Search Results for keywords:"Center for Medicare

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has proposed a new rule to allow healthcare practitioners to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine, without needing an in-person exam, through a Special Registration framework. This framework permits three types of special registrations: Telemedicine Prescribing Registration for Schedule III-V drugs, Advanced Telemedicine Prescribing Registration for Schedule II-V drugs for certain specialists, and Telemedicine Platform Registration for online platforms to dispense these drugs. These changes, which aim to expand patient access while safeguarding against drug abuse, also require practitioners to perform additional prescription checks and comply with detailed reporting and recordkeeping. Public comments on this proposal are welcome before final implementation.

The General Services Administration (GSA) is proposing a new form, GSA Form 5015, to streamline the process of applying for student loan repayment benefits for federal employees. This form aims to simplify the collection of necessary information and reduce administrative burden, as the current method is cumbersome and time-consuming. The agency is seeking public feedback on this proposal to ensure it effectively saves time and enhances clarity. Public comments are requested to determine if this new form will be beneficial, and they have until March 10, 2025, to submit feedback.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is proposing updates to their application plan for the Mental Health and Substance Use Block Grants for fiscal years 2026-2027. These changes aim to improve clarity, update terminology, and better integrate behavioral health with overall health care. SAMHSA is inviting public comments on whether these information collections are helpful and necessary, and how they might reduce the burden on respondents. The estimated time commitment for these processes is projected to remain the same.

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs has issued a final rule regarding the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) and the authorization of coal mine operators as self-insurers. This rule updates the process for operators to apply for self-insurance, sets new standards for the amount of security required to self-insure, and clarifies the appeals process. The rule aims to better secure the Trust Fund that pays benefits when operators default, by requiring all self-insured operators to provide security equal to 100% of their projected black lung liabilities. These changes are intended to protect the Trust Fund from financial strain caused by bankruptcies and reduce administrative burdens.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to revise its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Key changes include redefining eligibility criteria, expanding definitions, and removing certain requirements like "need for supervision, protection, or instruction." The proposal aims to make the program more flexible during emergencies and ensure fairer stipend calculations based on the amount and degree of caregiving needed. Additionally, the proposal suggests extending the transition period for legacy applicants and participants to allow more time for reassessments under new criteria.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in collaboration with the Department of the Treasury, issued an interim final rule implementing amendments from the Economic Aid Act to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The rule extends the PPP, a program designed to provide financial aid to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, allowing them to apply for loans through March 31, 2021. It also includes updated guidelines for loan forgiveness, borrower and lender eligibility, and how loans can be used, with new rules for calculating maximum loan amounts and requirements for loan forgiveness applications. The Economic Aid Act amendments aim to streamline the application process and ensure fair access to the program for all eligible borrowers.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a final rule that modifies work requirements and exemptions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in response to the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This rule expands work requirements to include adults aged 50 to 54, but also provides new exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and young adults who have aged out of foster care. These changes are expected to affect federal spending and administrative processes while impacting SNAP eligibility for some participants. The rule will take effect on January 16, 2025, with certain provisions expiring on October 1, 2030.

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) issued a final rule detailing changes to regulations associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the year 2026. This rule covers various elements such as payment parameters, risk adjustment programs, and changes to user fee rates for health plans offered through Exchanges. It also introduces modifications to how quality improvement and medical loss ratio reporting are managed, aiming to enhance health equity, reduce health disparities, and minimize the administrative burden on healthcare providers. These updates are part of ongoing efforts to ensure consumers have access to quality and affordable health coverage.

The Department of the Treasury has reissued guidance for the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which distributes $150 billion to states, tribal governments, and eligible local governments to help them manage costs associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency. This guidance outlines how the funds should be used, ensuring expenditures are necessary and incurred due to the pandemic, fall outside the existing budget as of March 27, 2020, and occur within the defined period from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. It also provides nonexclusive examples of both eligible and ineligible expenses, discussing conditions under which funds can be used to support various sectors like healthcare, public safety, and economic relief efforts. Recipients need to ensure compliance and maintain records to avoid repayment of improperly utilized funds.