2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 3,101 - 3,150 of 6,181
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Observer Coverage Requirements for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area Trawl Catcher Vessels
NMFS is proposing regulations to modify observer coverage requirements for catcher vessels participating in the trawl limited access fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). If approved, this proposed rule would allow the owner of a trawl catcher vessel to request, on an annual basis, that NMFS place the vessel in the full observer coverage category for all directed fishing for groundfish using trawl gear in the BSAI in the following calendar year. This action is necessary to relieve vessel owners who request full observer coverage of the reporting requirements and observer fee liability associated with the partial observer coverage category. In addition, this proposed rule makes minor technical corrections to observer program regulations. This proposed rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP), and other applicable laws.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-17- 05, for certain Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, A300 B2-203, A300 B2K-3C, A300-B4-103, A300 B4-203, and A300 B4-2C airplanes. AD 2011-17-05 currently requires repetitive inspections in sections 13 through 18 of the fuselage between rivets of the longitudinal lap joints between frames (FR) 18 and 80 for cracking, and repair or modification if necessary. Since we issued AD 2011-17-05, we have determined that a revised inspection program is necessary. This proposed AD would include a revised repetitive inspection program of all longitudinal lap joints and repairs between frames 18 and 80 to address this widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the longitudinal lap joints of the fuselage, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that, due to significant differences among all airspeed sources, the flight controls will revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust (A/THR) will automatically disconnect, and the flight director (FD) bars will be automatically removed. Then, if two airspeed sources become similar while still erroneous, the flight guidance computers will display the FD bars again, and enable the re-engagement of the AP and A/THR. In some cases, however, the AP orders may be inappropriate, such as possible abrupt pitch command. This proposed AD would require a software standard upgrade (modification or replacement) of the three flight control primary computers (FCPCs). We are proposing this AD to prevent autopilot engagement under unreliable airspeed conditions, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Embraer S.A. Models EMB-500 and EMB-505 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as incorrect installation of passenger seat attachment fittings. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-15-06 for certain Textron Aviation Inc. Models 175 and 175A airplanes (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). AD 2008-15-06 required checking the airplane logbook to determine if the original engine mounting brackets had been replaced. If the original engine mounting brackets were still installed, the AD required repetitively inspecting those brackets for cracks and replacing any cracked engine mounting bracket until all four original engine mounting brackets were replaced. Replacing all four original engine mounting brackets terminated the actions required in AD 2008-15-06. Since we issued AD 2008-15-06, we have determined that the applicability needs to be changed to add one serial number and remove another. This new AD retains the actions required in AD 2008-15-06 and changes the Applicability section. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
Airworthiness Directives; REIMS AVIATION S.A. Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain REIMS AVIATION S.A. Model F406 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks found in the horizontal stabilizer rear attach structure and the vertical fin rear spar attach structure. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Medicare Program: Expanding Uses of Medicare Data by Qualified Entities
This final rule implements requirements under Section 105 of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 that expand how qualified entities may use and disclose data under the qualified entity program to the extent consistent with applicable program requirements and other applicable laws, including information, privacy, security and disclosure laws. This rule also explains how qualified entities may create non-public analyses and provide or sell such analyses to authorized users, as well as how qualified entities may provide or sell combined data, or provide Medicare claims data alone at no cost, to certain authorized users. In addition, this rule implements certain privacy and security requirements, and imposes assessments on qualified entities if the qualified entity or the authorized user violates the terms of a data use agreement required by the qualified entity program.
Connect America Fund, ETC Annual Reports and Certifications, Rural Broadband Experiments
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) adopts rules to implement a competitive bidding process for Phase II of the Connect America Fund that will harness market forces to expand broadband in targeted rural areas. The Commission also adopts rules to establish the framework for the Remote Areas Fund auction to address those areas that receive no winning bids in the Phase II auction.
Quarterly Listings; Safety Zones, Security Zones, Special Local Regulations, Drawbridge Operation Regulations and Regulated Navigation Areas
This document provides notice of substantive rules issued by the Coast Guard that were made temporarily effective but expired before they could be published in the Federal Register. This notice lists temporary safety zones, security zones, special local regulations, drawbridge operation regulations and regulated navigation areas, all of limited duration and for which timely publication in the Federal Register was not possible.
Civil Penalty Inflation Adjustment
In compliance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, this rule adjusts the level of the civil monetary penalty, contained in the National Indian Gaming Commission's (NIGC or Commission) regulation, with an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment.
Community Facility Loans
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is amending regulations on Community Facility Direct Loans to enable the Agency to make loans to eligible lenders who would then in turn re-loan those funds to applicants for projects that are eligible under the Community Facilities Direct Loan program.
Television Broadcasting Services; Tolleson, Arizona
A petition for rulemaking was filed by America 51, L.P. (America 51), the licensee of KPPX-TV, channel 51, Tolleson, Arizona, requesting the substitution of channel 31 for channel 51 at Tolleson. America 51 filed comments reaffirming its interest in the proposed channel substitution and stated that if the proposal is granted, it will promptly file an application for the facilities specified in the rulemaking petition and construct the station. America 51 asserts that adopting the proposed channel substitution would serve the public interest because it would remove any potential interference with authorized wireless operations in the Lower 700 MHz A Block adjacent to channel 51 in the Phoenix, Arizona market. In addition, America 51 agrees that KPPX-TV will be protected in the incentive auction at its channel 51 operating parameters even after its move to channel 31, and recognizes that as a result of repacking during the incentive auction, it may be required to move from channel 31.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Closure of the Mid-Atlantic Access Area to General Category Individual Fishing Quota Scallop Vessels
NMFS announces that the Mid-Atlantic Scallop Access Area will close to Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota scallop vessels for the remainder of the 2016 fishing year as of the effective date below. After the effective date, no vessel issued a Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota permit may fish for, possess, or land scallops from the Mid-Atlantic Scallop Access Area. Regulations require this action once it is projected that 100 percent of trips allocated to the Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota scallop vessels for the Mid-Atlantic Scallop Access Area will be taken.
Consideration of Rulemaking To Address Prompt Remediation of Residual Radioactivity During Operation
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking additional input from the public, licensees, Agreement States, non- Agreement States, and other stakeholders on the need for potential rulemaking to address prompt remediation of residual radioactivity during the operational phase at licensed material sites and nuclear reactors. The NRC has not initiated a rulemaking, but is gathering information and seeking stakeholder input on this subject for developing a recommendation to the Commission regarding the need for further rulemaking. To aid in this process, the NRC is requesting comments on the issues discussed in Section II, ``Specific Questions,'' in the Supplementary Information section of this document. Additionally, the NRC will hold a public Webinar and host a public meeting to facilitate the public's and other stakeholders' understanding of these issues and the submission of comments.
Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) is issuing an interim final rule to amend its regulations governing the maximum civil monetary penalties assessable for violations of statutes, rules, and orders within the Commission's jurisdiction. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended most recently by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, requires the Commission to issue this interim final rule.
Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles: Use of Seat Belts; Correction
FMCSA corrects an error in its June 7, 2016, final rule ``Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles: Use of Seat Belts.'' The amendatory language in the final rule inadvertently limited the applicability of the requirement for drivers to use their seat belts to operators of property-carrying vehicles. Today's correction fixes the error such that drivers of passenger-carrying vehicles will continue to be required to wear their seat belts.
Acquisition Regulation: Contractor Business Systems-Definition and Administration
On April 1, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a rule in the Federal Register proposing to amend the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR). DOE hereby withdraws this proposed rule.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Findings on Petitions To List the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout and the Ichetucknee Siltsnail as Endangered or Threatened Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 12- month findings on petitions to list the Eagle Lake rainbow trout and the Ichetucknee siltsnail as endangered species or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the Eagle Lake rainbow trout and the Ichetucknee siltsnail is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us at any time any new information that becomes available concerning the stressors to the Eagle Lake rainbow trout and the Ichetucknee siltsnail or their habitats.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Removal of the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Distinct Population Segment of Canary Rockfish From the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Species, and Removal of Designated Critical Habitat, and Update and Amend the Listing Descriptions for the Yelloweye Rockfish DPS and Bocaccio DPS
We, NMFS, are issuing a proposed rule to remove the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin canary rockfish (Sebastes pinniger) Distinct Population Segment (DPS) from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Species and remove its critical habitat designation as recommended in the recent five-year review under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We propose these actions based on newly obtained genetic information that demonstrates that the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin canary rockfish population does not meet the DPS criteria and therefore does not qualify for listing under the ESA. We also propose to update and amend the listing description for the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus) DPS based on a geographic description to include fish within specified boundaries. Further, although the current listing description is not based on boundaries, with this proposal we are also correcting a descriptive boundary for the DPS depicted on maps to include an area in the northern Johnstone Strait and Queen Charlotte Channel in waters of Canada consistent with newly obtained genetic information on yelloweye rockfish population grouping. We also propose to update and amend the listing description for the bocaccio DPS based on a geographic description and to include fish within specified boundaries.
General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR); Technical Amendments
The General Services Administration (GSA) is amending the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAM) to make revisions made to GSAR Case 2010-G511Federal Supply Schedules: Purchasing by Non-Federal Entities, which was published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2016.
Declaratory Ruling About Reimbursement of Pre-Auction Expenses
In this Declaratory Ruling, the Commission determined that the Spectrum Act's reimbursement mandate encompasses ``costs reasonably incurred'' prior to the close of the auction that otherwise are eligible for reimbursement.
Definition of Importer Security Filing Importer
The Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements regulations were implemented in 2009 as an interim final rule to improve CBP's ability to identify high-risk shipments in order to prevent smuggling and improve cargo safety and security. These regulations require certain cargo information to be submitted to CBP via an Importer Security Filing (ISF) before the cargo is loaded on a vessel that is destined to the United States. These regulations fulfill the requirements of section 203 of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 and section 343 of the Trade Act of 2002, as amended by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. The ISF Importer is the party that is required to file the ISF. This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposes to expand the definition of ISF Importer for certain types of shipments to ensure that the party that has the best access to the required information will be the party that is responsible for filing the ISF.
Housing Choice Voucher Program-New Administrative Fee Formula
This rule proposes a new methodology for determining the amount of funding a public housing agency (PHA) will receive for administering the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programone that uses factors that a recently completed study demonstrates are more reflective of how much it costs to administer the HCV program. Ongoing administrative fees under the HCV program are currently calculated based on the number of vouchers under lease and a percentage of the 1993 or 1994 local fair market rent, with an annual inflation adjustment. The new administrative fee formula proposed by this rule is based on a study conducted by Abt Associates for HUD that measured the actual costs of operating high-performing and efficient HCV programs and recommended a new administrative fee formula. In this rule, HUD proposes to adopt the recommended formula with modifications based largely on comments HUD received in response to a June 26, 2015 notice that solicited comment on the study. This rule proposes an ongoing administrative fee for a PHA that would be calculated based on six variables: Program size, wage rates, benefit load, percent of households with earned income, new admissions rate, and percent of assisted households that live a significant distance from the PHA's headquarters. The PHA's fee would be calculated each year based on these cost factors and a revised inflation factor would be applied to the calculated fee. This proposed rule also provides HUD with the flexibility to provide additional fees to PHAs to address program priorities such as special voucher programs (e.g., the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program), serving homeless households, and expanding housing opportunities.
Shipping; Technical, Organizational, and Conforming Amendments
This final rule makes non-substantive technical, organizational, and conforming amendments to existing regulations throughout title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations to reorganize Coast Guard offices responsible for administering the Mariner Credentialing Program. This rule will have no substantive effect on the regulated public.
Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process
The Postal Service is revising its pending proposal to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]), to include a newly proposed measurement and assessment procedure for evaluating address quality for mailers who enter eligible letter- and flat-size pieces of First-Class Mail[supreg] (FCM) and Standard Mail[supreg] that meet the requirements for Basic or Full-Service mailings.
Department of Justice Debt Collection Regulations
This rule amends the regulations that govern debt collection at the Department of Justice (Department) to bring the regulations into conformity with government-wide standards, to update or delete obsolete references, and to make other clarifying or technical changes.
Decision Not To Regulate Forest Road Discharges Under the Clean Water Act; Notice of Decision
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing notice of the Agency's decision that no additional regulations are needed to address stormwater discharges from forest roads under Section 402(p)(6) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at this time. This document responds to the remand in Environmental Defense Center, Inc. v. U.S. EPA, 344 F.2d 832 (9th Cir. 2003) that requires EPA to consider whether the CWA requires the Agency to regulate stormwater discharges from forest roads.
Updating Competitive Bidding Rules
In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved on June 22, 2016, a revision to an approved information collection to implement modified collection requirements on FCC Form 601, Application for Radio Service Authorization, contained in the Part 1 Report and Order, Updating Competitive Bidding Rules, FCC 15-80. This document is consistent with the Report and Order, which stated that the Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing OMB approval and the effective date of the requirements.
Civil Penalties
This interim final rule updates the maximum civil penalty amounts for violations of statutes and regulations administered by NHTSA pursuant the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvement Act of 2015. This final rule also amends our regulations to reflect the new civil penalty amounts for violations of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety (the Safety Act) Act authorized by the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act).
World Trade Center Health Program; Addition of New-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and WTC-Related Acute Traumatic Injury to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program conducted a review of published, peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies regarding potential evidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute traumatic injury among individuals who were responders to or survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Administrator of the WTC Health Program (Administrator) found that these studies provide substantial evidence to support a causal association between each of these health conditions and 9/11 exposures. As a result, the Administrator is publishing a final rule to add both new-onset COPD and WTC-related acute traumatic injury to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions eligible for treatment coverage in the WTC Health Program.
Special Conditions: JAMCO America, Inc., Boeing Model 777-300ER, Dynamic Test Requirements for Single-Occupant Oblique (Side-Facing) Seats With Inflatable Restraints
This document corrects omissions in docket no. FAA-2015-8298, special conditions no. 25-611-SC, which was published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2016 (81 FR 13969). The special conditions in the published document are incomplete. This correction replaces the entire special conditions section from that which appeared in the original Federal Register publication.
Acceptance Criteria for Portable Oxygen Concentrators Used on Board Aircraft; Correction
This document corrects a final rule which replaces the existing process by which the Federal Aviation Administration (Agency or FAA) approves portable oxygen concentrators (POC) for use on board aircraft in air carrier operations, commercial operations, and certain other operations using large aircraft. The FAA currently assesses each POC make and model on a case-by-case basis and if the FAA determines that a particular POC is safe for use on board an aircraft, the FAA conducts rulemaking to identify the specific POC model in an FAA regulation. The final rule replaces the current process and allows passengers to use a POC on board an aircraft if the POC satisfies certain acceptance criteria and bears a label indicating conformance with the acceptance criteria. The labeling requirement only affects POCs intended for use on board aircraft that were not previously approved for use on aircraft by the FAA. Additionally, the rulemaking will eliminate redundant operational requirements and paperwork requirements related to the physician's statement. As a result, the rulemaking will reduce burdens for POC manufacturers, passengers who use POCs while traveling, and affected aircraft operators. The final rule also made conforming amendments to the Department of Transportation's (Department or DOT) rule implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to require carriers to accept all POC models that meet FAA acceptance criteria as detailed in this rule.
Special Conditions: Kestrel Aircraft Company, Model K-350 Turboprop, Lithium Batteries
These special conditions are issued for the Kestrel Aircraft Company, Model K-350 Turboprop airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the installation of a rechargeable lithium battery. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Louisiana; Baton Rouge Nonattainment Area; Base Year Emissions Inventory for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) to address the emissions inventory (EI) requirement for the Baton Rouge ozone nonattainment area (BRNA) for the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires an EI for all ozone nonattainment areas. The inventory includes emission data for Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). EPA is approving the revisions pursuant to section 110 and part D of the CAA and EPA's regulations.
Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations for Will County, Illinois, and Incorporated Areas; Withdrawal
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is withdrawing its proposed rule concerning proposed flood elevation determinations for Will County, Illinois, and Incorporated Areas.
Revisions to the Civil Penalty Inflation Adjustment Tables
This interim final rule is the catch-up inflation adjustment to civil penalty amounts that may be imposed for violations of Federal Aviation Administration regulations, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Louisiana; Baton Rouge Nonattainment Area; Base Year Emissions Inventory for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) to address the emissions inventory (EI) requirement for the Baton Rouge ozone nonattainment area (BRNA) for the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires an EI for all ozone nonattainment areas. The inventory includes emission data for Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). EPA is approving the revisions pursuant to section 110 and part D of the CAA and EPA's regulations.
Special Local Regulation; Cumberland River, Mile 190.0 to 191.5; Nashville, TN
The Coast Guard is establishing a special local regulation for all waters of the Cumberland River beginning at mile marker 190.0 and ending at mile marker 191.5 from 9 a.m. until noon on July 30, 2016. This special regulation is necessary to provide safety for the participants in the ``Music City SUP Race'' marine event. This rulemaking prohibits persons and vessels from being in the special local regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Ohio Valley or a designated representative.
Self-Employment Tax Treatment of Partners in a Partnership That Owns a Disregarded Entity; Correction
This document contains a correction to final and temporary regulations (TD 9766) that were published in the Federal Register on May 4, 2016 (81 FR 26693). The final and temporary regulations clarify the employment tax treatment of partners in a partnership that owns a disregarded entity.
Deemed Distributions Under Section 305(c) of Stock and Rights To Acquire Stock; Correction
This document contains corrections to a notice of proposed rulemaking (REG-133673-15) that were published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2016 (81 FR 21795). The proposed regulations are in regards to deemed distributions of stock and rights to acquire stock. The proposed regulations would resolve ambiguities concerning the amount and timing of deemed distributions that are or result from adjustments to rights to acquire stock.
Adviser Business Continuity and Transition Plans
The Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'' or ``SEC'') is proposing a new rule and rule amendments under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (``Advisers Act''). The proposed rule would require SEC-registered investment advisers to adopt and implement written business continuity and transition plans reasonably designed to address operational and other risks related to a significant disruption in the investment adviser's operations. The proposal would also amend rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act to require SEC-registered investment advisers to make and keep all business continuity and transition plans that are currently in effect or at any time within the past five years were in effect.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and Model EC225LP helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD immediately prohibits flight of all Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This AD is prompted by an accident involving an EC225LP helicopter in which the main rotor hub (MRH) detached from the main gearbox (MGB). These actions are intended to prevent failure of the main rotor system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Incentive-Based Compensation Arrangements
This document corrects a typographical error to the ``Dated:'' line of the Federal Housing Finance Agency's (FHFA) signatory block of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Request for Comment (Proposed Rule) issued jointly by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Corporation, National Credit Union Administration, FHFA, and the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission. The Proposed Rule was published in the Federal Register on Friday, June 10, 2016 (FR Doc. 2016-11788; 81 FR 37669), and concerned Incentive-based Compensation Arrangements.
Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2017 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update; Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model; and Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements
This proposed rule would update the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) payment rates, including the national, standardized 60-day episode payment rates, the national per-visit rates, and the non-routine medical supply (NRS) conversion factor, effective for home health episodes of care ending on or after January 1, 2017. This proposed rule also: Implements the last year of the 4- year phase-in of the rebasing adjustments to the HH PPS payment rates; updates the HH PPS case-mix weights using the most current, complete data available at the time of rulemaking; implements the 2nd-year of a 3-year phase-in of a reduction to the national, standardized 60-day episode payment to account for estimated case-mix growth unrelated to increases in patient acuity (that is, nominal case-mix growth) between CY 2012 and CY 2014; proposes changes to the methodology used to calculate outlier payments (with regards to payments made under the HH PPS for high-cost ``outlier'' episodes of care (that is, episodes of care with unusual variations in the type or amount of medically necessary care)); proposes changes in payment for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) performed using a disposable device for patient's under a home health plan of care; discusses our efforts to monitor the potential impacts of the rebasing adjustments mandated; includes an update on subsequent research and analysis as a result of the findings from the home health study; solicits comments on a potential process for grouping HH PPS claims centrally during claims processing; and proposes changes to the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model, which was implemented on January 1, 2016; and proposes updates to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HH QRP).
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine if certain left and right main landing gear (MLG) retract actuator rod ends are installed and repetitive liquid penetrant inspections (LPIs) of affected left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides optional terminating action for the inspections. This AD was prompted by a report of cracked MLG retract actuator rod ends. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, which could lead to left or right MLG collapse.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by a report of cracking of the lower tension bolt area at the rib one junction (both sides) of the lower wing. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the fasteners and of the fitting around the fastener holes at the frame (FR) 40 lower wing location, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct crack initiation of the fittings of the FR40 lower wing locations, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-05-06 for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2008-05-06 required repetitive inspections for fatigue cracking in the longitudinal floor beam web, upper chord, and lower chord located at certain body stations, and repair if necessary. This new AD requires, for certain airplanes, an inspection to determine if tapered fillers are installed, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the center wing box longitudinal floor beams, upper chord, and lower chord. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the upper and lower chords and web of the longitudinal floor beams, which could result in rapid loss of cabin pressure.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-12-04, for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2012-12-04 required repetitive external detailed inspections and nondestructive inspections to detect cracks in the fuselage skin along the chem-mill steps at stringers S-1 and S-2R, between station (STA) 400 and STA 460, and repair if necessary. This new AD requires a preventive modification of the fuselage skin at crown stringers S-1 and S-2R. This new AD also reduces the inspection threshold for certain airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that, for certain airplanes, the skin pockets adjacent to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) antenna are susceptible to widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin panels at the chem-mill steps, which could result in sudden fracture and failure of the fuselage skin panels, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
Medicare Program: Changes to the Medicare Claims and Entitlement, Medicare Advantage Organization Determination, and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Determination Appeals Procedures
This proposed rule would revise the procedures that the Department of Health and Human Services would follow at the Administrative Law Judge level for appeals of payment and coverage determinations for items and services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries, enrollees in Medicare Advantage and other Medicare competitive health plans, and enrollees in Medicare prescription drug plans, as well as appeals of Medicare beneficiary enrollment and entitlement determinations, and certain Medicare premium appeals. In addition, this proposed rule would revise procedures that the Department of Health and Human Services would follow at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Medicare Appeals Council (Council) levels of appeal for certain matters affecting the Administrative Law Judge level.
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