WISeR Model Prior Authorization Requirements Correction
CMS issued a correction notice to fix typographical and technical errors in the WISeR Model prior authorization requirements originally published July 1, 2025. The corrections revise the list of covered service codes for epidural steroid injections, vertebral compression fracture procedures, fusion procedures, and sleep apnea services, reducing the number of applicable codes in each category. The notice also clarifies that Skin and Tissue Substitutes prior authorization applies only to selected WISeR MAC jurisdictions with active LCDs during performance years starting January 1, 2026.
Delayed Implementation of Prior Authorization for Medicare WISeR Services
CMS issued a notice delaying the implementation of prior authorization requirements for two services under the WISeR (Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction) Model: Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease (NCD 160.24) and Percutaneous Image-Guided Lumbar Decompression for Spinal Stenosis (NCD 150.13). The original January 1, 2026 implementation date for these services has been postponed. The new implementation date will be announced in a future Federal Register notice.
Renewal of New Poultry Inspection System Information Collection
FSIS is requesting renewal of OMB-approved information collection 0583-0156 regarding poultry slaughter inspection under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS). No changes are being made to the information collection requirements. The current OMB approval expires August 31, 2026. Comments on this renewal request are due June 2, 2026.
Center for Scientific Review Closed Meeting Notices
The National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review announced five closed meetings scheduled for April 28-29, 2026, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The meetings will review grant applications for topics including health services research, basic and translational cancer research, medical technology partnerships, mentored career development awards, and shared-use biomedical research equipment. All meetings will be held virtually.
Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meetings
The NIH Center for Scientific Review published a Federal Register notice announcing four closed meetings scheduled for April 29 through May 1, 2026. The meetings will review grant applications for research in communication/language, biocontainment laboratories, biomaterials/nanoscience, clinical care interventions, and oncology fellowships. All meetings will be held virtually and closed to the public under exemptions for confidential trade secrets and personal privacy.
Center for Scientific Review Closed Meeting Notices
The NIH Center for Scientific Review published a Federal Register notice announcing three closed meetings scheduled for April 28-30, 2026. The meetings will review grant applications for research programs including myocardial physiology, fellowships, and microplastic impacts. Meetings are closed under Federal Advisory Committee Act provisions to protect confidential grant information and personal data.
Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meetings
The NIH Center for Scientific Review published a Federal Register notice announcing five closed meetings scheduled for April 29-30, 2026. The meetings, conducted virtually, will review grant applications including Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers, Musculoskeletal/Skin/Oral Sciences PAR Panel, R21/R03 proposals, and neuroscience topics. Meetings are closed pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act to protect confidential trade secrets and personal privacy.
Delay of Silica Exposure Rule Amendments for Miners
MSHA issued a final rule delaying indefinitely the effective date of conforming amendments to 30 CFR parts 56 and 57 from the 2024 Silica Rule. The delay follows an Eighth Circuit Court order staying the 2024 rule's compliance deadlines pending judicial review. Existing standards under 30 CFR 56.5001, 56.5005, 57.5001, and 57.5005 remain in effect until the judicial stay is terminated.
ACIP Charter Renewal Notice
The CDC renewed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) charter through April 2028. This routine administrative notice confirms the committee's continued operation under its federal advisory committee mandate. No new policy requirements or compliance obligations are established.
STRATTERA Not Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness
The FDA determined that STRATTERA (atomoxetine hydrochloride) capsules at all dosage strengths (5mg through 100mg) were not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness. This determination allows generic drug manufacturers to reference this finding in abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) without providing separate safety and effectiveness data.
E2B(R3) Data Standards for Postmarketing Safety Reports
FDA issued a notice proposing updated E2B(R3) data standards for electronic submission of postmarketing individual case safety reports to the FDA Adverse Event Monitoring System. The notice introduces new regional data elements and establishes an implementation schedule. Comments are due by October 1, 2026 (180 days from publication).
Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Children, Youth, and Family Programs
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within HHS has published a proposed rule to reduce bureaucratic burden and administrative requirements for programs serving children, youth, and families. The rule aims to streamline regulations affecting child welfare, foster care, youth development, and family support programs. Public comments are being accepted through May 6, 2026.
Hazardous Waste Worker Training OMB Comment Request 42 CFR Part 65
NIH/NIEHS published a corrected notice reopening the 30-day public comment period for an information collection request regarding hazardous waste worker training under 42 CFR Part 65. The original notice was published on March 18, 2026. This correction notice extends the comment period for stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed training requirements for workers handling hazardous waste.
Notice of Public Data Asset Release Under OPEN Government Data Act
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Federal Register notice announcing the release of public data assets under the OPEN Government Data Act. This notice informs the public that CMS has made certain data assets available in compliance with federal open data requirements. The action applies to healthcare providers, researchers, and other stakeholders who utilize CMS public data.
TANF Work Participation Rate Calculation Changes
The HHS Children and Families Administration (ACF) has published a proposed rule to recalibrate the TANF work participation rate calculation, specifically modifying the caseload reduction credit methodology and prohibiting small checks in the calculation. The proposed changes would affect how states demonstrate compliance with federal work participation requirements under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Comments on the proposed rule are due by May 6, 2026.
PIC/S GMP Guide Revised Chapters 3, 5, 8 and Annex 17
PIC/S has revised Chapters 3, 5, 8 and Annex 17 of the GMP Guide (PE 009-14), aligning them with EU GMP principles and Quality Risk Management. Key changes include new cross-contamination prevention requirements in Chapters 3 and 5, updated supplier qualification requirements, and expanded quality defect evaluation expectations in Chapter 8. The revision entered into force on 1 July 2018.
Bronchostop Registered Trademark - Pharmaceutical Preparations
USPTO registered trademark TM79418696 for BRONCHOSTOP in Class 5 (pharmaceutical preparations), filed February 12, 2025. The registration covers pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations, disinfectants, and related medical products. The trademark is now active and provides the registrant exclusive rights to use the BRONCHOSTOP mark in connection with the specified goods.
Trimodulin Pharmaceutical Trademark Cancellation
USPTO cancelled trademark registration TM79222116 for "Trimodulin," covering pharmaceutical immunoglobulin preparations for treating immunological disorders and bacterial infections including severe community-acquired pneumonia. The cancellation took effect April 2, 2026. This is a routine administrative action that terminates the registered trademark.
VACSAF Trademark Registration - Chemicals and Biochemicals (Class 005)
USPTO cancelled trademark registration TM79221183 for VACSAF on April 2, 2026. The registration covered chemicals, biochemicals, and pharmaceutical preparations in Class 005 including reagents, excipients, and therapeutic preparations. The trademark is now removed from the federal register.
FDA CTP Complaint - Closed for Comments
The FDA Center for Tobacco Products filed a complaint (Docket FDA-2026-H-3161-0001) that was closed for comments on April 3, 2026. The complaint document was submitted through regulations.gov and is now archived. No documents are available for public viewing in this docket.
Justin Lachance Pharmacist Emergency Suspension
The New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy issued an emergency suspension order for pharmacist Justin Eric Lachance following evidence that he posed an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare. The license was suspended on February 18, 2026, after the Board reviewed a verified petition filed by OPLC Enforcement on February 17, 2026. A full adjudicative hearing was held on March 3, 2026, to determine whether the emergency suspension should remain in effect pending a complete investigation into potential controlled substance violations.
Louisiana Healthcare Connections Prior Authorization Audit Findings
HHS OIG completed an audit of Louisiana Healthcare Connections (LHCC), a Louisiana Medicaid managed care organization, examining 76 sampled behavioral health service denials requiring prior authorization. LHCC complied with Federal and State requirements for 64 of 76 sampled denials (84%), but 12 denials failed to meet administrative or procedural requirements, primarily missing written notices of adverse determination. OIG estimates 3,209 prior authorization denials (15.8%) during the audit period did not comply with requirements.
Houston Doctor Charged with Illegal Opioid Distribution
The DEA Houston Division announced criminal charges against a Houston doctor for allegedly illegally distributing over one million opioid pills over a four-year period. The DOJ has filed the charges, marking a significant enforcement action in the ongoing effort against opioid diversion. This case highlights continued DEA scrutiny of healthcare providers suspected of improper opioid prescribing practices.
Counterfeit Pills Public Safety Warning
DEA Chicago Division issued a public safety alert warning that counterfeit pills can be fatal. The alert advises that taking pills not prescribed by a licensed physician and dispensed from a registered pharmacy poses potentially fatal risks. The alert includes imagery comparing authentic versus counterfeit oxycodone pills.
Nashville Drug Enforcement Operation Results
DEA Louisville Division and law enforcement partners in Nashville, TN arrested 8 individuals and seized 161 lbs of methamphetamine, 4 kg of fentanyl, 10 kg of cocaine, 4.4 lbs of marijuana, .5 kg of counterfeit pills, over $700,000 in cash, and 10 firearms on April 1, 2026.