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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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking consumer organizations interested in selecting representatives for its advisory committees to notify the FDA in writing. They are also requesting nominations for consumer representatives, either voting or non-voting, for committees with current or upcoming vacancies. The FDA encourages diverse nominations, highlighting a desire for representation from various demographics, including racial and ethnic groups, as well as individuals with disabilities. The selection process involves organizations recommending nominees, and the FDA will compile a list of qualified candidates based on the recommendations received.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking consumer organizations and individuals to participate in selecting consumer representatives for its advisory committees. These committees address various health-related topics, such as drug safety, vaccines, and medical devices. The FDA encourages nominations of qualified candidates representing all communities, without bias towards race, gender, or disability. Interested parties need to send their nominations by February 13, 2025, and all nominated individuals should have experience with consumer groups and be able to analyze technical data.

The Department of Commerce's Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs is requesting public comments as part of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018. This Act requires federal agencies to improve their data management for better policymaking. Comments are sought to guide the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building on key issues such as data access, privacy protection, and data services. Responses are invited to address specific questions about the challenges and opportunities in using data for evidence-based policy, with submissions due by February 9, 2021.

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 Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has updated the income levels for people eligible for legal assistance. The updates reflect changes in the Federal Poverty Guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These new income levels are set at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and are effective from January 28, 2021. A chart showing income levels at 200% of the guidelines is also provided to help assess financial eligibility for those with slightly higher incomes.

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has issued a final rule that updates the income levels for individuals who can receive legal assistance. These adjustments align with the new Federal Poverty Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, effective January 28, 2025. The updated income levels are set at 125% of these guidelines, with additional reference information provided for income levels at 200%. These changes ensure that LSC's criteria reflect current economic standards for determining eligibility for legal aid.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has introduced a final rule that changes some parts of the Code of Federal Regulations. This rule updates the way payments for legal services, originating from outside the United States, are handled. OFAC is now requiring recordkeeping instead of reporting requirements and has revised general licenses, so payments for certain legal services can be made from external funds. This rule is effective from December 19, 2024, and applies starting March 12, 2025.