The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule prohibiting employers from imposing or enforcing non-compete clauses on workers (press release; fact sheet). What it is. The final rule prohibits employers from entering into non-compete clauses with all workers, on or after the final rule’s effective date. For non-competes entered into prior to the effective date, the final rule adopts a different approach for… (Testa, April 24, 2024) #Workforce

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced two new grant opportunities to strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The first is a Process and Technology Improvements Grant and the second is a Fraud Implementation Grant. The opportunities are described briefly below. SNAP Process and Technology Improvement Grants (PTIG) Program: PTIGs support projects that will modernize SNAP… (McClurg, April 23, 2024) #Nutrition, #Program Integrity

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released two final rules yesterday to strengthen access to coverage and care for Medicaid enrollees. The Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services Final Rule, described in this email, is intended to strengthen access to and quality of care across Medicaid services through fee-for-service (FFS) by establishing national standards for access to care (press release)…. (Joyce, McClurg, April 23, 2024) #Delivery Reform, #Dual Eligibles, #Health Equity, #Home Health, #Primary Care, #Transparency

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) and Tufts Medicine NEWDIGS released a white paper entitled “Managing the Challenges of Paying for Gene Therapy: Strategies for Market Action and Policy Reform.” ICER explains that it is the intent of the paper to call for thoughtful consideration of both market actions and policy reforms that have the potential to address… (Slifer, April 23, 2024) #Insurance Reform, #Pharmacy Benefit Managers, #Prescription Drugs

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting final rule (press release, fact sheet). What it is. The final rule outlines minimum staffing requirements for Medicare and Medicaid-certified LTCs. Why it’s important for you. CMS finalizes a total nurse staffing standard of 3.48 hours per resident day (HPRD),… (Colocho, April 22, 2024) #Care Coordination, #Costs, #Health Equity, #Long-Term Care, #Skilled Nursing Facilities, #Transparency, #Workforce

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) unveiled a draft framework aimed at ensuring the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in health care and biomedical sciences. The framework, titled “Artificial Intelligence in Health, Health Care, and Biomedical Science: An AI Code of Conduct Principles and Commitments Discussion Draft,” outlines strategies for health care organizations to enhance the accuracy, safety,… (Colocho, April 19, 2024) #Health Equity, #Health Information Technology, #Public Health, #Transparency

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) held a presentation to discuss the Office’s Catalytic Program on Utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The catalytic program is intended to support health care providers in taking advantage of the tax credits, grants, and other supports made available by the IRA. OCCHE is hosting a series… (McClurg, April 19, 2024) #Hospitals

Today, CMS announced that Colorado is seeking to amend its Medicaid Section 1115 Colorado Expanding the Substance Use Disorder Continuum of Care demonstration to expand access to mental health services, strengthen access for formerly incarcerated individuals, and adopt continuous coverage for children ages 0-3. Additional details are included below and comments are due by May 18, 2024. Colorado’s proposed amendment would add three new… (Eisen, April 18, 2024) #Mental and Behavioral Health

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a comprehensive report detailing the performance and future directions of Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) have been in operation for over a decade, aiming to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has previously assessed the budgetary impacts of these… (Colocho, April 17, 2024) #Accountable Care Organizations, #Costs

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a proposed rule entitled, “Reducing Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing” on April 10th.  The overarching goal of the proposed rule is to revise existing regulations to remove barriers to HUD-assisted housing for individuals with criminal records.  Comments are due June 10. As described in the proposed rule, everyone needs a safe… (Colocho, April 17, 2024) #Health Equity, #Housing, #Public Health