provide input, especially regarding the potential fees for export certification services, which could affect businesses significantly. This decision follows requests for more time due to the overlap with the holiday season and the complexity of the proposed changes. Interested parties can submit comments electronically or via mail.