Search Results for keywords:"COVID-19"

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requesting emergency approval for a change to the CAHPS for MIPS survey, which will add a question about telehealth services used during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This change aims to collect self-reported data from patients on their telehealth experiences to support the quality and performance assessments of healthcare providers. The new survey item will be used for informational purposes and not affect quality scoring or payments. Public comments on this proposed change are invited until April 9, 2021.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended a temporary halt on residential evictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This extension lasts from January 31, 2021, through March 31, 2021, and aims to protect renters from eviction if they meet certain criteria, like having a drop in income or making partial rental payments. The order seeks to prevent evicted individuals from moving into crowded settings, which can heighten the risk of spreading the virus. It also highlights available federal resources, such as rental assistance programs, to support those financially impacted by the pandemic.

Dressor Plains Solar, LLC has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking approval to set rates based on market conditions and has requested blanket permission to issue securities and take on liabilities in the future. People interested in intervening or protesting this application should submit their requests by March 15, 2021. FERC encourages electronic submissions through their website, although paper submissions are also accepted. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Commission's Public Reference Room is temporarily closed, but documents can still be accessed online.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has announced its meeting schedule covering the weeks of February 15 to March 22, 2021. The only meeting set is an Affirmation Session and briefing, both on February 18, 2021, at the Commissioners' Conference Room in Rockville, Maryland, which will be held remotely due to COVID-19, and the public can join via webcast. There are no meetings planned for the weeks of February 22, March 1, March 8, March 15, and March 22, 2021. For more information or to verify meeting statuses, individuals can reach out to Wesley Held or visit the NRC's website.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has started an investigation to determine if the proposed rate schedule by Richmond Spider Solar, LLC is fair and lawful. This inquiry is based on Section 206 of the Federal Power Act, and if the rate is found unfair, changes may be required. The notice of this investigation, and any potential refund effects, became effective upon publication in the Federal Register. Interested parties have 21 days from the date of the order to file motions to participate in the proceedings. Due to COVID-19, FERC encourages electronic submissions and has suspended in-person access to its Public Reference Room.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission are holding a joint public meeting on February 1, 2021. Due to COVID-19, the meeting will be conducted via webinar, with details available on the Council's website. The agenda includes discussing the Recreational Management Reform Initiative and considering a Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocation Amendment for final action. Special accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities upon request.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order that mandates the wearing of face masks by railroad personnel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as directed by the CDC. This order, effective March 1, 2021, applies to all freight rail operations and certain passenger rail operations under FRA’s jurisdiction, though not in areas already covered by the TSA’s mask requirements. The FRA’s decision follows inconsistent mask-wearing practices observed by inspectors and aims to protect railroad workers, inspectors, and public health. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and specific exemptions exist for certain situations and individuals.

The NYSE American LLC has proposed a change to their options fee schedule, which involves continuing the waiver of some floor-based fixed fees. This extension is intended to assist market participants who have struggled to return to their normal operational levels on the trading floor due to COVID-19 restrictions. The fee waiver will help reduce monthly costs for firms affected by these disruptions until at least March 2021 or until the trading floor fully reopens. Additionally, this change aims to support fair competition and equitable fee allocation among its members.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic, one requested by Pfizer, Inc., and the other by ModernaTX, Inc. These Authorizations allow the use of vaccines to help manage the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Authorizations include specific conditions and are part of efforts to protect public health and national security in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The FDA ensures that such products can be used when there are no adequate, approved alternatives available.

The Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council has announced a public meeting scheduled for March 10, 2021, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Due to COVID-19, the meeting will be held online via a live webcast, and interested individuals must register in advance through the ASC website to attend. The meeting will include reports from the Chairman, Executive Director, Grants Director, and Financial Manager, as well as discussions on various agenda items like the approval of past meeting minutes and the 2020 ASC Annual Report. Recording or photographing the meeting is prohibited.