🏥Expanded Eligibility for WTC Health Program Responders Announced
On September 11, 2024, CDC published in the Federal Register an interim final rule with request for comment to update existing regulations governing the WTC Health Program to align with statutory changes. The interim final rule expanded eligibility criteria for enrollment of new Pentagon and Shanksville responders, capped at 500 new members, and made various conforming amendments to the WTC Health Program regulations. In this final rule, CDC responds to public comment and finalizes the revisions to the regulation.
Learn More🧬FDA Classifies Medical Device for Microbial Nucleic Acids Detection
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Agency, or we) is classifying the device to detect and identify microbial nucleic acids by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in clinical specimens into class II (special controls). The special controls that apply to the device type are identified in this order and will be part of the codified language for the device to detect and identify microbial nucleic acids by FISH in clinical specimens classification. We are taking this action because we have determined that classifying the device into class II (special controls) will provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device. We believe this action will also enhance patients' access to beneficial innovative devices, in part by reducing regulatory burdens.
Learn More🧪FDA Classifies Microbial Nucleic Acid Storage Devices
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Agency, or we) is classifying the microbial nucleic acid storage and stabilization device into class II (special controls). The special controls that apply to the device type are identified in this order and will be part of the codified language for the microbial nucleic acid storage and stabilization device's classification. We are taking this action because we have determined that classifying the device into class II (special controls) will provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device. We believe this action will also enhance patients' access to beneficial innovative devices, in part by reducing regulatory burdens.
Learn More📊AHRQ's Proposed Information Collection for HCUP Data Access
This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the revision of the currently approved information collection project "Online Application Order Form for Products from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)," OMB # 0935-0206.
Learn More🏥Proposed Payment Changes for Skilled Nursing Facilities in 2026
This proposed rule would change and update policies and payment rates used under the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for FY 2026. This rulemaking also proposes to update the requirements for the SNF Quality Reporting Program and the SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program.
Learn More🏥Proposed Changes to Medicare Hospital Payment Systems for 2026
This proposed rule would revise the Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment systems (IPPS) for operating and capital- related costs of acute care hospitals; make changes relating to Medicare graduate medical education (GME) for teaching hospitals; update the payment policies and the annual payment rates for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals (LTCHs); update and make changes to requirements for certain quality programs; and make other policy-related changes.
Learn More🏥CMS Notice on DNV Healthcare's ASC Accreditation Application
This notice acknowledges the receipt of an application from DNV Healthcare Inc. for initial recognition as a national accrediting organization for Ambulatory Surgical Centers that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs.
Learn More💊Key Medicare and Medicaid Regulatory Changes for 2026
This final rule revises the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regulations to implement changes related to prescription drug coverage, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), Part C and D Star Ratings, and other programmatic areas, including the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. This final rule also codifies existing sub-regulatory guidance in the Part C and Part D programs.
Learn More🏥NIH Notice of Closed Meeting on Diabetes Research Grant Applications
The Department of Health and Human Services announces a closed meeting of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to evaluate grant applications. This session will evaluate proposals integral to advancing research in diabetes, digestive diseases, and kidney health. The meeting is not open to the public due to confidentiality concerns surrounding trade secrets and personal information.
Learn More🎓National Institute on Aging Meeting for Grant Application Review
The Department of Health and Human Services announces a closed meeting for the National Institute on Aging, focusing on the review and evaluation of grant applications related to aging. The meeting is virtual and aims to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information associated with these applications.
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