Search Results for keywords:"Medicare Evidence Development

The United States Department of Justice filed a complaint against XCL Resources Holdings, Verdun Oil Company II, and EP Energy, alleging that they violated the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act by assuming control over EP Energy before completing the required regulatory waiting period. They were accused of illegal coordination, including halting drilling activities and sharing sensitive information, which caused supply shortages and market disruptions. To resolve these allegations, the companies agreed to pay a civil penalty totaling over $5.6 million and implement compliance measures to prevent future violations. The court will oversee the agreement to ensure it aligns with public interest standards.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking public feedback on a proposed information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This effort aims to evaluate NSF's data and evidence capabilities through surveys, focus groups, and interviews with staff as part of the 2026 U.S. NSF Integrated Data and Evidence Maturity and Capacity (IDEMC) Assessment. The purpose is to improve decision-making and align with updated guidance from the Office of Management and Budget. Comments are due by January 31, 2025.

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, part of the Department of Education, has released final priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for the Promise Neighborhoods (PN) Program. These guidelines are meant to improve academic outcomes in distressed communities by ensuring children have access to quality services and educational success. The Assistant Secretary has clarified various aspects, such as requirements for evidence-based activities and the application process for grants, which are applicable for the fiscal year 2021 and beyond. The document emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to address issues like opioid abuse prevention and crime reduction through community-level efforts.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing changes to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to better align it with international guidelines, specifically the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 7. This proposed rule aims to improve how chemical hazards are communicated to employers and employees, ensuring greater consistency and effectiveness. The updates included in the rule cover how hazards are classified, how labels are created, and technical updates to safety data sheets, among others. The public is invited to submit comments on these proposed changes by April 19, 2021.

The Rural Housing Service, part of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced that it is accepting applications for the 2021 Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program. This program aims to help organizations in rural areas access funding for essential community services. Applications must be submitted by March 29, 2021, for paper copies, and by March 22, 2021, for electronic submissions. The grants will focus on projects that strengthen rural communities, particularly those tackling issues like opioid misuse, under the USDA's efforts to boost rural economic prosperity and quality of life.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing a new rule to set a maximum nicotine level in cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products. This measure aims to decrease the addictiveness of these products, making it easier for people who want to quit to do so, and to prevent youth from becoming addicted. The rule is expected to benefit public health by reducing the number of individuals who start smoking or continue smoking over time. The proposal could potentially improve health outcomes by reducing the overall harmful effects of tobacco addiction.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the USDA has issued a final rule for the Rural eConnectivity Program, which aims to improve broadband access in rural areas through loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations. The program outlines eligibility criteria, application processes, and funding requirements. RUS is also seeking comments on aspects of this rule to refine future implementations. The program is designed to support rural infrastructure development and economic opportunities by providing reliable high-speed internet to underserved areas.

The Department of Education has proposed new priorities and requirements for the Innovative Rehabilitation Training program. This initiative focuses on modernizing vocational rehabilitation (VR) training for counselors to better serve people with disabilities, ensuring they achieve quality employment outcomes. The proposal outlines six significant areas, such as engaging VR participants, aligning career assessments with current job trends, and preparing individuals for STEM careers. The public is encouraged to provide feedback by January 17, 2025, as part of the ongoing process to refine these proposals.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has proposed a new rule to update its regulations on claims collection. This rule aims to comply with the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 by requiring USAID to refer certain overdue debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. By revising definitions and processes and ensuring conformity with existing statues, USAID seeks to improve the effectiveness of its debt collection procedures. Public comments on the proposed rule were invited until March 31, 2021.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) Program for fiscal year 2025. This program aims to provide training and technical assistance to state agencies and service providers to improve services and support for older adults who are blind, focusing on independence and self-sufficiency. Applicants have until March 17, 2025, to apply, and the funding available is estimated at $599,706 for a single cooperative agreement that will run for up to 60 months.