Search Results for keywords:"public health"

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.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is withdrawing its draft guidance on considering greenhouse gas emissions in line with President Biden's Executive Order 13990, which aims to protect public health and the environment. This rescission is part of a larger effort to update and align environmental policies with current climate goals. Although the draft guidance is withdrawn, agencies are encouraged to use available resources, including the 2016 guidance, when assessing the climate impact of their actions. The CEQ will later announce any updates to the previous guidance.

In a new executive order, the President directed all government agencies to review and potentially change or remove regulations from the past four years that conflict with national goals to protect public health and the environment and address climate change. The order also focuses on restoring national monuments and halting oil and gas activity in the Arctic Refuge to address environmental concerns. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of accurately assessing the costs of greenhouse gas emissions and revoked the 2019 permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline, arguing it does not serve the national interest. This executive order seeks to promote environmental justice, reduce emissions, and prioritize the transition to a clean energy economy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reorganizing its National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) to better address public health challenges related to these diseases. Changes include updating the mission statement and restructuring various offices and branches within the center to improve coordination, research, and prevention efforts. The reorganization aims to enhance the effectiveness of programs, improve collaboration with partners, and focus on health equity and reducing health disparities. This initiative reflects CDC's commitment to using the best scientific data to guide public health decisions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved California's request to update its small off-road engine regulations. These updates, made by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2016 and 2021, aim to reduce pollution emissions from engines used in equipment like lawnmowers and leaf blowers. The new standards, starting in 2024, will require most of these engines to emit zero emissions. The EPA granted this authorization because California's regulations are as protective of public health as the current federal standards and are necessary due to California's unique environmental challenges.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is inviting public comments on a proposed data collection project called the National Center for Health Statistics' Research and Development Survey (RANDS) during COVID-19—Round 3. This survey aims to gather data on health characteristics related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as telehealth access, general health, and psychological distress. The survey will provide early estimates of how the pandemic affects health, which will aid in CDC's ongoing COVID-19 surveillance. Comments on the proposed collection are being accepted as part of the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeks public comments on a proposed data collection project aimed at strengthening the workforce to handle infections and antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings. This project, called Healthcare Prevention and Response Workforce Development, is part of CDC's effort to evaluate training programs and improve their effectiveness. The public can submit comments until March 18, 2025, either online through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail. The initiative focuses on understanding how well CDC's training programs meet their goals and the impact on public health workforce capacity.

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 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a rule to modify the Vaccine Injury Table, which relates to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This new rule removes Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) and vasovagal syncope from the list of injuries eligible for compensation under the VICP. Some members of the public opposed the change, expressing concerns about safety and potential impacts on liability for vaccine administrators. However, HHS argued that these injuries are often due to improper administration techniques rather than the content of the vaccines themselves, and stated that this change aims to ensure that funds are directed to injuries directly caused by vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking public comments on an ongoing information collection project called Performance Monitoring of CDC's Core State Injury Prevention Program (SIPP). This initiative aims to improve injury prevention programs and demonstrate their effectiveness in reducing injury-related illnesses and deaths. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, the CDC must gather public input before continuing the collection of this information, which helps track progress and effectiveness across different states. Comments must be submitted by February 3, 2025, and CDC requests approval for an estimated 286 hours of annual respondent burden time.