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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its Scientific Integrity Policy to foster a culture of scientific honesty and transparency. This Policy aims to ensure that all scientific activities within HHS are conducted without inappropriate interference, upholding principles like honesty, objectivity, and inclusivity. It outlines the responsibilities of HHS employees and provides protections for reporting violations. The Policy also covers procedures for addressing concerns, promoting open communication of scientific information, and ensuring accountability and professional development within the Department.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule to permanently extend the automatic extension period for work permits (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days for certain renewal applicants. This rule hopes to prevent disruptions in employment authorization, which can occur due to lengthy application processing times by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The change will help affected workers maintain their jobs while their renewal applications are being processed, set to take effect on January 13, 2025. This rule aims to provide long-term stability for employers and employees, reducing the risk of job loss and easing economic pressures.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has issued a final rule that updates its procedures for collecting debt. This amendment specifically allows for the collection of civil money penalties (CMPs) by including them in the scope of existing debt-collection regulations. The rule aligns with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 and aims to enhance FDIC's ability to recover debts by using existing Treasury procedures. Although the rule does not impose new requirements on insured institutions, it potentially increases the success rate of collecting delinquent CMPs.

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 Education is inviting applications for the 2021 fiscal year for the Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) Program. The program aims to enhance arts education for students, especially those who are disadvantaged or have disabilities, by providing professional development for educators, developing arts-based educational resources, and fostering arts partnerships in communities. Eligible applicants include local education agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations among others. The Department has set aside an estimated $16.5 million for this program, with awards ranging from $375,000 to $2 million.

The General Services Administration (GSA) is revising an existing process for submitting notarized documents related to the System for Award Management (SAM) registration. This change is meant to enhance the security and accuracy of the information in SAM, which is crucial for government acquisitions and assistance programs. GSA is proposing a more efficient method that only requires notarized letters when appointing a new administrator to an existing entity, ensuring minimal disruption to businesses. Public comments on this revision are invited until February 26, 2025.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the USDA released a correction to a previous notice about the Rural Energy for America Program. The original notice contained mistakes regarding the points given for the size of the funding request and for applicants who hadn’t received grants or loan commitments in the past two years. The corrections specify that applicants who haven’t recently received funding can earn 5 extra points. Additionally, smaller grant requests can qualify for 10 extra points, with a total maximum score possible of 100 points for those applications.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has updated its rules to adjust the maximum fines it can charge for violations. This is required by a law called the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act, which makes sure penalties keep pace with inflation. Now, fines for breaking the Atomic Energy Act will increase from $303,471 to $307,058 per violation, per day. Additionally, fines related to fraudulent claims under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act will rise from $11,665 to $11,803 per false claim or statement.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture is implementing a new rule to establish standardized formulas for calculating user fees for services provided by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). The changes aim to help FGIS charge fees that cover the costs of these services and maintain a reserve fund for operations, as required by law. The rule also includes some corrections and updates to existing regulations without imposing new requirements. These new fee regulations will ensure greater transparency and predictability for businesses using FGIS services.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is updating its regulations to increase the maximum fines it can impose for violations. These changes are required by a federal law that adjusts penalties for inflation. For violations of the Atomic Energy Act, the penalty will increase from $362,814 to $372,240 per violation, per day. Additionally, for false claims under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act, the penalty will increase from $13,946 to $14,308. These new penalties take effect on January 15, 2025.