Search Results for agency_names:"Office of the Secretary"

The Health and Human Services Department has released a final rule aimed at enhancing access to electronic health information while addressing concerns about privacy and legal implications for patients and providers, especially concerning reproductive health care. This rule refines existing information blocking exceptions and introduces a new "Protecting Care Access Exception," allowing health care providers to withhold certain sensitive information to avoid potential legal risks related to seeking, obtaining, or providing lawful reproductive health care. The rule aims to protect patient trust and ensure that health care providers continue to use digital records, thus avoiding a return to paper methods that could hinder patient care and health IT advancements. Additionally, it emphasizes that if any part of this rule is legally challenged, the remaining provisions will still stand.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have jointly proposed a new rule seeking public input on extending the Secretary of Labor's review system to specific temporary labor certification cases. This rule will allow the Secretary of Labor to review decisions related to H-2B temporary labor certifications made by the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals and the Department of Labor's Administrative Review Board. The proposal includes updates to existing regulations and aims to maintain efficient handling of cases without notable disruption. The departments are encouraging public comments on this proposed rule to ensure informed decision-making.

The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) has announced a proposal inviting public comment on a new information collection related to the Defense Community Infrastructure Program. This initiative is designed to support grants for projects that enhance military value, resilience, or quality of life at military installations. Public comments are sought by February 18, 2025, regarding the necessity, utility, and burden of the information collection. The program is open to State and local governments, as well as not-for-profit utility services, with an annual burden of 2,250 hours anticipated for 150 respondents.

The proposed regulations aim to amend the rules for practicing before the IRS, eliminating outdated provisions and updating standards for practitioners like tax return preparers, appraisers, and CPAs. Key changes include removing unenforceable rules related to registered tax return preparers, redefining the use of contingent fees as disreputable, and updating appraisal standards to align with modern practices. The new regulations also set forth procedures for appraiser disqualification and clarify the disciplinary process for practitioners who violate IRS guidelines. The draft regulations invite public comments and set the dates for submission and hearing.

The Department of Defense has released a notice about a proposed arms sale to Germany. Germany plans to purchase various communication radios, including AN/PRC-117 and AN/PRC-160 models, along with related equipment and support services, for a total estimated cost of $281 million. This sale aims to enhance Germany’s military communication capabilities, improve cooperation with NATO forces, and support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives without affecting regional military balance. The main contractor for this sale will be L3Harris Global Communications, Inc.

The Department of Defense has issued a notice regarding a proposed arms sale to Romania, which involves the purchase of 263 Javelin missiles and 26 Javelin launch units, among other support equipment and services, valued at $80 million. This sale aims to boost Romania's defense capabilities as a NATO ally and align with U.S. foreign policy and national security interests. The sale includes sensitive technology, but Romania has been deemed capable of safeguarding this technology adequately. The prime contractors for this sale are Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is introducing a new system of records called "Military Corrections and Parole Board Records." This system will track information related to military personnel who are confined due to violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including details about their confinement, health, and parole decisions. DoD proposes to exempt portions of these records from certain parts of the Privacy Act for reasons related to national security and law enforcement. Public comments on this proposal are being sought until February 21, 2025.

The Department of Labor is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a proposed information collection under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. Public comments on this collection, which involves medical and compensation claims for federal employees, are invited until March 19, 2021. The goal is to ensure the process is necessary, efficient, and minimizes the burden on respondents. The Department is looking for input on the utility, clarity, and cost-effectiveness of this information collection.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a notice about an arms sales proposal to Israel, which includes various 155mm artillery ammunition and related support services. The total cost of the sale is estimated to be $147.5 million, and the sale is considered crucial for U.S. national security interests. The sale is aimed at enhancing Israel's self-defense capabilities and does not require additional U.S. personnel in Israel. The items involved in the proposed sale are unclassified, and the transaction adheres to U.S. foreign policy goals.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a new rule aimed at improving air travel for people with disabilities who use wheelchairs. This rule strengthens regulations to prevent mishandling of wheelchairs and improper transfers, thus ensuring safety and dignity for wheelchair users. Airlines are now required to provide better assistance, offer loaner wheelchairs with customizations, and communicate effectively with passengers if their wheelchairs are mishandled. Additionally, the rule mandates annual hands-on training for airline staff and requires airlines to publish information about cargo hold dimensions to better inform passengers about their travel options.