Department of Health and Human Services – 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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) is announcing the availability of the decision to deny a request for a hearing regarding the proposal of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) to refuse to approve the supplemental new drug application (sNDA) 205677-004, submitted by Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Vanda), for HETLIOZ (tasimelteon) capsules, 20 milligrams (mg), for the treatment of jet lag disorder. The decision, which also refuses approval of sNDA 205677-004, is available in the docket identified by the number in the heading of this document.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on ``Survey on the Occurrence of Foodborne Illness Risk Factors in Selected Restaurant and Retail Foodservice Facility Types.''

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is amending the standing advisory committee regulations to add the establishment of the Genetic Metabolic Diseases Advisory Committee (GeMDAC or the Committee) to the list of standing committees.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

In compliance with the requirement of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services, is publishing the following summary of a proposed collection for public comment.

This notice provides information on changes to data elements that providers are required to submit to the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) to obtain and maintain a National Provider Identifier (NPI). The changes to the required data elements affect the data that is made available to the public from NPPES in downloadable files and in a query-only database on the internet.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for FYARRO and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of an application to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human drug product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for VOXZOGO and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of an application to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human drug product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announces a forthcoming public advisory committee meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (the Committee). The general function of the Committee is to provide advice and recommendations to FDA on regulatory issues. On May 16, 2024, the Committee will meet in open session to discuss and make recommendations on the selection of strain(s) to be included in the 2024-2025 Formula for COVID-19 vaccines. The meeting will be open to the public. FDA is establishing a docket for public comment on this document.

This final rule amends the regulations of the agencies listed above (the ``Agencies'') to clarify protections for beneficiaries and prospective beneficiaries of federally funded social services and the rights and obligations of organizations providing such services. In accordance with the Executive order of February 14, 2021, Establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, this clarification should promote maximum participation by beneficiaries and providers in the Agencies' covered programs and activities and ensure consistency in the implementation of those programs and activities.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the following meeting of the Mine Safety and Health Research Advisory Committee (MSHRAC). This is a hybrid meeting, accessible both in person and virtually. It is open to the public and limited only by the space available and the number of web conference lines available. Time will be available for public comment.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announces a meeting of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health (ABRWH or the Advisory Board). This meeting is open to the public, with a public comment period. The public is welcome to submit written comments in advance of the meeting, to the contact person below. Written comments received in advance of the meeting will be included in the official record of the meeting. The public is also welcomed to listen to the meeting by joining the teleconference (information below). The audio conference line has 150 ports for callers.

The invention listed below is owned by an agency of the U.S. Government and is available for licensing to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing.

The Office for Human Research Protections, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OHRP), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are announcing the availability of a draft guidance entitled ``Key Information and Facilitating Understanding in Informed Consent.'' This draft guidance provides recommendations related to two provisions of the revised Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (the revised Common Rule) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and identical provisions in FDA's proposed rule ``Protection of Human Subjects and Institutional Review Boards.'' FDA's proposed rule, if finalized, would harmonize certain sections of FDA's regulations on human subject protections and institutional review boards (IRBs), to the extent practicable and consistent with other statutory provisions, with the revised Common Rule, in accordance with the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act). The guidance addresses the provisions of the revised Common Rule that require informed consent to begin with key information about the research and to present information in a way that facilitates understanding and identical provisions in FDA's proposed rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of a final guidance for industry entitled ``Clinical Pharmacology Considerations for Antibody-Drug Conjugates,'' which provides recommendations for the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Specifically, this guidance addresses the FDA's current thinking regarding clinical pharmacology considerations and recommendations for ADC development programs, including bioanalytical methods, dose selection and adjustment, dose- and exposure-response analysis, intrinsic factors, QTc assessments, immunogenicity, and drug- drug interactions (DDIs) for ADCs with a cytotoxic small-molecule drug or payload. Currently, there are no final FDA guidances outlining the clinical pharmacology considerations for ADCs. This guidance finalizes the draft guidance of the same title issued on February 8, 2022.

The invention listed below is owned by an agency of the U.S. Government and is available for licensing to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing.

Pursuant to section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, U.S.C. Appendix 2, notice is hereby given that the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP) will hold a meeting that will be open to the public. Information about SACHRP, the full meeting agenda, and instructions for linking to public access will be posted on the SACHRP website at https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/sachrp- committee/meetings/.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notifies Federal agencies of the laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities (IITFs) currently certified to meet the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (Mandatory Guidelines) using Urine and the laboratories currently certified to meet the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines using Oral Fluid.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for INQOVI and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of applications to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human drug product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for KLISYRI and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of applications to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human drug product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for LEQVIO and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of an application to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human drug product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for XERAVA and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of an application to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human drug product.

The Children's Bureau (CB), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is requesting a 3-year extension of the Generic Clearance for the Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) Technical Assistance (TA) and Review Process, (OMB #0970-0568, expiration 4/30/ 2024) and all approved information collections under this generic. There are no changes requested to the terms of the umbrella generic or to the currently approved information collections.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for SOGROYA and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of an application to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human biological product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for AMPLATZER AMULET and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of applications to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of patents which claims that medical device.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for GEMTESA and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of applications to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human drug product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for CAMCEVI and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of an application to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human drug product.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information (including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information) and to allow 60 days for public comment on the proposed action. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for EPI-SENSE GUIDED COAGULATION SYSTEM and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of applications to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of patents which claim that medical device.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information (including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information) and to allow 60 days for public comment on the proposed action. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is issuing an order under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) announcing that the debarment of Timothy Baxter will terminate on October 26, 2025.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the extension of this information collection.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) has determined the regulatory review period for MOUNJARO and is publishing this notice of that determination as required by law. FDA has made the determination because of the submission of an application to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, for the extension of a patent which claims that human drug product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the Agency, or we) 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 invention listed below is owned by an agency of the U.S. Government and is available for licensing to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing.

The Administration for Community Living is announcing that the proposed collection of information listed above has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This 30-day notice collects comments on the information collection requirements related to the proposed extension to Performance Data for State Grants for Assistive Technology Program Annual Progress Report (OMB Control Number 0985-0042).

The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting to extend approval of revisions to an approved information collection the Tribal Child Support Enforcement Direct Funding Requests (Office of Management and Budget (OMB) #0970-0218). These revisions were approved under an emergency approval for 6-months and included a new requirement for Tribes or Tribal organizations to provide that charging fees and recovering costs will not be permitted.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is amending the animal drug regulations to reflect application-related actions for new animal drug applications (NADAs) and abbreviated new animal drug applications (ANADAs) during October, November, and December 2023. The animal drug regulations are also being amended to improve their accuracy and readability.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as part of its continuing effort to reduce public burden and maximize the utility of government information, invites the general public and other Federal agencies the opportunity to comment on a proposed information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites comment on a proposed information collection project titled Project Confianza to Identify Medical Mistrust Drivers among Hispanic/Latino Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men (HLMSM). The data collection is designed to identify the root causes of medical mistrust and opportunities to implement interventions that can make HIV-related services trusted and acceptable for HLMSM to increase access to, and utilization of, HIV prevention and care services, as well as contribute toward achieving Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) goals and National HIV Strategic Plan health disparities goals.

In compliance with the requirement for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, HRSA announces plans to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prior to submitting the ICR to OMB, HRSA seeks comments from the public regarding the burden estimate, below, or any other aspect of the ICR.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the opening of a docket to obtain comment on Draft Proposed Updates for Viral hemorrhagic fevers, Andes virus, and Nipah virus: Appendix A (``Draft Updates: Appendix A''). The updated recommendations in the Draft Updates: Appendix A are intended for use by frontline healthcare personnel, as well as infection control personnel and other persons responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating infection control programs for healthcare settings across the continuum of care.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is amending its regulations to update a link regarding user fee disputes. This technical amendment is non-substantive.

HRSA published a notice in the Federal Register on February 2, 2024, concerning 2024 calendar year meetings of the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV). The notice contained incorrect dates. The notice originally stated the 2024 calendar year meetings will take place in ``2023'' and the meeting dates are being updated to say ``2024.''

This notice acknowledges the receipt of an application from the Joint Commission for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for Ambulatory Surgical Centers that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, HRSA submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The initial notice was published on November 17, 2023, with a 60-day comment period. No comments were received. OMB will accept comments from the public during the 30-day comment period for this notice. OMB may act on HRSA's ICR only after the 30-day comment period for this notice has closed.

ACF proposes to amend the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations that require title IV-E agencies to collect and report data to ACF on children who enter out- of-home care, their providers, and children who have a title IV-E adoption or guardianship assistance agreement to collect additional data related to Indian children.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is issuing an order under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) debarring Taylor McLaren for a period of 5 years from importing or offering for import any drug into the United States. FDA bases this order on a finding that Mr. McLaren was convicted of one felony count under Federal law for conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States. The factual basis supporting Mr. McLaren's conviction, as described below, is conduct relating to the importation into the United States of a drug or controlled substance. Mr. McLaren was given notice of the proposed debarment and was given an opportunity to request a hearing to show why he should not be debarred. As of January 8, 2024 (30 days after receipt of the notice), Mr. McLaren had not responded. Mr. McLaren's failure to respond and request a hearing constitutes a waiver of his right to a hearing concerning this matter.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of a final guidance for industry entitled ``Assessing COVID-19-Related Symptoms in Outpatient Adult and Adolescent Subjects in Clinical Trials of Drugs and Biological Products for COVID-19 Prevention or Treatment.'' Although the public health emergency declared by the Department of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Services Act has ended, COVID-19 remains an ongoing public health problem with continued prevention and treatment efforts. FDA is issuing this guidance to provide sponsors and investigators with considerations for approaches on how common COVID- 19-related symptoms can be measured and analyzed in clinical trials evaluating drugs or biological products for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in outpatient adult and adolescent subjects. This guidance supersedes the guidance of the same name issued on September 29, 2020.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is amending the standing advisory committees regulations to add the establishment of the Digital Health Advisory Committee (the Committee) to the list of standing advisory committees.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, HRSA submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. Comments submitted during the first public review of this ICR will be provided to OMB. OMB will accept further comments from the public during the review and approval period. OMB may act on HRSA's ICR only after the 30-day comment period for this notice has closed.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

The National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality (the Council) advises the Secretary of HHS (Secretary) and the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) with respect to activities proposed or undertaken to carry out AHRQ's statutory mission. AHRQ produces evidence to make health care safer, higher quality, more accessible, equitable, and affordable, and works within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and with other partners to make sure that the evidence is understood and used. Seven new members will be appointed to replace seven current members whose terms will expire in November 2024.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing an amendment to the notice of the request for nominations for voting members excluding consumer and industry representatives, to serve on the Genetic Metabolic Diseases Advisory Committee (the Committee) in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. This request for nominations was announced in the Federal Register of December 13, 2023. The amendment is being made to reflect a change in the DATES portion of the document. There are no other changes.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) is extending the comment period for the notice of availability that published in the Federal Register of December 22, 2023. In that notice, FDA requested comments on the draft guidance for industry entitled, ``Master Protocols for Drug and Biological Product Development.'' The Agency is taking this action in response to requests for an extension to allow interested persons additional time to submit comments.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS or ``Department'') is issuing this final rule to modify its regulations to implement section 3221 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Department is issuing this final rule after careful consideration of all public comments received in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records. This final rule also makes certain other modifications to increase alignment with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule to improve workability and decrease burden on programs, covered entities, and business associates.

This is to notify the public that the March 25-26, 2024, meeting of the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry is cancelled.

This proposed rule would set forth a number of provisions to strengthen the oversight of accrediting organizations (AOs) by addressing conflicts of interest, establishing consistent standards, processes and definitions, and updating the validation and performance standards systems. Additionally, this proposed rule would revise the psychiatric hospital survey process, add a limitation on terminated deemed providers and suppliers when reentering the program, and provides technical corrections for End-Stage Renal Disease facilities and Kidney Transplant Programs. This proposed rule also solicits comments from stakeholders and AOs to refine and revise the AO oversight standards and processes. In addition, this proposed rule includes a request for information on the timeframes and expectations for the submission of AO applications.