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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 Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 2.5% for certain benefits, effective December 1, 2024. This adjustment affects the pension and Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) programs, and it aligns with the increase in Social Security benefits as announced by the Social Security Administration. The document details updated rates for various categories, including veterans and survivors, with specified maximum annual rates, net worth limits, and income limitations for pension eligibility. Additionally, specific provisions are outlined for parents receiving DIC based on their income and dependency status.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule amending the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 to enhance seat belt warning systems. The rule requires new warnings for rear seats and updates existing ones for the driver and front passenger seats in vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less. It mandates that these warnings be visible and audible to encourage seat belt use, aiming to address safety concerns and reduce injuries and fatalities. These changes must be implemented by September 1, 2027, for rear seat warnings and by September 1, 2026, for front seat warnings, with manufacturers given two years to comply.

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.

In Executive Order 14216, the President addresses the issue of infertility, which affects many couples in the United States. The order emphasizes the importance of providing affordable and accessible in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments to help families overcome fertility challenges. It directs the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to recommend strategies for reducing the costs associated with IVF and ensuring easier access. The order aims to support family formation while acknowledging legal and budgetary limitations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is awarding around $20 million to the World Health Organization (WHO), with the total expected funding to reach approximately $100 million over five years. This funding will help CDC and WHO work together to improve the world's ability to detect, respond to, and prevent infectious diseases. The focus is on building infrastructure and preparing for disease outbreaks, using WHO's global network to support these efforts. The award period is from September 2025 to September 2030.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), part of the USDA, is inviting commodity boards to propose topics for funding under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program. These topics, which should align with AFRI's priority areas like plant and animal health, food safety, or rural communities, will be co-funded by NIFA and the commodity boards. To have their topics considered for the fiscal year 2021, proposals must be submitted by March 5, 2021. If accepted, the commodity boards must provide funding equal to NIFA's contribution for grants awarded based on these topics.

In Executive Order 14235, the President addresses the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which was originally designed to forgive student loans for workers in public service after 10 years of payments. The order criticizes previous misuse of the program and emphasizes preventing organizations with illegal activities from benefiting. It directs the Secretary of Education, working with the Secretary of the Treasury, to revise the program's rules to exclude groups involved in illegal immigration, terrorism, child abuse, discrimination, or violating state laws. The order clarifies that it does not create any rights enforceable against the United States.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend its Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) to align with changes in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and to streamline internal procedures. The updates aim to simplify procurement processes for health-care resources by removing outdated policies and incorporating new ones, reducing redundancy, and lessening the burden on contractors. Key changes include revisions to parts of VAAR and VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM), focusing on simplifying acquisition procedures for health-care resources. The public is invited to submit comments on the proposed rule changes by March 22, 2021.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services has submitted an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget for the 2022-2024 Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant Program. This program aims to support libraries serving Native Hawaiians by providing funding for services like expanding learning resources, improving library linkages, offering workforce training, and targeting underserved communities. Public comments on this proposal are invited to ensure that the data collection minimizes burdens and enhances the quality and usefulness of information. The targeted nonprofit organizations may submit comments by February 15, 2021, as detailed in the notice.