Billy Wynne

FNS Proposes to Lower the Community Eligibility Provision Threshold For School Meals The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released a proposed rule to lower the community eligibility provision (CEP) threshold to 25 percent for schools to provide free school meals in lower income areas. CEP is an option for eligible schools…

Department Announces New Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services to Support a Comprehensive Approach to Domestic Violence Prevention The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of a new Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The OFVPS reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s…

Report Describes Expert Recommendations to Improve Infection Prevention and Control in Nursing Homes The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on actions to improve COVID-19 infection prevention and control in nursing homes. GAO convened an expert roundtable to discuss actions by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that could improve infection prevention…

Agency Seeking Nominations for the Council on Graduate Medical Education The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that it is soliciting nominations for membership on the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME). COGME provides advice and recommendations on policy and program development for physician training and the physician workforce. HRSA is seeking nominations of…

Agency Releases Use of Federal Property to Assist the Homeless Proposed Rule The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a proposed rule on the use of federal property to assist the homeless. The rule modifies certain aspects of the Title V program that makes suitable federal properties categorized as underutilized, unutilized, excess, or…

Amended Definition of Tobacco Product Implemented, Pursuant to CAA of 2022 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued notices to implement conforming changes to its guidances and regulations under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to implement the amended definition of “tobacco product”, pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2022. The amended definition…

Continuation of COVID-19 Emergency Use Authorization Declaration Announced The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the continuation of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Declaration, pursuant to the authority that there continues the significant potential for a public health emergency that affects, or has the potential to affect, national security or the health and…

Committee Explores Cybersecurity Risks to the Health Care Sector; Discuss Minimum Cybersecurity Standards and Workforce Challenges The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing to discuss the cybersecurity risks to the health care sector. The witnesses pointed out the rising trend of cyber-attacks, especially ransomware attacks, on the health care sector,…

Agency Releases Initial Guidance on Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program; Provides Clarity on Initial Offer Methodology and Treatment of Multiple Products The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released initial guidance for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for the initial price applicability year 2026, pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) (fact sheet,…

Request Information in Preparation for PAHPA Reauthorization; Due March 29 The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee issued a request for information (RFI) seeking feedback and suggestions for the upcoming Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) reauthorization. Responses are due March 29, 2023.   Most PAHPA programs and authorities expire at the…