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HRSA Health Centers Served Record 32.4 Million Patients in 2024

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that HRSA-funded health centers served a record 32.4 million patients in 2024. The data highlights quality improvements and recognizes nearly 1,000 health centers with Community Health Quality Recognition badges.

South Dakota Medicaid SUD/IMD Template and Provider List Updates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved South Dakota's Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) 25-0015. This amendment updates the Substance Use Disorders/Institutions for Mental Diseases template and revises the provider list for school-based direct services and administrative claiming.

North Dakota Medicaid State Plan Amendment Approval

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved North Dakota's State Plan Amendment (SPA) 26-0008 on March 10, 2026. This amendment updates the designee responsible for State Plan submissions. The SPA was effective January 5, 2026.

Medicare Transmittals and Updates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued several transmittals and updates for Medicare in late December 2023. These documents provide guidance on coding, payment systems, and policy clarifications for healthcare providers. Key updates include changes to ICD-10, IVIG items, ACO REACH model APIs, and the ASC payment system.

Kidney Transplant Patient Selection Criteria and Waitlist Outcomes Report

The HHS Office of Inspector General has completed a report on patient selection criteria for kidney transplants and waitlist outcomes. The report found that half of patients evaluated for a kidney transplant in 2023 were not added to the waitlist, with psychosocial criteria being a common reason for denial.

HHS Agencies' Drug Control Funds Review Completed

The HHS Office of Inspector General has completed its mandatory review of HHS agencies' annual accounting of National Drug Control Program funds for fiscal year 2025. The review, which assessed compliance with ONDCP circular requirements, found no material modifications needed for the CDC and FDA reports.

Kazakhstan Youth Leadership Camp for FLEX Alternates

The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan announced an open competition for a youth leadership camp in summer 2026, targeting FLEX program alternates. The camp will focus on entrepreneurship and job skills, aiming to deepen participants' understanding of American values and equip them for future leadership roles.

US Embassy Paraguay Funding for Alumni Initiatives

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy in Paraguay has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for alumni initiatives celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for grants up to $35,000 to support projects amplifying alumni voices and highlighting American leadership.

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Program FY 2026

The U.S. Mission to North Macedonia is announcing the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Program for FY 2026. This program provides funding for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to implement innovative public service projects that support U.S. foreign policy objectives and benefit local communities, with a special focus on celebrating America250.

Joint Commission, STS, ACC Partner for New Cardiac Certification

The Joint Commission has partnered with The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to launch a new cardiac care certification. This certification will leverage existing clinical data from STS and ACC patient registries, aiming to reduce the burden on healthcare organizations while focusing on patient outcomes.