Billy Wynne

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 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…

March 2023 Report to Congress: Race and Ethnicity Data, Nursing Facility Payments, Specialty Drug Coverage, and DSH Payments The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released its March 2023 Report to Congress, with recommendations to (1) improve the collection and reporting of Medicaid race and ethnicity data, (2) increase transparency and improve the…

Agency Releases Information About Part B Prescription Drugs Subject to IRA Inflation Rebates Today, the Biden administration announced (press release; fact sheet) it will begin enforcing a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on April 1 that penalizes drug companies for raising prices on Medicare prescription drugs faster than inflation. The Centers for Medicare…

Nominees for Board of Scientific Counselors, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases; Due April 14 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases (BSC, DDID) – a federal advisory committee that advises the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, CDC…

Mental Health Grants for People Experiencing Homelessness, Youth, and American Indian and Alaska Native Communities The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) released a several mental health-related funding opportunities. The grants intend to provide mental healthcare for individuals experiencing homelessness, community collaborations for school-based trauma, and the promotion of the mental health of youth…

Ahead of Budget Release, President Biden Releases Plan for Extending Medicare Solvency Ahead of the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget release, President Biden provided details on the Administration’s plan to extend Medicare solvency by 25 or more years and lower costs for beneficiaries. The White House details that the budget will feature the following…

Agency Announces New Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of L’Tonya Davis as its first permanent Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO). The CDIO will lead USDA’s ongoing efforts to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and oversee the implementation of the USDA’s DEIA strategic plan.…

Commissioners Examine Implementation Considerations for Providing Pre-Release Medicaid Services to Adults Leaving Incarceration The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) convened a session to examine implementation considerations for states preparing to provide pre-release Medicaid services to justice-involved adults. Senior Analysts Lesley Baseman and Melinda Becker Roach presented an overview of California’s recently approved…