Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced a package of five artificial intelligence (AI)-focused bills for the Senate to consider when it reconvenes in September. The legislation targets the use of AI in financial services, health care, and defense, and aims to boost national AI literacy. Sen. Rounds, a key figure in Senate AI regulation efforts, was selected by Senate Majority Leader… (Colocho, August 29, 2024) #Health Information Technology, #Hospitals, #National Institutes of Health, #Prevention, #Transparency

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a final rule that will establish a new Federal minimum age of sale for tobacco products. This change is required by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Appropriations Act), and includes increasing the minimum age of sale for cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and covered tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age; increasing… (Lewis, August 29, 2024) #Tobacco

The Biden-Harris Administration, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced over $558 million in funding to improve maternal health, reinforcing its commitment to reducing the high maternal mortality rate in the U.S. The majority of this funding, $440 million, will be used to expand the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home… (Colocho, August 29, 2024) #Grants, #Health Equity, #Prevention, #Public Health, #Women’s Health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced $65.7 million in grant awards for substance use prevention services, enhancing the behavioral health workforce and behavioral health care for children and those at risk of becoming unhoused. Funding includes $27.5 million for Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) grants for states and communities across the country. SPF-PFS grants were… (Marceno, August 27, 2024) #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Opioids, #Prevention

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a final recommendation statement on screening and supplementation for iron deficiency during pregnancy. The Task Force determined that more research is needed to determine whether or not asymptomatic pregnant adolescents and adults should be screened for iron deficiency or take iron supplements. This recommendation is consistent with the 2015 recommendation statement on… (Colocho, August 22, 2024) #Coverage Decisions, #Health Equity, #Prevention, #Primary Care, #Women’s Health

The Biden-Harris Administration launched a new “Time Is Money” initiative, aimed at reducing everyday hassles that waste Americans’ time and money. This effort targets corporate practices that deliberately complicate processes like canceling subscriptions, getting refunds, and navigating customer service, which often result in unnecessary delays and costs for consumers. The administration is committed to addressing these issues by implementing new… (Colocho, August 22, 2024) #Costs, #Insurance Coverage, #Transparency

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) release a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to apply for Cooperative Agreement funding to support states’ participation in the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model (fact sheet and FAQs). What is it. The CGT Access Model tests whether a CMS-led approach to developing and administering outcomes-based agreements (OBAs) for cell and… (Slifer, August 19, 2024) #Demonstration Programs, #Drug Pricing, #Prescription Drugs

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the launch of the Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Program with $268 million in funding to support Native American-led research to address overdose, substance use, and pain. NIH intends for the program to promote the development of prevention and therapeutic interventions consistent with the traditions and needs of Native American communities and… (McClurg, August 16, 2024) #Health Equity, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Opioids

the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the negotiated Maximum Fair Prices (MFPs) for 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D, which will take effect on January 1, 2026 (press release, fact sheet, one-pager). These are the first 10 drugs that will see significant price reductions under the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug price negotiation program, with prices dropping… (Colocho, August 15, 2024) #Drug Pricing, #Medicare Part D

The Center for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Services (CMCS) at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a CMCS Information Bulletin (CIB) with requirements and best practices to ensure timely access to family planning services and supplies through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). What it is. The CIB provides states… (Llamas, August 14, 2024) #Women’s Health