Search Results for keywords:"Medicare Evidence Development

The Social Security Administration has issued a new Social Security Ruling (SSR 24-3p) that replaces an older ruling, SSR 00-4p. The new rule changes how vocational evidence is handled in disability determinations, allowing the use of different sources of occupational information beyond the outdated Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). It emphasizes flexibility for vocational specialists and experts in choosing data sources, without needing to explain differences with the DOT, to improve efficiency in assessing disability claims. These changes aim to streamline the process by reducing unnecessary complications and making better use of updated job classification standards.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is requesting scientific information from the public to support its review of fusion procedures for degenerative lumbar spine disease, conducted by its Evidence-based Practice Centers Program. They are seeking both published and unpublished studies and data to enhance the quality of this review. The deadline for submissions is February 13, 2025, and interested parties can submit their contributions via email or regular mail. The draft review will be made available for public comment for four weeks once completed.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is inviting public submissions of scientific information to support its review on preventing recurrent kidney stones in both adults and children. This review is conducted by AHRQ’s Evidence-based Practice Centers and aims to enhance the quality of evidence on the effectiveness and harms of preventive strategies, such as diet and medications. The deadline for submission is January 9, 2025, and interested parties are encouraged to submit completed and ongoing study information, ensuring the materials are publicly accessible. The review seeks to compare different preventive treatments and imaging strategies, as well as understand the natural progression of kidney stone recurrence.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a proposed information collection, inviting the public to participate in a survey connected to the 2025 Digital Development Awards. This survey aims to help select award winners who utilize digital technology for inclusive growth. Comments and recommendations on the survey are due by February 24, 2025. This action is in compliance with legal requirements, as USAID must notify the public and gain approval from the Office of Management and Budget before conducting such collections.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an interim final rule allowing certain businesses in the 8(a) Business Development program to extend their participation by one year due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This extension applies to companies in the program on March 13, 2020, as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and the National Defense Authorization Act 2021. Firms that have left the program since March 13, 2020, can also be readmitted if they notify the SBA and confirm they still meet eligibility criteria. The rule is effective immediately, although the public can comment on the rule until March 15, 2021.

The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Rapid Response Program (RRP) is a funding initiative by the Treasury Department aimed at aiding Certified CDFIs to tackle the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, with award amounts reaching up to $5 million. The program's grants, backed by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, are intended to help CDFIs provide financial services to underserved communities, including Native Communities. The application process requires compliance with various regulatory and eligibility requirements, and selected applicants must enter into an Assistance Agreement stipulating terms for the grant use.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, part of the Department of Transportation, has announced a public meeting of its Advisory Board scheduled for March 6, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. The meeting will take place in-person at the DOT in Washington, DC, with a virtual attendance option available. Interested individuals must RSVP by March 1, 2025, along with requests to speak at the meeting or submit materials for discussion. The meeting agenda includes opening remarks, a report, and discussions on previous and new business.

The Department of Commerce, through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), has issued a notice requesting public comment on a revised information collection concerning the Tech Hubs initiative. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. economic and national security by promoting regional innovation and competitiveness. The revised information collection will help ensure that investments in designated Tech Hubs are data-driven and accountable. Public comments are sought to evaluate the necessity, efficiency, and burden of this data collection to improve its effectiveness.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA has issued a rule to postpone the effective date of changes to the organic standards for mushrooms and pet food. Initially set to take effect on December 23, 2024, the new regulations will now be effective from March 21, 2025, with compliance required by March 22, 2027. This delay follows a presidential directive for a regulatory review, addressing aspects like mushroom growing materials and the use of certain synthetic substances in organic pet food. The decision is immediate to allow more time for review and was made without public comment, as it was considered impractical and against public interest to delay this process until after additional comments.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking additional scientific information from the public to assist with a systematic review on managing menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women. This review is being conducted by AHRQ's Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPC) Program to improve its quality by considering both published and unpublished relevant studies. People and organizations are invited to submit completed and ongoing study details, which should be public or able to be made public, by April 17, 2025. The review will explore questions related to the effectiveness and safety of treatments for menopausal symptoms, as well as individual and system-level factors influencing treatment.