Department of Health and Human Services September 23, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) announces the launch of an enhancement initiative of the existing National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care (CLAS Standards). The public comment period will begin September 20, 2010 and conclude December 31, 2010. During this time three regional meetings on the standards will be held throughout the country. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit their comments on the 14 standards and their current application and use. The enhanced national standards, as revised in accordance with public comment and subject matter expertise, will be published for review in spring of 2011 with the final versions being published in fall of 2011.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is requesting nominations to fill ten upcoming vacancies on the Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages (ACICBL). Authority: 42 U.S.C. 294f, section 757 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, as amended by the Affordable Care Act. The ACICBL is governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law (Pub. L.) 92-463, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory committees.

This proposed rule would implement provisions of the Affordable Care Act that establish: Procedures under which screening is conducted for providers of medical or other services and suppliers in the Medicare program, providers in the Medicaid program, and providers in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); an application fee to be imposed on providers and suppliers; temporary moratoria that may be imposed if necessary to prevent or combat fraud, waste, and abuse under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and CHIP; guidance for States regarding termination of providers from Medicaid and CHIP if terminated by Medicare or another Medicaid State plan or CHIP; guidance regarding the termination of providers and suppliers from Medicare if terminated by a Medicaid State agency; and requirements for suspension of payments pending credible allegations of fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This proposed rule would also present an approach and request comments on the provisions of the Affordable Care Act that require providers of medical or other items or services or suppliers within a particular industry sector or category to establish compliance programs.