This legislation effectively postpones the debt ceiling issue for two years, dispelling concerns of a potential financial catastrophe. This Action Update summarizes the legislation and provisions of interest to essential hospitals.

The report summarizes HHS' progress, barriers, and future plans to improve access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency.

A new guide provides educational and referral strategies for health care providers to mitigate health issues related to climate change.

An HHS fact sheet details policy changes with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency; ASPR announces Project NextGen; CDC says the Johnson & Johnson vaccine no longer is available in the United States.

Health care providers will be able to prescribe controlled medication without requiring an initial in-person visit through Nov. 11.

After receiving record comments on proposals to limit the prescription of controlled substances via telemedicine, the DEA will extend this COVID-era flexibility.

In a letter to hospital and provider associations, Secretary Becerra emphasized health care providers' legal duties to provide emergency care.

A new webinar series will share government resources for health care stakeholders to reduce emissions and build resilience.

The rule updates essential community provider requirements for qualified health plans and adds a special enrollment period for those losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

The rule would allow DACA recipients to be eligible for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

The new tool from the federal Office of Climate Change and Health Equity explains opportunities in the Inflation Reduction Act for tax credits and other support for climate mitigation work.

CDC simplifies vaccine recommendations for all age groups; a new HHS program supports COVID-19 vaccines and treatments for uninsured Americans.

Individuals ages 65 and older are eligible for a second bivalent dose; HHS will end vaccine administration flexibility granted during the public health emergency.

President Biden signs a bill ending the COVID-19 national emergency; FDA grants emergency use authorization to a vilobelimab treatment.

The upcoming end of the COVID-19 national emergency will not affect policies enacted during the public health emergency issued under a separate declaration.

The report includes recommendations for therapeutic practices for youth of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity.

FDA releases guidance on transitioning to normal operations for medical device authorization after the public health emergency ends and continues to monitor the effect of viral mutation on test performance.

At two Senate hearings, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra presented the Biden administration's health care budget. In a joint statement, America's Essential Hospitals and other organizations raised concerns about a new alliance between drug companies and community health centers.

FDA announces that children aged 6 months through 4 years old who completed primary monovalent COVID-19 vaccination are now eligible to receive a bivalent booster dose, while agency advisers vote in favor of full Paxlovid approval.

The decision comes after HHS halted payment determinations following a February court ruling vacating certain provisions of the No Surprises Act.

The guide tailors the 2018 National Institute of Standards and Technology Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity to the health sector.

The voluntary pledge asks institutions to commit to reducing emissions, taking inventory of scope 3 emissions, and developing climate resilience plans.

The U.S. House and Senate Committees on Appropriations are accepting appropriations requests for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations process.

The order instructs agencies to produce an annual public equity action plan, build agency equity teams, and improve community engagement.

The association asked that CMS swiftly make 340B hospitals whole for reduced Medicare Part B reimbursement from 2018 to fall 2022, plus applicable interest.

HHS instructed federal independent dispute resolution entities not to issue new payment determinations in out-of-network billing payment disputes.

The roadmap outlines which policies implemented under the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will be affected when the PHE ends May 11.

Following the agenda's release, HHS on Feb. 10 requested information on promising practices for advancing health equity for intersex individuals.

The association supports HHS' work to align the rule more closely with HIPAA regulations, which will improve care coordination and mitigate discrimination.

America's Essential Hospitals and other plaintiffs had asked the judge to order an immediate repayment in full for five years of underpayments to 340B hospitals.

Effective Jan. 11, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency determination.

The $1.66 trillion package would extend funding for government operations through Sept. 30, 2023, including $120.7 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services, $9.9 billion more than the FY 2022 enacted level, and numerous provisions important to essential hospitals.

The proposed rule updates essential community provider requirements for qualified health plans and adds a special enrollment period for those disenrolled from Medicaid or CHIP.

CDC expands its recommendation for bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years old as health agencies confront low vaccination rates among children.

Changes in the proposed rule seek to improve care coordination among providers and increase protections for substance use disorder patients to mitigate discrimination during treatment.

Citing policy and operational challenges with implementing the administrative dispute resolution process as created in a 2020 final rule, HRSA proposes a less formal ADR process that it believes will be less burdensome for parties submitting claims.

The agency will not enforce a surprise billing requirement that requires good faith estimates to include cost estimates from co-providers and co-facilities.

The proposed rule aims to align Part 2 more closely with HIPAA, improve care coordination, and increase anti-discrimination protections for patients with substance use disorder.

New COVID-19 vaccine initiatives seek to address access inequalities, and NIH launches a website where Americans can self-report COVID-19 test results anonymously to provide data to public health departments.

President Joe Biden urges Americans to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine, which protects against the original SARS-CoV-2 variant and BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

Effective Oct. 13, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency determination.

HHS links COVID-19 vaccinations to fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, and NIH details its plan to study long COVID-19 effects.

FDA now urges COVID-19 test developers to take traditional premarket review pathways, and HHS will cover the cost of 60,000 bebtelovimab doses.

The roadmap implements the three pillars of the President's March 2022 Strategy to Address our National Mental Health Crisis.

HHS seeks input on the No Surprises Act's advanced explanation of benefits and good faith estimate requirements for insured individuals; comments are due Nov. 15.

The Biden administration's fall plan to manage the COVID-19 pandemic includes securing millions of updated vaccines and additional at-home, rapid tests; ensuring vaccine access for higher-risk Americans; and fostering community conversations about updated vaccines.

Pfizer applies for emergency use authorization for its omicron-specific booster vaccine, the National Healthcare Safety Network will take over hospital data reporting, and CMS tells hospitals to brace for the public health emergency's end.

The rule finalizes disclosure requirements for the qualifying payment amount and select provisions for the related independent dispute resolution process.

Lawmakers return to their states and districts for August recess following last week's passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The bill includes provisions of note for essential hospitals, including those to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and fight climate change.

CDC updated its COVID-19 safety guidelines, FDA warned of false negative test risks, and bebtelovimab will transition to the commercial marketplace.

HHS releases two new reports on long COVID-19 research and support, while the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response shares guidance on Paxlovid efficacy and eligibility.

The proposed rule expands the definition of discrimination "on the basis of sex" and explicitly includes telehealth services in nondiscrimination policies.

The declaration enables HHS to modify Medicare and Medicaid program requirements and could lead to more emergency funding for virus prevention and vaccines.

HHS agreed to purchase 66 million Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine doses, while the CDC reported fewer vaccine reactions for those older than 50 who receive a second mRNA booster shot.

As the World Health Organization declares monkeypox a global health emergency, CDC updates clinical guidance, and HHS plans to allocate additional vaccine doses.

CDC recommends the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adults and reports that additional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster doses increase protection against moderate and severe COVID-19.

FDA approves the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for those 18 and older as the Biden-Harris administration releases an action plan to take on the BA.5 subvariant.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) again halts Build Back Better human infrastructure package negotiations; House lawmakers will vote on a FY 2023 appropriations minibus.

Effective July 15, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency determination.

The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity announced a climate change webinar series, beginning July 14, and shared a companion resource compendium.

FDA advises vaccine manufacturers to incorporate an omicron variant component into booster doses; Pfizer requests FDA approval of antiviral pill Paxlovid.

The committee released a discussion draft of policies to improve youth mental health, the second of an expected five discussion drafts from the committee in advance of their full mental health legislative proposal.

The order instructs the HHS Secretary to use the agency's authorities to protect LGBTQI+ individuals' access to medically necessary care.

A new advisory from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, calls for a whole-of-society approach to protect and support health workers facing burnout.

Congress last week passed aid for the Ukraine war effort but remains stalled on a $10 billion COVID-19 funding bill. A group of three House caucuses of Black, Hispanic, and Asian Pacific American lawmakers have introduced health equity legislation.

The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 1.800.273.8255, will transition to 988 on all devices on July 16.

The association urged HHS to provide funding, educate stakeholders, and build capacity to execute the 2022 Environmental Justice Strategy and Implementation Plan.

HHS urges governors to start planning for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency; FDA authorizes a Pfizer booster vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

New HHS initiatives focus on climate change, health equity, and the role health care stakeholders can play in promoting climate resilience.

The final rule raises the essential community provider threshold from 20 to 35 percent and uses wait time standards to evaluate qualified health plans for network adequacy.

Hospitals and other industry stakeholders are invited to pledge by June 3 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase their climate resilience.

The independent dispute resolution process can be initiated to resolve payment disputes between health care providers and issuers.

Effective April 16, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the public health emergency determination related to the continued effects of COVID-19; the determination has been in place since Jan. 27, 2020, and has been renewed every three months.

Congressional panels will review President Joe Biden's fiscal year 2023 budget request. Sens. Robert Casey Jr. (D-Pa.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate low vaccination rates among Medicaid beneficiaries.

FDA authorizes a second vaccine booster for older and immunocompromised individuals; OSHA reopens the comment period for its emergency temporary standard.

The Transportation Security Administration extends to April 18 its public transit mask mandate; HHS shares a fact sheet on the COVID-19 Test-to-Treat initiative.

The court ruled the qualifying payment amount should not be the main factor in determining payment for out-of-network services in independent dispute resolution.

President Joe Biden unveils a new COVID-19 National Preparedness Plan; FEMA extends its 100 percent federal cost share for COVID-19 efforts.

CDC announces a new community-level framework that assesses COVID-19 risk; the Biden administration unveils a new COVID-19 mitigation plan for people with disabilities.

An estimated 5.8 million people newly gained coverage during this open enrollment period; 32 percent of consumers using the federal marketplace selected a plan that costs them $10 or less per month. Enrollment remains open through Jan. 31 in five states and the District of Columbia.

The funds will reach more than 7,600 providers across the country this week; $6 billion in pledged phase 4 funds remain undistributed.

In separate bipartisan letters, lawmakers called on the Biden administration to help mitigate dire hospital workforce shortages, particularly among nurses, and protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program from harmful drug manufacturer actions.

HHS awarded $103 million to improve health care worker retention by reducing staff burnout and promoting mental wellness. Several essential hospitals were among the awardees, including the University of New Mexico, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Utah.

In response to the proposed rule for the 2023 plan year, the association urged the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure equitable access, finalize nondiscrimination policies, standardize collection of Z codes, and prorate premiums and advanced premium tax credits.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld CMS' vaccine mandate but struck down the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's mandate; President Joe Biden announced new initiatives to expand testing access.

The nomination of Robert Califf, MD, as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration advances to the Senate floor. The Republican-led Healthy Futures Task Force issues several requests for information on telehealth policies and health care affordability.

Effective Jan. 14, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the public health emergency determination related to the continued effects of COVID-19; the determination has been in place since Jan. 27, 2020, and has been renewed every three months.

CDC shortens the time between primary vaccine series and booster shot and recommends a Pfizer booster for adolescents; the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on two vaccine mandates; HHS requires coverage of at-home COVID-19 tests, effective Jan. 15.

The new document explains various provisions under part II surprise billing regulations, including that all financial assistance should be reflected in the good faith estimate regardless of the amount or type of discount. The new regulations take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

The legislation delays looming Medicare payment cuts and creates an expedited pathway for debt limit relief; Senate Democrats this week are expected to release legislative text for a $2 trillion debt limit increase — sufficient to last through the 2022 midterm election.

America’s Essential Hospitals commented on the second interim final rule implementing the No Surprises Act. The association urged HHS to revise good faith estimate requirements and create an IDR process that does not favor payers over providers.

A new Department of Health and Human Services report finds the share of Medicare visits conducted via telehealth increased from about 840,000 in 2019 to 52.7 million in 2020. In particular, telehealth was helpful in offsetting potential foregone behavioral health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced a $1.5 billion investment to help grow and diversify the nation's health care workforce through loan repayment and scholarship programs.

The new strategy from the Department of Health and Human Services expands the scope of crisis response beyond opioids to include other substances often involved in overdoses. It focuses on four priority areas: primary prevention, harm reduction, evidence-based treatment, and recovery support.

The plan — required by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — focuses on increasing the health workforce in rural and underserved areas and better preparing for the health care needs of the future. HHS will issue a report to Congress on implementation.

FDA and CDC recommend Moderna and Janssen booster vaccines, along with heterologous booster doses; the Biden administration releases a plan to vaccinate children.

Released on Oct. 7, part II of the No Surprises Act interim final rule outlines the independent dispute resolution process for out-of-network services and protections for uninsured and self-pay patients.

Money from the American Rescue Plan will fund up to 50 awards through the Health Resources and Services Administration's State Loan Repayment Program for state-run programs that support, recruit, and retain primary care clinicians who work in underserved communities.

HHS released a Spanish version of QuestionBuilder, an app that helps patients and caregivers prepare for their in-person or telehealth appointments, along with a report on Latino patients' access to care.

An HHS report shows the COVID-19 vaccine prevented hospitalization and death in Medicare beneficiaries; Pfizer applies for emergency use authorization for its vaccine in children age 5 to 11.

HHS guidance clarifies how HIPAA applies to COVID-19 vaccination status requests; CDC urges pregnant people to get vaccinated amid a surge in hospitalizations.

The departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Treasury, and Labor and the Office of Personnel Management issued Part II of the No Surprises Act interim final rule with comment period.

In a Sept. 20 letter, America's Essential Hospitals welcomes the announcement of additional COVID-19 relief funding but notes the methodology falls short of adequate support for safety net providers. The association urges HHS to issue another targeted safety net distribution, among other requests.

The rule, released by the Department of Health and Human Service and the Department of Treasury, extends open enrollment, adds a new special enrollment period, expands navigator responsibilities, and modifies Section 1332 innovation waivers.

The comprehensive plan includes potential legislative and administrative actions that could be used to lower drug prices. The plan also notes the importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and its role in supporting the health care safety net.

A total of $25.5 billion will be available, including $17 billion through the Provider Relief Fund and $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan funding for providers serving rural patients. Providers can apply for the new funding Sept. 29.

The House passed a procedural rule setting the stage for the chamber's development of a "human infrastructure" package under budget reconciliation. In a concession to moderate Democrats, the rule calls for the House to vote by Sept. 27 on the bipartisan physical infrastructure legislation.

In a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, America's Essential Hospitals urges the agency to swiftly allocate and target remaining PRF funds, take steps to ensure adequate hospital staffing, expedite full approval of COVID-19 vaccines, and protect the nation's supply chain.

Negotiations continue on a bipartisan physical infrastructure plan after Senate Republicans blocked a procedural vote to begin formal deliberations on the framework. Republican senators opposed the legislative text because it is not final and has no Congressional Budget Office score.

As a bipartisan group of senators crafts infrastructure legislation, Senate Democrats work to develop a human infrastructure package.

The rule, released by the departments of Health and Human Services, the Treasury, and Labor and the Office of Personnel Management, bars health care insurers, carriers, and providers from billing patients more than in-network cost sharing amounts in certain circumstances.

Notable to essential hospitals, the Biden administration's July 9 executive order includes health care items related to prescription drugs, price transparency, hospital consolidation, and health insurance.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) aims to vote on a bipartisan physical infrastructure bill, as well as a budget resolution to begin the process of advancing a "human infrastructure" package, before the chamber adjourns for its August recess.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced $250 million in grant awards to 73 local governments as part of a new initiative to identify and implement best practices for improving health literacy to enhance COVID-19 vaccination among underserved populations.

A bipartisan group of senators reached an agreement with the White House on a $1.2 trillion physical infrastructure framework that lists extending the 2 percent Medicare sequester cut as a potential method of funding the package. Lawmakers now must turn the framework into legislation.

The Biden administration proposes to rescind a Trump-era final rule requiring federally qualified health centers to charge certain low-income patients no more than the 340B Drug Pricing Program price for insulin and injectable epinephrine. Comments on the proposed rule are due July 16.

The Department of Health and Human Services revises reporting requirements and extends the deadlines for providers to use and report on the use of Provider Relief Fund payments.

The new infrastructure deal comes after months-long negotiations between the Biden administration and Senate Republicans fell apart. It includes roughly $579 billion in new spending. However, lawmakers in both parties expressed skepticism that the plan could secure enough votes to pass the Senate.

A bipartisan infrastructure plan is unlikely to pass the Senate by July. Democrats are likely to explore using budget reconciliation, but a recent parliamentarian ruling indicates they might be unable to attempt the process using the FY 2021 budget resolution.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is issuing $80 million in grant funding for navigators in states using the federal insurance marketplace for the 2022 plan year.

FDA lengthens the refrigerator storage time for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. A new CDC site aggregates state and local COVID-19 funding opportunities. The Department of Health and Human Services allocates $4.8 billion to the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program.

The Senate voted to advance the nomination of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator; a full Senate vote could take place this week. America's Essential Hospitals hosted a virtual Capitol Hill briefing in recognition of the association's 40th anniversary.

HHS will interpret and enforce the Affordable Care Act's prohibition on discrimination "on the basis of sex" to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The change comes in response to a Trump administration rule in June 2020 that removed protections for transgender and LGBTQ individuals.

In a letter to the HHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR), America's Essential Hospitals responds to proposed changes to privacy rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. OCR outlined the changes in a Jan. 21 proposed rule aiming to improve the transition to value-based care.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with House and Senate lawmakers this week to discuss a bipartisan path forward on infrastructure legislation ahead of his fiscal year 2022 budget proposal. The Senate is expected to confirm Andrea Joan Palm as deputy secretary of health and human services.

The Office of Minority Health page includes tools for data collection and analysis, developing language access plans, and strategic plan creation.

Effective April 28, HHS expanded the group of providers eligible to prescribe buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid use disorder, and removed some barriers to its use.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced $80 million in grants to increase access to marketplace enrollment assistance for consumers. The agency's 2021 open enrollment report shows more than 12 million consumers selected a marketplace plan during the 2021 open enrollment period.

Senate Republicans release a $568 billion infrastructure framework to kickstart negotiations. House Democrats and Republicans reintroduce opposing prescription drug pricing bills. A CMS decision delays advancement of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure's nomination for CMS administrator.

The president met with a group of bipartisan lawmakers to discuss his $2 trillion American Jobs Plan infrastructure proposal; other lawmakers have expressed interest in a less costly, more targeted package. The Senate Committee on Finance is expected to advance two Biden administration nominees.

The waiver makes Illinois the first state to provide continuity of full Medicaid benefit coverage for mothers by extending eligibility during the entire first year after delivery.

CDC and FDA recommend pausing Janssen COVID-19 vaccine administration after six U.S. reports of blood clots; HHS expands the Health Center Vaccine Program.

The House will vote as early as tonight to extend the moratorium on the 2 percent Medicare sequester cut; CMS has held provider claims in anticipation of this bill passing. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue conversations on infrastructure funding and workplace violence prevention.

HHS and CDC launch a nationwide grassroots vaccine promotion network; CDC issues new guidance on travel, cleaning, and disinfection.

President Joe Biden announced initiatives to expand COVID-19 vaccine access; a CDC study shows mRNA vaccines are highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In a new HHS Office of Inspector General report, hospitals highlight challenges associated with the public health emergency — including barriers to care delivery and vaccination, staff burnout, supply shortages, and declining revenue — that have strained the nation's health care delivery system.

The House voted to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut, but the bill lacks support from Senate Republicans. The Senate confirms Xavier Becerra. A reintroduced bipartisan bill would ensure 340B hospitals can maintain program eligibility while responding to COVID-19.

The House this week will vote on legislation to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut. House Democrats unveil an infrastructure package that prioritizes funding for construction and modernization activities to bolster public health preparedness and cyberattack prevention.

In accordance with the presidential regulatory freeze, HHS proposes to further delay until July 20 a final rule requiring federally qualified health centers to charge certain low-income patients no more than the 340B Drug Pricing Program price for insulin and injectable epinephrine. 

A federal court vacated several policies in the Trump Administration’s 2019 health insurance marketplace rule for violating federal law, including provisions related to review of network adequacy, standardized options, income verification requirements, and reducing medical loss ratio rebates.

The guidance clarifies how hospitals receiving Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments can use Provider Relief Fund general and targeted distribution payments.

In a letter, America's Essential Hospitals urges swift allocation of the remaining funds in the $178 billion Provider Relief Fund and calls for another targeted distribution to hospitals omitted from the first two safety-net distributions, among other requests.

The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill would ensure essential hospitals receive the same level of Medicaid DSH payments as they would have absent the pandemic. Xavier Becerra's nomination as secretary of health and human services is expected to reach the Senate floor as early as next week.

FDA granted an emergency use authorization for the one-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and an at-home COVID test; a multi-agency FAQ document addresses COVID-19 health coverage.

A CDC report shows promising COVID-19 vaccine safety profiles; the federal COVID-19 task force expands support for vaccination and testing.

Congress races to pass COVID-19 relief through the budget reconciliation process before enhanced unemployment benefits expire March 14. Senate committees hold confirmation hearings for Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services.

A new CDC order requires mask use on public transportation; a PREP Act amendment expands the provider groups authorized to administer vaccines.

President Biden released an executive order to strengthen Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. The order calls for a special enrollment period on the federally facilitated exchange for uninsured or underinsured individuals — particularly those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The regulatory freeze could affect rules directing health clinics to pass certain drug discounts on to patients, establishing minimum standards in Medicaid state drug utilization review, and modifying Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy arrangements.

The new guidance and deadline apply to all provider relief fund allocations to date except the Health Resources and Services Administration uninsured program, nursing home infection control distribution, and rural health clinic testing distribution.

As a highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant spreads across the country, CDC issues two new vaccination toolkits; HHS alters its Provider Relief Fund reporting timeline.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar extended, effective Jan. 21, the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) determination. The PHE determination has been in place since Jan. 31, 2020; it was set to expire Jan. 20, 2021.

On Dec. 16, the Health Resources and Services Administration completed its review of Phase 3 applications for Provider Relief Fund money and will distribute $24.5 billion to more than 70,000 providers.

FDA authorizes the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use; HHS expands hospital COVID-19 data reporting requirements to include therapeutic data.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights proposed modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy rule as part of the agency's regulatory sprint to coordinated care.

The Department of Health and Human Services released a detailed action plan on maternal health and announced a public-private partnership to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. The surgeon general simultaneously announced a call to action to improve maternal health, complementing HHS' plan.

The two rules, finalized Nov. 20, aim to eliminate barriers to care coordination and undue burden under current fraud and abuse laws. One provides exceptions to the physician anti-referral law, and one modifies existing safe harbor protections under the anti-kickback statute.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized rules in conjunction with HHS' regulatory sprint to coordinated care. The OIG rule modifies safe harbor protections; CMS’ rule targets undue burden of the physician self-referral law, or Stark law.

FDA grants emergency use authorization for an Eli Lilly antibody treatment; a Pfizer vaccine has promising early results; President-elect Biden names a COVID-19 advisory board.

Operation Warp Speed (OWS), a joint effort by the departments of Defense and Health and Human Services, on a stakeholder call discussed principles for allocation and distribution of therapeutics, specifically monoclonal antibodies. OWS also released a draft pre-emergency use authorization playbook.

The rule sets content elements a plan or issuer must disclose for a covered item or service. The rule also finalizes changes to the medical loss ratio program to allow issuers offering group or individual health coverage to receive credit for certain savings they share with enrollees.

The new FAQs specify that a provider may use PRF payments to cover the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine licensed by the Food and Drug Administration. Providers also may use PRF funds to prepare for the distribution of a vaccine before it becomes available.

New email inboxes set up by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will take questions about the updated guidance for hospital COVID-19 data reporting requirements as part of Medicare conditions of participation.

In response to stakeholder and congressional feedback, the Department of Health and Human Services revised reporting requirements for health care providers who receive more than $10,000 total in Provider Relief Fund payments.

Hospital COVID-19 data is public on HHS Protect; FDA approves first treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients; CDC redefines "close contact."

The webinar series for hospitals and other stakeholders will review new requirements for reporting COVID-19 data as a Medicare condition of participation and feature administration subject matter experts.

An upcoming webinar and stakeholder toolkit support the new $20 billion general distribution of the Provider Relief Fund; the application period runs through Nov. 6.

America’s Essential Hospitals requested that HHS withdraw its recent Provider Relief Fund post-payment reporting guidance, as the agency's new definitions of the terms "lost revenue" and "expense" contradict its previous definitions and could have adverse consequences for essential hospitals.

CDC reports that airborne transmission is rare but possible; a framework includes recommendations for equitable vaccine allocation.

HHS has issued a notice on data reporting requirements for providers who receive funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Provider Relief Fund.

A new $20 billion distribution of the Provider Relief Fund is open to eligible providers on the front lines of the pandemic, including those who already received PRF payments and need additional support, certain previously ineligible providers, and an expanded group of behavioral health providers.

An Operation Warp Speed strategy summarizes the federal government's plan for distributing and administering a COVID-19 vaccine.

HHS announced that assisted living facilities can now apply for a relief fund payment from the second-phase general allocation. The agency also released information on how it will determine incentive payments under the nursing home allocation.

In a Sept. 1 letter, America's Essential Hospitals urged HHS to prioritize remaining Provider Relief Fund dollars for hospitals still in need, especially those that have yet to receive a payment from any targeted allocation, such as the safety-net and high-impact distributions.

In the interim final rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services establishes that hospitals and critical access hospitals must report certain information, at a frequency and in a standardized format, as specified by the Department of Health and Human Services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Providers now have until Sept. 13 to apply for additional payment from the general allocation of the Provider Relief Fund. The initial deadline was Aug. 28.

HHS announces $6.5 million in testing investments; CDC issues antigen testing guidance; HHS partners with Moderna to manufacture and deliver its vaccine.

The Department of Health and Human Services will distribute $1.4 billion in Provider Relief Fund payments to nearly 80 free-standing children's hospitals.

Medicare providers that did not receive payment from the $20 billion distribution from the general allocation can apply for additional funding through the portal; applications are due Aug. 28. HHS also announced a $5 billion allocation for nursing homes and long term–care facilities.

CDC onboards health departments to conduct electronic data reporting; HHS awards funding to Johnson & Johnson for vaccine manufacturing and delivery.

Health systems can add CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker to their own website; HHS updates COVID-19 data reporting FAQs; CDC shares guidance on pooling tests.

The Department of Health and Human Services will extend the application deadline for Provider Relief Fund payments for eligible Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program providers, and will reopen the portal for Medicare providers to apply for additional payments from the general allocation.

The executive orders aim to end retrospective rebates to Medicare Part D pharmacy benefit managers; allow patients of federally qualified health centers to purchase certain drugs at 340B discounted prices; and tie Medicare Part B payment to international drug prices, among other provisions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the efficacy of telehealth. America's Essential Hospitals asked the administration to permanently expand the list of Medicare reimbursable telehealth services and allow reimbursement of certain services using audio-only technology.

Effective July 25, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar issued a renewal of determination that a public health emergency exists due to COVID-19.

HHS will pay $50,000 per eligible admission to hospitals with more than 161 COVID-19 admissions from Jan. 1 to June 10. The agency will account for funding received by hospitals in a May disbursement of high-impact funds in determining the amount facilities receive in this round.

HHS issues updated guidance on COVID-19 data reporting; an updated toolkit provides new guidance for alternate care sites to manage patient surge.

A new members-only resource tracks relevant expiration dates for additional authority and flexibility options provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Health and Human Services July 10 announced additional, targeted allotments from the Provider Relief Fund for hospitals filling a safety-net role, specific rural hospitals, and other serving small metropolitan areas.

In a July 6 letter, the association urged HHS to use a refined methodology that directs a portion of the remaining dollars in the Provider Relief Fund to hospitals filling a safety-net role that did not receive payment in the initial safety-net allocation.

HHS finalized a rule overhauling the ACA to remove some nondiscrimination protections for transgender individuals and requirements for treating people with limited English proficiency. In a statement, the association said the decision puts the health and safety of vulnerable populations at risk.

HHS has acquired additional remdesivir to be sold at wholesale allocation price; CDC reports declining emergency department use during the pandemic and updates its list of conditions that increase risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

A report highlights hospitalization risk factors for COVID-19, and GAO evaluates the National Disaster Medical System. FDA revokes emergency use authorizations for chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate.

HHS made public the 2018 Medicare cost report data sources used to determine eligibility for the $10 billion targeted safety-net allocation from the Provider Relief Fund. Hospitals had to meet three metrics to be eligible; 761 hospitals received payment.

The Department of Health and Human Services finalized a rule overhauling parts of the Affordable Care Act to remove nondiscrimination protections for transgender individuals and certain language access requirements for providing health care services to people with limited English proficiency.

HHS identified hospitals eligible for part of a $10 billion Provider Relief Fund allocation to aid safety-net providers. The agency also made public a list of total payments by state, including the number of hospitals in each state receiving a payment in this distribution.

The Department of Health and Human Services June 9 announced additional, targeted allocations from the Provider Relief Fund for hospitals filling a safety-net role and sole Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program providers.

New guidance provides details on COVID-19 lab test data reporting and flexible options for states implementing a Medicaid group for testing the uninsured.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced two distributions from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, known as the Provider Relief Fund: $4.9 billion for skilled nursing facilities and $500 million for Indian Health Service providers.

Providers have until June 3 to accept terms and conditions and submit necessary documentation to receive additional payments from the Provider Relief Fund to support providers incurring health care–​related expenses and lost revenue from response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitals interested in administering the donated experimental drug should contact their state health department.

Providers now have 45 days, increased from 30 days, to attest and accept the terms and conditions for payments from the Provider Relief Fund to support providers incurring health care–​related expenses and lost revenue from response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

America's Essential Hospitals in a May 5 letter urged the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate $20 billion specifically to essential hospitals that serve large Medicaid and low-income patient populations, to ensure the stability of the nation’s health care safety net.

This targeted allocation distributes $12 billion to 395 hospitals that provided inpatient care for 100 or more COVID-19 patients through April 10. Of that total, $2 billion is allocated to hospitals based on Medicare and Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) and uncompensated care payments.

Hospitals can now register as participating providers to receive reimbursement for COVID-19 testing and treatment services furnished to uninsured patients on or after Feb. 4. Participating providers can begin submitting claims May 6.

HHS opened the verification portal for providers to submit patient revenue data for payments from the general allocation of the COVID-19 provider relief fund. The agency also answered frequently asked questions and posted a fact sheet to aid providers requesting and attesting to receipt of payments.

The bipartisan legislation provides $484 billion in resources across the Department of Health and Human Services and the Small Business Administration, including an additional $75 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for providers.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced April 22 how it will allocate more than $70 billion in COVID-19 provider relief under the CARES Act, including targeted aid for hospitals and other providers on the front lines of the pandemic.

Hospitals now have until April 25 at 3 pm ET to submit data to HHS that will inform how the agency will allocate $10 billion in COVID-19 provider relief funds in areas most impacted by the pandemic.

HHS announced additional detail on how the agency intends to distribute the COVID-19 relief fund to hospitals and other providers. HHS will allocate funds through a general approach and use a targeted approach for certain hospitals, rural providers, and Indian Health Services.

Congress should increase emergency funding for hospitals on the front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic, target hospitals in greatest need, adjust Medicaid to help essential hospitals, and provide other financial and regulatory relief.

HHS has distributed $30 billion of the COVID-19 provider relief fund. Providers have 30 days from receipt of their payment to complete attestation and agree to terms and services or return the payment.

New CDC guidance requires face coverings for all who enter a health care facility. HHS Secretary Azar issues FAQs on testing and reporting requirements. Federal agencies warn about scams related to COVID-19.

In an April 10 letter, America's Essential Hospitals urged the agency to target critical relief to essential hospitals, expressed concern about disbursements based on Medicare payments, and offered general metrics to identify and support providers serving Medicaid and low-income patients.

The fund, authorized by the CARES Act, intends to support providers incurring health care–related expenses and lost revenue from COVID-19 pandemic response.

Providers will receive direct deposits of their share of the $30 billion based on 2019 Medicare fee-for-service payments.

HHS sends rapid tests to public health labs and issues a HIPAA enforcement notice; CDC recommends cloth masks; a new OIG report details hospital challenges amid the pandemic.

The association calls on HHS to design a mechanism to distribute funds made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to hospitals serving vulnerable communities and complex patients and facing other challenges during this public health emergency.

The March 20 letter details additional action needed to support essential hospitals as they respond to the pandemic. The letter also explains how essential hospitals face significant financial challenges as they work on the front lines of public health threats.

HHS announced new flexibility to increase coverage of Medicare telehealth services during the COVID-19 crisis. In separate guidance, HHS’ Office of Inspector General will allow providers to use a variety of audio and video communication platforms without incurring penalties under HIPAA.

The law increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage to states, allows states to extend Medicaid eligibility, and requires diagnostic test coverage.

This decision is the latest of several court cases invalidating work requirements policies in Medicaid; Utah now is the only state with these requirements in effect. It is unknown at this time if Michigan or the Department of Health and Human Services will appeal the decision.

The report, mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act, highlights issues and challenges pertaining to the use of health information technology and electronic health records (EHRs) in four categories: clinical documentation; usability and the user experience; EHR reporting; and public health reporting.

In the unanimous decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that the Department of Health and Human Services failed to adequately assess the potential impact of work requirements on coverage under Arkansas' Section 1115 demonstration waiver.

The proposal calls for $920 billion in cuts to Medicaid funding, including a call to finalize the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation.

A new rule allows CDC to require that airlines collect and provide data on passengers and crew arriving from foreign countries for health education, treatment, prophylaxis, or other public health interventions.

The agency reports that cybercriminals could send "phishing" emails purporting to include infection prevention information related to the new coronavirus (2019-nCOV) outbreak.

In response to a joint proposal, America’s Essential Hospitals expressed concern about mandating the public posting of payer-specific negotiated rates and urged the departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services to seek alternatives that better serve consumers.

In a letter to the Department of State, America’s Essential Hospitals expressed concern that broadening the definition of public charge would harm the nation’s health care system, vulnerable patients, and state and local economies.

Twelve spending bills must advance through Congress and be signed by the president by Nov. 21 to fully fund the federal government for fiscal year 2020.

The guidance seeks to reduce the risk of substance use disorder while providing effective pain management for chronic pain patients.

The proposed rules seek to eliminate barriers to promoting care coordination under current fraud and abuse laws; comments are due to the agencies Dec. 31.

The order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to alter the Medicare Advantage program, increase cost and quality transparency, and continue site-neutral payment policies.

Funding will support the State Opioid Response Grant Program and a cooperative agreement to help state and local governments track overdose data.

America’s Essential Hospitals urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reduce administrative burden regarding clinical documentation, health information technology, and public health reporting.

The final judgement, in favor of America's Essential Hospitals, does not indicate how the Department of Health and Human Services should remedy unlawful payment reductions to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program in 2018 and 2019.

A proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services would overhaul parts of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, removing some nondiscrimination protections for transgender individuals and requirements for covered entities treating people with limited English proficiency.

The rule would eliminate protection from discrimination in health care settings based on gender identity and roll back requirements to notify individuals with limited English proficiency of antidiscrimination policies and access to translation services.

Under current law, most individuals applying to enter the country on a visa or applying for a green card must submit an affidavit of support from a sponsor residing in the United States who meets certain criteria. The memo claims these requirements are not adequately enforced.

America's Essential Hospitals and its association partners have created a detailed update on recent court activity in their lawsuit to reverse Medicare outpatient payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

The House this week will take up legislation to protect people with pre-existing conditions and help generic drug and biosimilar manufacturers bring their products to market. A House letter calling for a delay of Medicaid DSH payment cuts has 286 bipartisan signatures; the deadline to sign is May 8.

America’s Essential Hospitals and industry partners have officially closed the book on their successful lawsuit to force the Department of Health and Human Services to implement long-delayed rules on pharmaceutical manufacturer accountability in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

The Office for Civil Rights updated its website with new guidance related to health information technology access rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The guidance is particularly relevant given the push for increased patient access through third-party applications.

The agency in April will randomly select nine Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–covered entities, including health plans and clearinghouses, for compliance reviews.

The court ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services overstepped its authority and failed to show that work requirements would help promote the purpose of the Medicaid program

The report proposes three recommendations responding to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotment reductions and responds to concerns about the accuracy and completeness of available upper payment limit data.

The budget plan proposes to overhaul the Medicaid program, as well as significantly change the 340B Drug Pricing Program and expand site-neutral payment policies in hospital outpatient departments.

In response to a request for information, America's Essential Hospitals urges the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure enforcement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act encourages care coordination and reduces regulatory burden on essential hospitals.

America’s Essential Hospitals and other plaintiffs have asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to order the federal government to restore losses caused by Medicare outpatient payment cuts to 340B hospitals.

The new report, released by a public-private task force led by the Department of Health and Human Services, outlines common cybersecurity threats to health care organizations and best practices to counter such risks.

The new guidance recommends that clinicians consider prescribing or coprescribing naloxone to individuals with a high risk of opioid overdose.

The Department of Health and Human Services released a request for information on ways to modify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act to improve care coordination, promote value-based care, and reduce regulatory burden on providers.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia vacated the previous approval, saying the administration failed to adequately assess the waiver's impact on Medicaid’s core objective: to provide health care coverage for beneficiaries.

America’s Essential Hospitals highlighted the unique role essential hospitals play in treating individuals with social risk factors.

The long-delayed final rule on the calculation of ceiling prices in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, as well as civil monetary penalties on manufactures who knowingly overcharge, will go into effect Jan. 1, 2019.

President Trump signed long-awaited bipartisan legislation to combat the opioid epidemic; the law does not align confidentiality regulations for substance use disorder treatment records with HIPAA privacy standards.

The new law, which represents the federal government’s first comprehensive policy response to the nation’s opioid crisis, aims to advance treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention, protect communities, and bolster efforts to fight deadly illicit synthetic drugs.

America’s Essential Hospitals and six other hospital groups urged Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to refrain from adding health information exchange requirements to the Medicare and Medicaid Conditions of Participation.

The association strongly encourages essential hospitals to submit individual comments with specific examples of how your institution addresses social risk factors among Medicare beneficiaries; comments are due Nov. 16.

This funding supports initiatives under the agency's Five-Point Opioid Strategy and was distributed in conjunction with Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services waived program requirements in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina; the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention issued guidance for treating carbon monoxide poisoning in hurricane victims.

Two senators lead a letter-signing campaign to stop the expansion of hospital outpatient department cuts; in a 99-1 vote, the Senate approves legislation to combat the opioid crisis and is poised to vote on a spending bill for fiscal year 2019.

New resources from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthcare Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center outline new hacking and malware threats and prevention techniques.

Before starting the final campaign stretch, Congress returns to Washington to consider Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination and to fund the federal government for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.

Senate leaders hope to pass by Labor Day legislation to appropriate funds for the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments; a Senate committee will examine Medicaid fraud.

Congress is expected to consider legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, fund the Department of Health and Human Services, and enable federal response to pandemic threats.

Under the final rule , short-term, limited-duration insurance plans can be issued for up to 12 months, with a maximum duration of 36 months after renewals and extensions.

The special open-door forum aims to educate prescribers on federal resources and strategies to combat the opioid epidemic.

What comes next after the June 29 court ruling that vacated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approval of a Section 1115 waiver that allowed Kentucky to impose community engagement and work requirements on Medicaid beneficiaries.

The decision strikes down the state's overall Section 1115 waiver, which included community engagement and work requirements, but it upholds as a separate waiver a portion allowing Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder treatment in institutions for mental disease.

Lawmakers previously aimed to pass an opioid package by Memorial Day; Committee hearings focus on the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the president's blueprint to lower drug prices.

The plan cites and builds on proposed changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program in the president’s fiscal year 2019 budget, as well as damaging cuts implemented through the calendar year 2018 Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule.

The interagency effort targets obstacles to health care, including a fragmented delivery system and lack of specialty service access, faced by many rural communities.

Two new fact sheets clarify the application of privacy regulations under 42 CFR Part 2, a longstanding rule dictating how to share patient data related to substance use disorder.

The plan is required by the 21st Century Cures Act and is meant to improve federal and state coordination around the enforcement of parity laws.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold hearings this week on measures to combat the opioid epidemic.

The final package, passed last week, included $4 billion for combating the opioid crisis and a $10 billion increase in HHS funding, but left out measures to stabilize the insurance marketplace.

The Measure Applications Partnership Hospital Workgroup recommended greater alignment of measures across programs and proposed criteria for measure removal.

Republicans from both chambers work on a marketplace stabilization package; Senate Finance Committee Republicans plan to review the Internal Revenue Service's process for designating nonprofit hospitals.

The budget plan for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 proposes changes to the distribution of 340B Drug Pricing Program savings and increased funding to fight the opioid crisis.

The Measure Applications Partnership submitted recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services on 35 performance measures under consideration for use in federal health care programs.

The association continues to work with congressional leadership and staff to ensure a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts is included in the next funding measure; Senate confirms new Health and Human Services Secretary.

The designation allows federal health agencies to allocate resources and hire specialists to combat the opioid crisis. The original declaration was set to expire on Jan. 23.

The association launched an advocacy and media campaign calling on Congress to delay Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts as part of a long-term government funding measure.

Researchers discovered two techniques, known as Meltdown and Spectre, that can circumvent data protections and potentially expose data on many computers purchased over the past decade.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other federal agencies have released several resources to help health care providers prepare for and respond to disasters.

The decision extends by five years the state's demonstration of a capitated Medicaid managed care program and a low-income pool to provide support for the safety net.

A new strain of ransomware, known as Petya, could affect the health care sector and is unique because the virus is capable of self-replication.

Two new reports warn about the same vulnerabilities that allowed the WannaCry virus to spread worldwide earlier this year.

The resources, designed for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-covered entities or their associates, include a checklist and infographic.

The Health Care Industry Cybersecurity Task Force outlines resources and the importance of cybersecurity to patient safety and continuity of operations.

Senate Republican leadership recently indicated the possibility of a vote by the end of July, before the month-long August recess.

The funds aim to increase the use of medication-assisted treatment, train first responders, and increase access to overdose reversal medications.

The updates include guidance on reporting ransomware and note how Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance can protect from an attack.

Ransomware, a type of malware that infects computers and restricts access to files until a ransom is paid, has hit health care organizations in the United Kingdom.

The test detects antibodies produced as part of the body's immune response to the Zika virus and is expected to produce initial results within 58 minutes.

The letter affirms their desire to improve the Medicaid program and the vulnerable people it serves and to ensure the program provides value to taxpayers.

The blueprint also shifts CDC funding to a $500 million block grant and creates a Federal Emergency Response Fund for public health outbreaks, like Zika.

The letter encourages states to pursue Section 1332 State Innovation Waivers, especially those including high-risk pool/state-operated reinsurance programs.

A leaked House GOP plan to repeal & replace the ACA raises concerns for essential hospitals. A Senate committee considered nominee Seema Verma to lead CMS.

Former Rep. Tom Price was confirmed as secretary of HHS; the Senate Committee on Finance will consider the nomination of Seema Verma as CMS administrator.

No agreements have been reached about a repeal/replacement plan for the ACA and it appears Republicans in both chambers are far from making final decisions.

The second confirmation hearing was held for Rep. Price as HHS secretary and a House subcommittee held a hearing on the individual mandate's effectiveness.

A memo instructs all executive departments and agencies to temporarily halt pending regulations until incoming department or agency heads can review them.

With House and Senate passage of budget resolutions, efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act now move to committees and toward a Jan. 27 deadline for repeal legislation.

The regulation makes "penny pricing" final and sets fines of up to $5,000 per instance of a manufacturer overcharging providers for covered medications in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

OIG found that the federal portion of spending on catastrophic coverage reached $33.2 billion in 2015, compared with $10.8 billion in 2010.

Under the rule, OIG provides safe harbor protections for hospital agreements that provide no-cost or discounted local transportation to established patients

The bill is a step toward expanding Project ECHO, an innovative “hub and spoke” education model created at association member University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

Rep. Tom Price has been nominated to head HHS and Seema Verma, who graduated from the association's Fellows Program in 2001, has been nominated to lead CMS.

Starting in 2017, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can train to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

The open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2017. Consumers must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2017.

The National Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center received the funding to educate health care sector stakeholders, partners on cybersecurity.

Providers approved for a patient limit increase must report on caseload, patients referred to behavioral health care, and their diversion control plan.

ONC has released a web-based resource that gives providers comprehensive, easy-to-understand information about applying health information technology.

While details are still being finalized, a continuing resolution to fund the government through early December likely will include funding to combat Zika.

The funding is being administered by SAMHSA and CDC as part of HHS' Opioid Initiative, which aims to combat opioid misuse, dependence, and overdose.

The new guidance reinforces the importance of compliance with HIPAA to prevent and recover from cyber threats.

The actions build on the National Pain Strategy, a federally coordinated plan for reducing and better treating chronic pain.

Several health care organizations have been affected by ransomware, a cybersecurity threat in which an attacker holds a network hostage for payment.

Individuals must prove they are eligible to sign up for coverage outside of open enrollment. HHS also proposes amending risk adjustment for insurers.

Updated guidance clarifies that covered entities may use and disclose protected health information for treatment or for quality and other health care operations.

Fact sheet and updated frequently asked questions document detail responsibilities of covered entities and the rights of individuals under HIPAA.

House, Senate panels to examine rising cost of drugs, lack of transparency in the drug price negotiation process, and barriers to generic drug applications.

Agency seeks comment on its proposal to collect information on the burden associated with guidelines for manufacturer audits of covered entities; comments are due to HRSA by Feb. 22.

Out-of-pocket expenses higher in ACA marketplaces and coverage worse for children, especially those with special needs, HHS reports.

Obama administration proposal would add drug utilization review and restriction program to Medicare to fight opioid overuse.

Report on National Strategy for Quality Improvement in Health Care details progress made toward better care, lower costs, and improved health.

Tool gives physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals access to geographic comparisons of opioid prescribing habits and use.

Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow campaign targets health promotion for young adults, including access to high-quality, teen-friendly health care.

The Federal Health IT Strategic Plan: 2015–2020, aims to improve health IT infrastructure, transform health care delivery, and improve individual and community health.

America's Essential Hospitals joins other associations in calling for final action on a 90-day reporting period for 2015, but warns that the delay in a final rule has made other requirements impossible to achieve.

States may apply for a Section 1115 Medicaid waiver to support innovative care delivery for substance abuse disorder. SAMHSA, HRSA to also offer funding opportunities.

A total of $3.3 billion is marked for CMS, which is about $344 million below current funding. The subcommittee will consider the bill tomorrow.

The Supreme Court released its 5-4 decision in Armstrong v. Exceptional Child.

Slow week for health care work as Department of Homeland Security funding demands lawmakers' attention

HHS notes that HIPAA patient privacy provisions still apply during public health emergencies, though HHS secretary can waive specified provisions in certain circumstances.

Multiple exceptions are proposed to the fraud and abuse regulations that govern Medicare and Medicaid, including changes to the definition of "remuneration" in the CMP regulations and codification of the gainsharing CMP.

Applications are due by Jan. 6, 2015.

MAP released a draft report reviewing the core set of health care quality measures for adults enrolled in Medicaid and is accepting comments until July 30.

House GOP will move forward with a lawsuit against President Obama on the delay of the employer mandate without congressional approval. Energy and Commerce is marking up a variety of bills and holding hearings on the health insurance marketplaces and anthrax.

Congress continues to address delays in care at VA medical centers. The Ways and Means Committee explores income verification for tax credit eligibility under the ACA, and the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee looks at incentives to develop new drugs and devices as well as health care access under the ACA.

The Senate will vote on HHS secretary nominee Sylvia Mathews Burwell and the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee begins to work on legislation regarding the VA health care system.

The House and Senate vary recesses. Finance Committee approves HHS secretary nominee Sylvia Matthews Burwell. The Senate is expected to vote on her nomination in early June. Congress continues to scrutinize the scandal around several Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.

The Senate will consider tax extenders legislation. The Senate Finance Committee will hold the current Director of OMB Sylvia Matthews Burwell's confirmation hearing to be the next HHS secretary on Thursday, and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee will investigate the recent allegations of delayed care at VA hospitals.

The expat bill was previously considered but didn't pass due to Democrats fighting against it. The Energy and Commerce Oversight Subcommittee will look at insurance enrollment and the marketplaces from the perspective of insurers. OMB Director Sylvia Burwell will testify before the HELP Committee as she begins her confirmation process to become the next HHS secretary.

Congress will begin the appropriations process, but not much is expected to be accomplished since it is an election year. Senate Democrats will bring up a bill to increase the minimum wage but expect Republican resistance. The House will reconsider a bill regarding exemption of expatriate health plans under the ACA.

Sebelius announced her resignation April 11, closely following the close of the first open enrollment period for the ACA's health insurance marketplaces. She served as secretary of HHS for five years, leading the agency's efforts to implement the ACA.

The OIG and HHS FY 2014 work plan includes several Medicare and Medicaid projects. These projects cover the following topics including inpatient admission criteria, E&M payments, IME, and provider taxes.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a Jan 29 letter to “closely examine the provider network adequacy standards” for qualified health plans sold through health insurance marketplaces (exchanges).

President Obama highlighted early ACA successes, CBO said SGR bills would cost $150.4 billion over 10 years

Sixteen association members were among the institutions that received funding.

Measures are intended for voluntary use by state Medicaid agencies

Decision suggests hospitals may help patients with financial assistance for plan premiums

846,184 people completed applications through the marketplaces, 106,185 people selected marketplace plans.

Coverage renewed for between Jan. 1 and Oct. 1, 2014 will not be considered out of compliance

Congress holds healthcare.gov hearings, planned vote on "Keep Your Health Plan" Act