The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a draft research plan on interventions for tobacco cessation in adults. This research plan aims to assess the effectiveness and potential harms of various tobacco cessation methods, including their impact on different populations. The draft plan is open for public comment from February 27, 2025, through March 26, 2025. The USPSTF draft… (Colocho, March 3, 2025) #Chronic Diseases, #Health Equity, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Prevention, #Public Health, #Tobacco, #Wellness

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) held a meeting to discuss automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in the prior authorization (PA) process. Commissioners were excited about the potential of AI to streamline PA but have concerns about bias and denials without proper clinical oversight. The Commission will not make recommendations this year, but will hold a panel discussion on… (McClurg, February 28, 2025) #Health Information Technology

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) convened a session to revisit how Medicaid meets the unique health care needs of children in foster care, building on its 2015 examination of the intersection between Medicaid and child welfare. The session involved a comprehensive review of federal requirements and state strategies for delivering Medicaid benefits to children in foster… (Eisen, February 28, 2025) #Health Equity, #Pediatrics

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) convened a session to explore interview findings on program design and administration of self-directed services in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS), which allow individuals with long-term care needs to live independently in their communities. This discussion built on the December 2024 session that explored the new topic of work for… (Eisen, February 27, 2025) #Home Health

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) convened a session to present draft policy options aimed at addressing the challenges faced by children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) during the transition from pediatric to adult health care services. The session included an overview of the key challenges in care transitions, additional factors impacting these transitions,… (Eisen, February 27, 2025) #Pediatrics, #Quality

The Energy and Commerce (E&C) Health Subcommittee convened a hearing to examine pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices and discuss bipartisan reform efforts. The following witnesses spoke to certain PBM practices that inhibit the ability of patients, pharmacies, and employers to obtain affordable prescription drugs. Mr. Chancy focused on the impact of patient steering to PBM-affiliated pharmacies and spread pricing on… (Slifer, February 26, 2025) #Drug Pricing, #Medicare Part D, #Pharmacies, #Pharmacy Benefit Managers, #Prescription Drugs

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce, led by Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Vice Chairman John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input on a federal comprehensive data privacy and security framework. The Committee is restructuring its approach to consumer privacy legislation following the departure of former Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). The Committee… (Colocho, February 26, 2025) #Health Information Technology, #Privacy, #Public Health, #Transparency

President Trump issued two significant executive orders aimed at restructuring the federal government and reducing regulatory oversight. These directives emphasize the administration’s commitment to reducing the size and influence of the federal bureaucracy, increasing executive control over independent agencies, and curbing regulations deemed excessive or unauthorized by statutory law. While the orders cover a broad range of administrative functions, they… (Colocho, February 21, 2025) #Chronic Diseases, #COVID-19, #Health Equity, #Public Health

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced significant policy shifts in alignment with executive orders (EOs) issued by President Trump. The agency rescinded prior guidance on gender-affirming care and released new directives emphasizing biological sex definitions. These actions reflect the administration’s position that there are only two sexes—male and female—and seek to align federal policies with this perspective…. (Colocho, February 20, 2025) #Affordable Care Act, #Health Equity, #Pediatrics, #Privacy, #Public Health

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced updated jurisdictional thresholds and a revised filing fee schedule for reporting transactions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act, effective February 10, 2025 (press release). Under the Clayton Act, the FTC is required to adjust HSR thresholds annually based on changes in the gross national product. Beginning February 10th, the minimum size of the transaction… (Eisen, January 13, 2025) #Costs, #Hospitals