Search Results for keywords:"Medicare Evidence Development

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) in Florida and South Carolina. This involves revising maps to add and remove certain areas based on their development status and suitability to be coastal barriers. The proposed changes will impact several counties, including the addition of new units and the adjustment of existing boundaries, and the public is invited to review and comment on these proposed modifications. Final recommendations will be submitted to Congress after considering public input and further evaluations.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plans to prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for cleanup efforts at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in California, focusing on Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone. This SEIS will explore new alternatives for soil remediation, as prior efforts have faced challenges like unattainable cleanup standards and false positive results in testing. The DOE seeks public comments on these plans during a 60-day scoping period and will hold two public meetings to gather input and discuss the proposed actions and their potential environmental impacts. The SEIS aims to ensure that the cleanup is thorough and complies with environmental regulations to protect public health and safety.

The Social Security Administration has issued a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) extending the flexibility in evaluating the "close proximity of time" standard for musculoskeletal disorder listings until May 11, 2029. This extension allows the administration more time to study healthcare practices and access, especially given the increased use of telehealth services after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The rule aims to accommodate the ongoing changes in healthcare access and provision by allowing more time for individuals to meet the required medical listing criteria for disability claims. The public is invited to submit comments on this rule by March 18, 2025.

The final rule from the United States Department of the Interior updates how the Federal government acknowledges Indian Tribes by allowing previously denied petitioners a chance to re-petition. This change responds to court decisions that found the prior re-petition ban to be arbitrary. Under the new rule, petitioners have five years to show new evidence or changes in regulations that could alter previous denial outcomes, though re-petitioning is still limited by certain conditions to balance fairness and finality interests. The rule aims to enhance fairness in recognizing Tribes while maintaining efficient administrative processes.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated its regulations to give asylum officers (AOs) the authority to apply certain mandatory bars against asylum and statutory withholding of removal during credible and reasonable fear screenings. This change aims to help DHS efficiently remove noncitizens who are deemed ineligible due to these bars, primarily focusing on those who might pose security risks or public safety concerns. The update is designed to enhance the processing of asylum claims by making decisions on these cases more quickly, reducing the burden on immigration courts. The rule also states that noncitizens who receive a negative determination due to these bars can still seek a review of the decision by an immigration judge.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is proposing new procedures to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including the addition of new categorical exclusions (CEs). These CEs are actions usually not expected to impact the environment significantly. NIST seeks public input on these draft procedures and the justification for the new CEs by January 10, 2025. The proposal is part of a larger effort to streamline and ensure consistency with environmental regulations.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, proposes changes to the Single-Family Housing Self-Help Technical Assistance Grant Program to improve flexibility, reduce regulatory burdens, and better serve rural communities by providing more decent, safe, and sanitary housing options. The proposed rule includes updates to outdated references, revises program objectives, and suggests changes to processes like grant application and approval, aiming to streamline various aspects for applicants and grant recipients. The RHS seeks public comments on these changes to ensure they align with the program’s mission and do not impose unnecessary burdens.

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 U.S. Department of Energy has determined that the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will improve energy efficiency in residential buildings compared to the 2021 edition. This results in national savings of around 7.80% in site energy, 6.80% in source energy, and 6.60% in energy costs. Under federal law, each state must review and potentially update their building codes to meet or surpass the new 2024 IECC standards by December 30, 2026. The DOE provides guidance and technical assistance to support states in this process.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new information collection related to its Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program. This initiative, part of an effort to achieve environmental justice, allocates about $600 million to "Grantmakers," who will distribute subawards to community-led projects. The information collection will involve soliciting applications and gathering reports to ensure proper fund management and transparency. Public comments on the proposal are welcomed until January 27, 2025.