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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for public comments on how to evaluate applications for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, a program designed to help healthcare providers connect with patients during the pandemic. The FCC is looking to provide more funding for telehealth services, using funds allocated by Congress, and they want input on how to prioritize applications, especially for areas and providers that were heavily impacted by COVID-19. They plan to ensure that every state and the District of Columbia has at least one applicant that receives funding. Additionally, they propose changes to the application process and are considering prioritizing applicants who did not get funding in the first round. The goal is to improve the program while making funds available to those who need it most.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has requested approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise the information collection processes for the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). The NPDB is designed to ensure quality healthcare by tracking adverse actions against healthcare providers, like medical malpractice payments or disciplinary measures. This revision aims to improve data integrity and includes updating forms that hospitals and health plans use for reporting and querying. Public comments on this request are invited until February 18, 2021.

The Federal Communications Commission announced an invoicing deadline for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, set for July 31, 2021. This program, funded by $200 million from Congress, aids healthcare providers in using telecommunications services for telehealth during the pandemic. Awardees must file post-program reports by January 31, 2022, detailing the program's impact on healthcare outcomes. Additionally, participants must maintain records for at least three years and comply with potential audits to ensure they meet program requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comments on draft recommendations for HIV screening in clinical settings. This update aims to revise parts of the 2006 guidelines, including changes like removing the upper age limit for testing, encouraging the use of automated tools to support HIV screening, and emphasizing that anyone who requests a test should be tested. The goal of these recommendations is to improve early diagnosis, ensure patients are linked to care, and reduce HIV transmission. CDC invites feedback on these proposals, focusing on their clarity, effectiveness, and potential impact on healthcare providers.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is seeking public comments on proposed changes to the information collection packages that need approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This includes updates such as the revision of forms used for claims and benefits processing, and improving electronic communication with healthcare providers. Individuals are invited to share thoughts on the effectiveness and burden of these changes by April 14, 2025, through mail, email, or the online portal. The notice aims to ensure that the data collection process is effective, necessary, and easy to understand while minimizing the effort required from the public.

The FDA has released a final guidance document for industry titled "Communications From Firms to Health Care Providers Regarding Scientific Information on Unapproved Uses of Approved/Cleared Medical Products: Questions and Answers." This guidance outlines the FDA's policy on how companies can share scientific information about unapproved uses of approved medical products with healthcare providers. This communication should be truthful and help healthcare providers understand the information's strengths and weaknesses. The guidance, which will not be implemented until the Office of Management and Budget approves related information collection activities, is designed to ensure that such communications are done in a responsible manner.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) published a notice about its ongoing efforts to improve how people can submit information electronically. This includes the nationwide rollout of a new tool called eSignature/Upload Documents, allowing individuals to submit forms and evidence online securely. This tool helps reduce the reliance on paper submissions and complies with an executive order for improving online government services. Additionally, SSA requests public feedback on the proposed changes to these information collection processes.