REGULATION TRACKER

Technical and typo errors are corrected from this September 18, 2020 final rule.

Opportunity for the public to comment on CMS’ intention to collect information from the public. All Data Use Agreements are required to complete a questionnaire as a part of the data request packet. Comments will close February 5, 2021.

For further info: William Parhan (410) 786-4669

In an effort to support the modernization of technology, two listening sessions will be conducted. Comprehensive project deliverables can be viewed at
https://www.hhs.gov/cto/initiatives/public-health-innovation/Indian-health-service-health-it-modernization/index.html.

The options outlined in the proposed project scope evaluate in detail four broad options for modernization of IHS health IT: Stabilize the Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS); Renew RPMS; Selective Replacement; and Full Replacement

December 17, 2020, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Eastern Time
https://kauffmaninc.zoom.us/j/99639526346?pwd=cEF4Q3lrY3dlaVNpZjZCQVgxM3FRZz09
Meeting ID: 996 3952 6346 Passcode: 461608

January 14, 2021, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Eastern Time
https://kauffmaninc.zoom.us/j/93981311999?pwd=VTNOUmVEcnY5REJIZ2tYS24rT2NUQT09
Meeting ID: 939 8131 1999 Passcode: 026367

Allow clinicians to detail information of their billing information by December 13, 2020 in order to receive Alternate Payment Model Incentive payment.

List of Qualified Medicare Participants that owe current billing information.

Funds for IHS are appropriated in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency-Wide Activities and Program Support account, and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. Both appropriations include bill language directing the funds to be transferred to the IHS. Both appropriations also include specific language directing that any funds transferred through Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act funding agreements are provided on a one-time, non-recurring basis, and that they may only be used for the purposes identified in the statute.

The bill provides appropriations for costs related to vaccination & testing related activities.
Urban Confer will be January 4, 2021from 2-3 pm EST
his.cosocloud.com/r42c87qo6jnd/
(888) 831-8976 Code: 6142767

The rule details good guidance practices that agencies can use to ensure the public obtains accurate notice of new guidance and that guidance documents do not specify obligations to parties that have already been specified in other statutes

One component of Department’s regulatory reform initiative. See link
https://www.hhs.gov/about/budget/fy2020/performance/regulatory-reform/index.html

On three information collection requests. The first details the “mandatory insurer reporting requirement of Section 111 of the Medicare, Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Plans (SCHIP) Act of 2007.” Specifically, this notice is regarding Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) reporting.

For further info: William Parhan (410) 786-4669

HHS delayed for 60 days the effective date on the final rule “National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Revision to the Vaccine Injury Table” after taking comments in a public hearing. The final notice effective date is delayed due to the “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review.” The final rule will now be in effect on April 23, 2021.

There are rare reactions to COVID-19 vaccines or other injuries (e.g. shoulder injury) that might occur at the time the vaccine is administered. Final rule on this $4 billion fund compensation program is complete, while delayed due to regulatory freeze by the Biden Administration.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/23/2021-03747/national-vaccine-injury-compensation-program-revisions-to-the-vaccine-injury-table-delay-of

HRSA published a notice on the performance measures drawn for the principle topics of interest to the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, such as access to care, population demographics, staffing consortium network, project specific domains and sustainability.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/30/2020-26254/agency-information-collection-activities-proposed-collection-public-comment-request-information

Pres Directive states FEMA shall provide 100% Federal cost share for all work eligible for assistance under Public Assistance Category B (emergency assistance to states/tribes) and extends use of the National Guard during Covid-19 pandemic.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/02/memorandum-on-maximizing-assistance-from-the-federal-emergency-management-agency/

IHS extended the comment submission deadline to March 2, 2021. The virtual listening session will be held February 17, 2021 from 3-4 pm EDT. Input will be gathered on the drafted revised memorandum of understanding between IHS and VHA.

The listening session can be viewed at
https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/webappng/sites/veteransaffairs/meeting/download/932143eb85c14931804d8fad903b4d39?siteurl=veteransaffairs&MTID=m5e2a043803566c70591fcffdb38454a2
Or by phone at 1-404-397-1596 Code: 199-799-8876

Written Comments: VA-IHS MOU
urbanconfer@ihs.gov
Ms. Elizabeth Fowler
Acting Director
Indian Health Service
5600 Fishers Lane 08E86
Rockville, MD 20857

On Jan.4, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission’s WCB issued request for comments on how best to administer a new $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directed the FCC to create the program, which would reimburse participating companies for providing discounted broadband service and connected devices to eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic. NCUIH replied with comments to extend similar benefits in Tribal Lifeline program to Urban Indians.

For status update contact Eric Wu at (202) 418-1543, email: Eric.Wu@fcc.gov

To add additional categories of Qualified Persons authorized to prescribe, dispense, and administer covered countermeasures for COVID-19 (including Vax).

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2021-03106

CMS and HHS released a joint notice on information collection request titled “Electronic Submission of Medicare Graduate Medical Education Affiliation Agreements.” This is a reinstatement without change of a currently approved collection, to be used for residents to form a Medicare Graduate Medical Education affiliated group who are in similar urban or rural areas. In turn, this group will provide flexibility to hospitals in structuring rotations under the full time equivalent resident cap when they share residents.

Comments Due 4/19/2021 This is a Workforce issue dealing with GME agreements to share rotations in urban/rural hospitals. Impact on urban Indian health is minimal or unknown at this time; Not usually tracked by UIO leaders.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/18/2021-03257/agency-information-collection-activities-proposed-collection-comment-reques

Background/Summary: After a court-ordered delay of effective date on a final rule by HHS. This final rule detailed regulatory safe harbors to the Federal anti-kickback statute. On January 12, 2021, a lawsuit was filled to challenge this final rule and on January 30, 2021 the court ordered a postponement of the effective date of the provisions. The effective date of the amendments to paragraph 42 CFR 10001.952 (h)(5) to the final rule are now effective on January 1, 2023.

This is a final notice with no comment period. WATCH for further developments.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/19/2021-03167/fraud-and-abuse-removal-of-safe-harbor-protection-for-rebates-involving-prescription-pharmaceuticals
Point-of-Sale Reductions in Price on Prescription Pharmaceuticals and Certain Pharmacy Benefit Manager Service Fees; Delayed Effective Date

HHS published notice on an information request revision to the Appellant Climate Survey. This survey is for Medicare beneficiaries, providers, suppliers, and others who participated in a hearing before the Administrative Law Judge from the Office of Medicare Appeals.

Comments due by 4/23/2012 This is a recurring request for information on satisfaction survey of remote interest to single Medicare beneficiaries who appeal their case. Not a large enough impact for UIOs, given the small size of potential group. Moving forward, the Federal Relations team opted not to track Requests for Information
Collection. Federal Register :: Agency Information Collection Request; 60-Day Public Comment Request

CMS published an information collection request to support the implementation of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers (CAHPS) for Merit-Based Incentive Payment Systems (MIPS) survey. In order to address stakeholders and the increased use of telehealth services due to the PHE for COVID-19, a question is being added to integrate one telehealth item to assess the patient-reported usage of telehealth services (for example, phone or video visit).

Comments Close on 4/9/2021 This is a recurring request for information on satisfaction survey of remote interest to single Medicare beneficiaries who appeal their case. Not a large enough impact for UIOs, given the small size of potential group. Moving forward, the Federal Relations team opted not to track Requests for Information Collection. Federal Register :: Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

ARPA has allocated $6 billion, currently under consideration by Congress. Urban Confer will be held on March 15th, 2021 to seek rapid input. Approved funs will be available to support eligible expenses dating back to January 31, 2020.

Urban Leaders are urged to join in the Tribal Confer process and provide input.

March 15th, 2021

1-800-857-6561 code:1709562
ihs.cosocloud.com/rp79n2pbnxzg/ code:ihs123

https://www.ihs.gov/sites/newsroom/themes/responsive2017/display_objects/documents/2021_Letters/DUIOLL_03082021.pdf

HHS published modifications to a proposed rule and an extension of a comment period. This proposed rule details the specific standard for the privacy of individually identifiable health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Comments on this proposed rule should include topics centered around an individual’s engagement in their health care, barriers in their coordinated care, and the regulatory burdens these standards may impose on the healthcare industry.

Unsure of substantial impact on urban Indian health; in discussions with NIHB partner. Comments close 5/6/2021. Federal Register :: Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support, and Remove Barriers to, Coordinated Care and Individual Engagement

On 3/17/21, HHS backtracked on previous notice making changes to the “Injury Table” for COVID-19 vaccines. The final rule titled “National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Revisions to the Vaccine Injury Table” is proposed to be withdrawn. No change until another round of public comment and consultation by HHS is concluded. If the HHS chooses to proceed with removing SIRVA (shoulder injury), vasovagal syncope, and the new vaccines category from the Table, it will do so with sufficient time to carefully review the science and the law regarding these items.

NCUIH should support withdrawal/rescission, in light of efforts to increase vaccination efforts. However, surprise reversal by HHS did not give sufficient time to re-engage. Recommendation: WATCH; if any changes to the Injury Table are proposed again, submit Comment. Comments close on 4/16/2021 Federal Register :: National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Revisions to the Vaccine Injury Table

The Administration is committed to effective implementation and stewardship of ARP funds. The Administration will foster accountability and public trust by delivering effective and equitable relief, while implementing sound financial management of the resources funding that relief. This includes working with the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) and agency Inspector Generals to strengthen payment integrity to minimize the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse; and improving the overall award and administration of financial assistance programs with an increased focus on human-centered program and service design to achieve more equitable results.

The Administration will also work with executive departments and agencies to identify ARP programs that—given the nature of the program’s goals and design and the program’s potential impacts on equitable outcomes—require additional attention (beyond the overarching financial tracking and reporting requirements herein) to program design, tracking, and reporting to support agency, Administration, and public understanding of measures such as trust, equity, and experience that are critical to ensuring the achievement of intended program outcomes and positive impact for the American public.

In carrying out this Memorandum, agencies will use existing financial transparency and accountability mechanisms established by OMB Memorandum M-20-21 Implementation Guidance for Supplemental Funding Provided in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Apr. 10, 2020). As such, agencies must report monthly, including award outlays, to USAspending.gov for all funding in the ARP and follow existing Government-wide reporting requirements on USAspending.gov as established by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), as amended by the Digital Accountability & Transparency Act (DATA Act). Agencies are required to ensure that all data required by M-20-21 are reported to USAspending.gov. Additionally, agencies are also reminded of the direction in M-20-21 to incorporate reporting of organizational performance on COVID-19 related relief funding into their established mission performance plans and reports, and review progress regularly as part of their performance, evidence-building and enterprise risk management routines

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/M_21_20.pdf

Urban Confer on the use of (1) $5 million from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 appropriations that the IHS has allocated to address Alzheimer’s disease; and (2) the use of $5 million in funding for Ending the HIV Epidemic. IHS Office of Clinical and Preventive Services will host a virtual learning session and Urban Confer sessions.

Virtual Learning Session: April 7th, 2021 from 1-2 p.m. EDT (877-801-1365 code 6488559 or ihs.cosocloud.com/ihsdccs/ and using code ihs123
Urban Confer Session: April 20, 2021 (Alzheimer’s Disease) & April 21, 2021 (Ending the HIV Epidemic) from 1-2:30 p.m. EDT (877-801-1365 code 6488559 or his.cosocloud.com/ihsdccs/ and using code ihs123)

CDC and HHS announce a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This is a public comment session and will be held on June 23-24 from 9am to 5:30 pm, EDT. Comments close on 6/24/21 and can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov or by mail at CDC 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS H24-8, Atlanta Georgia 30329-4027 ATTN; June ACIP Meeting

Federal Register :: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Urban Confer on the use of (1) $5 million from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 appropriations that the IHS has allocated to address Alzheimer’s disease; and (2) the use of $5 million in funding for Ending the HIV Epidemic. IHS Office of Clinical and Preventive Services will host a virtual learning session and Urban Confer sessions.

Virtual Learning Session: April 7th, 2021 from 1-2 p.m. EDT (877-801-1365 code 6488559 or his.cosocloud.com/ihsdccs/ and using code ihs123)

Urban Confer Session: April 20, 2021 (Alzheimer’s Disease) & April 21, 2021 (Ending the HIV Epidemic) from 1-2:30 p.m. EDT (877-801-1365 code 6488559 or his.cosocloud.com/ihsdccs/ and using code ihs123)

https://www.ihs.gov/sites/newsroom/themes/responsive2017/display_objects/documents/2021_Letters/DUIOLL_03312021.pdf

In December 2020 & January 2021, IHS held two listening sessions to gather input on appropriate, realistic, and sustainable options for the HIT modernization. Written comments ended on January 24, 2021. Sessions represented more than 300 of the 574 federally recognized Tribes and more than 25% of UIOs. The option selected was option 4: full replacement of the current RPMS solution. Currently, an RFI is open for vendors to respond.

Recording of the listening sessions can be reviewed at www.ihs.gov/hit/project-updates/

RFI for vendors is open through April 19th, 2021
https://beta.sam.gov/opp/f6ba899fe98b482b8d9348357f0953a4/view?keywords=%22indian%20health%20service%22&sort=-modifiedDate&index=&is_active=true&page=1
https://www.ihs.gov/sites/newsroom/themes/responsive2017/display_objects/documents/2021_Letters/DTLL_DUIOLL_04012021.pdf

This Notice is to inform the research community that the Office of Disease Prevention and participating NIH Institutes and Offices have reissued the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), PAR-18-324 “Testing Interventions for Health Enhancing Physical Activity (R01 – Clinical Trial Optional)” as NOT-OD-21-087, “Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Developing and Testing Multilevel Physical Activity Interventions to Improve Health and Well-Being.” The published NOSI includes new and revised research priorities. This Notice is being published to inform prospective applicants of this action

Related announcements:
PAR-18-324 – Testing Interventions for Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

NOT-OD-21-087 – Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Developing and Testing Multilevel Physical Activity
Interventions to Improve Health and Well-Being

NOT-AA-21-015 – Notice of NIAAA Participation in NOT-OD-21-086

This proposed rule would update the prospective payment rates, the outlier threshold, and the wage index for Medicare inpatient hospital services provided by Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities (IPF), which include psychiatric hospitals and excluded psychiatric units of an Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) hospital or critical access hospital. This rule also proposes to update and clarify the IPF teaching policy with respect to IPF hospital closures and displaced residents and proposes a technical change to the 2016-based IPF market basket price proxies. In addition, this proposed rule would update quality measures and reporting requirements under the Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Quality Reporting (IPFQR) Program. These changes would be effective for IPF discharges occurring during the Fiscal Year (FY) beginning October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 (FY 2022).

In commenting, please refer to file code CMS-1750-P. Comments, including mass comment submissions, must be submitted in one of the following three ways (please choose only one of the ways listed):

1. Electronically. You may submit electronic comments on this regulation to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the “Submit a comment” instructions.

2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-1750-P, P.O. Box 8010, Baltimore, MD 21244-8016. Please allow sufficient time for mailed comments to be received before the close of the comment period.

3. By express or overnight mail. You may send written comments to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-1750-P, Mail Stop C4- 26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/13/2021-07433/medicare-program-fy-2022-inpatient-psychiatric-facilities-prospective-payment-system-and-quality?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_source=federalregister.go

Approximately $4.3 billion in new resources appropriated to the IHS in the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021, Pub. L. No 117-2, Div. XI (ARPA). These funds are one-time, non-recurring, and can only be used for the purposes specified in the statute. They may also cover costs that were incurred to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 during the period beginning January 31, 2020, through March 11, 2021.

Tribal Health Programs will receive these one-time, non-recurring funds through unilateral modifications and/or amendments to their existing ISDEAA agreements. As noted above, these
funds must be used for the purposes for which they are appropriated, and must be used consistent with the conditions established by law and the modifications/amendments.

Urban Indian Organizations will receive these one-time, non-recurring funds through existing IHCIA contracts. These funds must be used for the purposes for which they are appropriated, consistent with a modified scope of work, budget, and bilateral modification for each IHCIA contract.

The IHS will provide $80 million to support UIOs. Urban Indian Organizations that bill for reimbursements will receive a one-time, equal payment amount, and an additional one-time payment based on their UIO’s total number of Urban Indian users.

The IHS will provide $20 million to support UIOs. Each Urban Indian Organization will receive a one-time, equal payment amount, and an additional one-time payment based on each Urban Indian Organization’s total number of Urban Indian users.

The IHS will provide $84 million to support UIOs. Each Urban Indian Organization will receive a one-time, equal payment amount, and an additional one-time payment based on each Urban Indian Organization’s total number of Urban Indian users.

The IHS will provide $3 million to support UIOs. Each Urban Indian Organization will receive a one-time, equal payment amount, and an additional one-time payment based on each Urban Indian Organization’s total number of Urban Indian users.

The IHS will provide $24 million to support UIOs. Each Urban Indian Organization will receive a one-time, equal payment amount, and an additional one-time payment based on each Urban Indian Organization’s total number of Urban Indian users.

The IHS will provide $40 million to support UIOs. Each Urban Indian Organization will receive a one-time, equal payment amount, and an additional one-time payment based on each Urban Indian Organization’s total number of Urban Indian users.

On March 19, 2021, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued Memorandum M-21-20pdf iconexternal icon, which addresses administrative relief for applicants and recipients of COVID-19 related federal financial assistance and those applicants and recipients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The memorandum identifies administrative flexibilities to help
manage administrative, financial management, and audit requirements under 2 CFR Part 200. This guidance will reference the parallel sections found in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant regulations at 45 CFR Part 75, which are applicable to CDC recipients

CDC has released flexabilities from M-21-20 and apply not only to COVID-19 related assistance but also those not related to COVID-19.

Flexibilities with:
SAM Registration-CDC has relaxed the requirement for active System for Award Management (SAM) registration at time of application in order to expeditiously issue funding
Waiver for Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) Publication-CDC will make every effort to provide applicants with adequate time to submit quality applications, should additional funding become available for COVID-19 competitive NOFOs. However, applicants should be aware that CDC may publish emergency and competitive NOFOs for less than 30 days if CDC needs to expedite the processApplicants may search for applicable funding opportunities at www.Grants.gov
Pre-award costs– If within the scope of the award, CDC may allow necessary pre-award costs that are incurred (i) from March 15, 2021, through the Public Health Emergency Period and (ii) prior to the effective date of a federal award.
No-cost extensions on expiring awards– CDC may extend awards that were active as of March 31, 2021, and scheduled to expire prior or up to December 31, 2021, automatically at no cost for a period of up to 12 months.
Abbreviated non-compteitive continuation requests– CDC may accept a brief statement from recipients for non-competitive continuation requests scheduled to come in from April 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, for projects with planned future support. CDC programs will post any specific instructions in their continuation guidance.
Waivers from prior approval requirements– CDC may waive prior approval requirements as necessary to effectively address the response. All costs charged to federal awards must be consistent with federal cost policy guidelines and the terms of the award, except where specified in Memorandum M-21-20.
Exemption of certain procurement requirements– CDC waives the procurement requirements contained in 45 CFR § 75.328(b) regarding geographical preferences and 45 CFR § 75.330 regarding contracting with small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms. This exemption is limited to these specific procurement requirements
Extension of financial and other reporting– CDC may allow recipients to delay submission of financial or other reports up to 3 months beyond the normal due date
Extension of single audit submission– CDC recipients and subrecipients that have not yet filed their single audits with the Federal Audit Clearinghouse as of the date of the issuance of OMB Memorandum M-21-20pdf iconexternal icon that have fiscal year-ends through June 30, 2021, may delay the completion and submission of the Single Audit reporting package to 6 months beyond the normal due date.
Flexibilities with application deadlines– When a delay occurs because the applicant or recipient is directly impacted by COVID-19, CDC will consider extending the application due date beyond the date specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on a case-by-case basis
Extension of closeout– On a case-by-case basis, CDC may allow the recipient to delay submission of any pending financial, performance, or other reports required by the terms of the award for the closeout of expired projects, provided that proper notice about the reporting delay is given by the recipient to the agency
Management Requirement related to Physical Inventories-On a case-by-case basis, CDC may provide recipients up to a 12-month extension for the biennial physical inventory of equipment purchased under a federal award.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announces the following meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This meeting is open to the public. The meeting will be webcast live via the World Wide Web.

The meeting will be held on April 23, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., EDT (dates and times subject to change, see the ACIP website for updates: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html). The public may submit comments from April 20, 2021 through April 23, 2021.

For more information on ACIP please visit the ACIP website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html. You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CDC-2021-0044 by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS H24-8, Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, Attn: April 23, 2021 ACIP Meeting.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/20/2021-08275/advisory-committee-on-immunization-practices-acip?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email

TTAC Subcommittee on General Welfare Exclusion (GWE Subcommittee) is soliciting input from Tribal governments on its draft report prior to making final recommendations to the TTAC on guidance under Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act (TGWEA) and the Internal Revenue Code Section 139E.

Input should be submitted, by April 23, 2021 at 5 pm, to the GWE Subcommittee technical advisor.
Ellie Beckett, ellie@nafoa.org
Nicholas Courtney, ncourtney@ncai.org
https://files.constantcontact.com/c2394f27001/65fbb937-df7a-48d1-a09b-9acd70521ad6.pdf

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is conducting two Tribal Consultations on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 and Thursday, April 29, 2021 in reference to Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. The Executive Order directs the Secretary of the Interior to “engage with Tribal authorities regarding the development and management of renewable and conventional energy resources on Tribal lands.” DOI is requesting input on:

1. How can the Department help Tribal Nations access capital for development of renewable energy resources?

2. How can the Department improve processes and policies that affect tribal development of renewable energy resources, including facilitating greater communication and support among Federal agencies?

3. What steps can Federal agencies take to ensure that Tribal Nations have greater control over the development of energy projects on tribal lands?

4. What additional barriers do Tribal governments face when attempting to develop resources within reservation lands?

Consultation Details:

Tuesday, April 27, 2021
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT
Call in Number: 800-857-5055
Passcode: 6951606

Thursday, April 29, 2021
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT
Call in Number: 800-857-5055
Passcode 6951606

Written comments are recommended and will be accepted at consultation@bia.gov until 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 16, 2021.
NCAI Contact: Darren Modzelewski, Policy Counsel, dmodzelewski@ncai.org

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.

Type of Information Collection Request: Reinstatement without change of a previously approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Generic Clearance for Evaluation of Stakeholder Training—Health Insurance Marketplace and Market Stabilization Programs; Use: CMS is strongly committed to providing appropriate education and technical outreach to States, issuers, self-insured group health plans and third-party administrators (TPA) participating in the Marketplace and/or market stabilization programs mandated by the ACA. CMS continues to engage with stakeholders in the Marketplace to obtain input through Satisfaction Surveys following Stakeholder Training events. The survey results will help to determine stakeholders’ level of satisfaction with trainings, identify any issues with training and technical assistance delivery, clarify stakeholders’ needs and preferences, and define best practices for training and technical assistance.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/22/2021-08377/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-for-omb-review-comment-request?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email

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 and/or continuing information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites comment on a proposed information collection project titled “Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology”

Highlighted the urgent need to rapidly establish and enhance timely surveillance of suspected drug, opioid, heroin, and stimulant overdoses. These data are critical to inform timely local, state, and regional response, especially to acute and/or widespread multi-state outbreaks

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/26/2021-08576/proposed-data-collection-submitted-for-public-comment-and-recommendations?utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list

Submit all comments through the Federal eRulemaking portal (regulations.gov) or Mail: Jeffrey M. Zirger, Information Collection Review Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS-D74, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.

“The information in this document is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice to any Urban Indian Organization (UIO) or individual. Whether a health care provider is covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is a complex matter. We urge you to consult with your own legal advisor before taking any action. It is important to keep in mind as you read the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) does not determine the scope of coverage under the FTCA. Whether the FTCA applies in any particular case is decided on an individual case-by-case basis by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and subsequently by the Federal Courts.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 and/or continuing information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites comment on a proposed information collection project titled National Learning Community for HIV CBO Leadership Evaluation. The purpose of this data collection is to evaluate the National Learning Community for HIV CBO Leadership which is a component of cooperative agreement CDC-RFA-PS19-1904: Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) for High Impact HIV Prevention Program Integration.”

UIO FTCA QA 4-23-2021 FINAL (003)