Hospital Drug Reimbursement Carve-Out Under Medicaid

CMS approved New York SPA 25-0064, effective October 1, 2025, which carves out select drugs provided in a hospital setting from inpatient payments and reimburses them separately under the state's Prescribed Drug methodology. The amendment affects Attachment 4.19-B pages 4(d)(1) and 4(d)(2) of New York's Medicaid State Plan.

Ohio Medicaid Alternative Benefit Plan Agency Name Change

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved Ohio State Plan Amendment 25-0031, which updates the Alternative Benefit Plan to reflect an agency name change. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has been renamed to the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. The amendment was approved on March 26, 2026, with an effective date of November 1, 2025.

Ohio SPA 25-0030 Approves Agency Name Change

CMS has approved Ohio State Plan Amendment (SPA) 25-0030, which amends Attachments 3.1-A and 4.19-B to reflect the administrative name change of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (MHAS) to the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). The amendment was approved on March 26, 2026, with an effective date of November 1, 2025.

Massachusetts Adult Foster Care Reimbursement Rates

CMS approved Massachusetts State Plan Amendment MA-25-0034 updating Adult Foster Care (AFC) reimbursement rates effective November 1, 2025. The amendment supersedes the previous version (24-0029) and establishes new fee-for-service rates published under Massachusetts regulations 101 CMR 351.00. All AFC providers delivering services under Massachusetts Medicaid must use the updated rates for services rendered on or after the effective date.

DOL urged to issue clearer retirement plan data privacy guidance

GAO issued report GAO-26-107271 recommending that the Department of Labor issue additional guidance clarifying acceptable uses of participant data by retirement plan service providers. GAO reviewed 31 service provider privacy disclosures and found inconsistent adoption of leading privacy practices, with most lacking consent requirements for data sharing beyond original purposes. DOL has not taken enforcement actions against retirement plans for data sharing under ERISA.

HUD-VASH Program Staffing and Referral Documentation Issues

GAO released audit findings on the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, revealing that VA did not refer approximately 174,000 eligible veterans to the program during 2020-2024, with reasons undocumented in 87% of cases. The audit identified chronic case manager staffing shortages with 20-26% annual turnover and over 20% vacancy rates at many VA medical centers. GAO made recommendations to improve documentation practices, hiring strategies, and program evaluation.

Metal fabrication company sentenced after apprentice guillotine injury

HSE prosecuted MTL Advanced Ltd for breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 after a 17-year-old apprentice suffered a crush injury when their thumb contacted a guillotine machine's clamps during apprenticeship training. The company was fined £140,000 and ordered to pay £5,013 in costs plus £2,000 Victim Surcharge at Sheffield Magistrates' Court. HSE found the company failed to identify a dangerous gap in the guillotine bed even after the incident occurred.

EBA streamlines supervisory approvals for IRB model changes

The EBA published amendments to Regulatory Technical Standards on material model changes, significantly reducing the number of changes classified as material by shifting to quantitative thresholds and limiting qualitative triggers to model redevelopments and definition of default changes. This streamlines the approval process for IRB model changes while maintaining supervisory oversight. The revised RTS align with CRR3 and are expected to accelerate IRB model approvals for EU banks.

EBA Chair Appointment - François-Louis Michaud

The European Banking Authority announced that François-Louis Michaud will take up his role as EBA Chair on 16 April 2026, following formal appointment by the Council of the European Union on 26 February 2026 and confirmation by the European Parliament on 10 March 2026. His term of office runs for five years and may be extended once. Michaud previously served as Executive Director of the EBA since September 2020.

Houstone v. Transdev Alternative Services - Civil Rights Employment

United States District Court for the Northern District of California docketed Houstone v. Transdev Alternative Services, Inc. (Case No. 3:26-cv-02274-TSH), a civil rights employment discrimination case filed on March 16, 2026. Judge Thomas S. Hixson is assigned to the case located in San Francisco. The most recent filing on March 30, 2026 was a consent/declination to proceed before a US Magistrate Judge filed by defendant Transdev Alternative Services, Inc.

Donald Siao - Bond Released to Surety

On March 30, 2026, a stipulation was filed in the Northern District of California to release $25,000 in appearance bond plus interest earned to the surety in the Donald Siao criminal case (Case No. 5:21-cr-00267-BLF-1). The filing, submitted by Daniel Olmos, represents a routine procedural step in concluding the criminal proceedings.

M.B. v. Uber Technologies, Inc. et al - Personal Injury Product Liability

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California docketed a new civil lawsuit, M.B. v. Uber Technologies, Inc. et al (Case No. 3:26-cv-02742), filed on March 30, 2026. The complaint, filed by plaintiff M.B., names Uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC, and Rasier-CA, LLC as defendants and includes a demand for jury trial. The filing fee was $405.

American Association of University Professors et al v. Trump et al - Administrative Procedure Act Challenge

The American Association of University Professors and several labor unions filed suit against President Trump and federal agencies in N.D. California (Case No. 3:25-cv-07864-RFL) on September 16, 2025, alleging unlawful cancellation of hundreds of millions in research grants to the University of California. Plaintiffs claim First Amendment violations, statutory procedure violations, Tenth Amendment anti-commandeering, separation of powers violations, Fifth Amendment Due Process violations, and arbitrary and capricious conduct under the Administrative Procedure Act. They seek an injunction and declaration that defendants' conduct is unlawful.

Clinical Investigations: Investigators' Responsibilities for Medical Devices

MHRA published guidance clarifying clinical investigators' responsibilities when conducting medical device investigations in the UK. The guidance covers submission requirements, MHRA's approval process, device labeling standards, and documentation requirements. This is informational guidance without new legal obligations.

Biological Safety Assessments for Clinical Investigations of Medical Devices

MHRA published new guidance on biological safety assessments for clinical investigations of medical devices. The guidance specifies the information MHRA expects in clinical investigation submissions to verify compliance with relevant regulations. This applies to manufacturers and sponsors conducting clinical investigations of medical devices in the UK.

Clinical investigations for electrically powered devices

MHRA published guidance on clinical investigations for electrically powered medical devices. The guidance explains additional information requirements for notifying the agency of planned clinical investigations. Sponsors and clinical investigators of electrically powered medical devices should follow these requirements when submitting notifications.

CEO Updates AML/CTF Guidance and Reforms Readiness

AUSTRAC released its December 2025 InBrief newsletter (Issue 21) featuring CEO updates on AML/CTF guidance and reforms. The newsletter announces newly released AML/CTF reforms guidance, new education resources including improved e-learning materials, and top tips for completing the 2025 compliance report (CR25). AUSTRAC also highlighted achievements including $22 million in asset seizures from financial intelligence reporting and international partnerships through the Fintel Alliance.

Refreshed SMR reference guide with clearer examples

Refreshed SMR reference guide with clearer examples

AUSTRAC Newsletter on AML/CTF Law Updates

AUSTRAC issued InBrief Issue 22 to notify reporting entities of upcoming AML/CTF law reforms, including travel rules, transitional arrangements, and AML/CTF Rule amendments. The newsletter announces a refreshed website, an updated Suspicious Matter Reporting reference guide, and links to preparation resources for newly regulated businesses. AUSTRAC also highlighted updates to global lists of high-risk jurisdictions and its role in counter-terrorism financing.

AUSTRAC Guidance on New Compulsory Examination Powers

AUSTRAC published guidance on its new compulsory examination powers under section 172A, which were introduced by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024. The guidance explains what information is included in examination notices, the examination process, the role of the examiner, legal representation rights, and how information is handled. The guidance clarifies that compulsory examinations are not routine or punitive and are used to understand money laundering risks and how businesses are managing those risks.

AML/CTF Reforms for Newly Regulated Businesses

AUSTRAC announced that new AML/CTF laws will take effect 1 July 2026, extending regulation to legal professionals, accountants, conveyancers, real estate professionals, and dealers in precious metals, stones and products. Affected businesses must enrol with AUSTRAC using new forms available from 31 March 2026. AUSTRAC has developed starter kits and resources to help newly regulated entities meet their compliance obligations.

AML/CTF Reforms for Existing Reporting Entities

AUSTRAC announces AML/CTF reforms taking effect March 31, 2026 for existing reporting entities. The reforms shift regulation from compliance-checking to substantive risk and harm-focused approach. New enrollment forms become available March 31, with enrollment updates required by May 30, 2026. AUSTRAC will take regulatory action for non-compliance.

AML/CTF Reforms Take Effect: Travel Rule and Transitional Arrangements

AUSTRAC announces finalized AML/CTF reforms effective 30 March 2026, introducing a new Customer Due Diligence (CDD) framework with a 3-year transition period ending 30 March 2029. Key deadlines include compliance officer notification by 30 May 2026 and VASP travel rule obligations deferred until 1 July 2026. The reforms apply to all reporting entities including financial institutions, remittance service providers, and virtual asset service providers.

FSOC Proposed Activities-Based Framework for Nonbank Financial Company Oversight

The Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) has issued proposed interpretive guidance that would replace its existing guidance on nonbank financial company determinations. The proposal shifts FSOC's approach from an entity-based designation methodology to an activities-based framework for identifying and addressing potential risks to U.S. financial stability. Comments are due May 14, 2026.

Extension of TSCA Section 8(d) Health and Safety Data Reporting Deadline

The EPA is proposing to extend the compliance deadline for the TSCA Section 8(d) Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule by one year, from May 21, 2026 to May 21, 2027. This extension applies to chemical manufacturers and petroleum refineries required to report health and safety data on 16 listed chemical substances under 40 CFR Part 716. The agency is seeking public comment on the proposed extension.

Channel Islands Launch European Year of the Normans 2027

The Governments of Guernsey and Jersey, in partnership with the Region of Normandy, launched their participation in the 2027 European Year of the Normans at the British Embassy in Paris on March 26, 2026. The celebration marks 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror. Over 40 projects across the Channel Islands will be organized throughout 2027, with the official programme to be launched in Caen in July.

Easter 2026 Office Closure Notice

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) has announced its Easter 2026 holiday closure schedule. The office will be closed on Good Friday 3 April and Easter Monday 6 April 2026, resuming normal hours on Tuesday 7 April. Stakeholders requiring urgent assistance during the closure period are directed to CIW's online reporting form.

K Trademark - Mental Health SaaS Services

USPTO published trademark application TM79436922 for 'K' covering mental health SaaS services including software for scheduling and managing mental health information, downloadable applications, and mental health therapy and counseling services. The application was published for opposition on March 29, 2026, opening a 30-day window during which third parties may challenge the registration.

SDI Trademark Application Published for Opposition

USPTO published SDI trademark application TM79438667 for opposition on March 29, 2026. The application covers goods in Nice Classes 9, 10, and 11, including scientific instruments, medical devices, and electronic equipment. The publication initiates a 30-day opposition period during which third parties may file objections.

Truva Trademark Application Published for Opposition

USPTO published trademark application TM79440897 for "TRUVA" in Class 044 (Medical Services) on March 29, 2026. The application covers medical services including healthcare, hearing aid fitting and repair, diagnostic services, telemedicine, and medical screening. The filing date was December 2, 2025.

Cosmy Trademark - Entertainment, Healthcare, and Communications Services

USPTO published trademark application TM79444107 for COSMY on March 29, 2026. The application covers services including entertainment and educational activities, advertising, healthcare and beauty consultancy, and telecommunications/social networking software. Third parties have a 30-day window to file oppositions.

Amendments to Treasury Buyback Operations Terms and Conditions

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service issued final amendments to Treasury buyback operations regulations, expanding direct offer submission eligibility to additional counterparties based on auction participation criteria. The rule updates certification statements for buyback participants and makes conforming changes to reflect current Treasury practices.

Cardinal Health EP Packs Type I Recall

Health Canada issued a Type I medical device recall for Cardinal Health Cardiac Electrophysiology (EP) Packs containing potentially affected Medline Namic Angiographic Control Syringes. The recall addresses a risk that the syringe rotating adaptor may unwind during use, causing loose connection or full disconnection between the syringe and manifold. Affected products include lots 479584 and 473022 with model number SAN30EP'XXX'.

Excavators from China - Absorption Review

The UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) initiated Case AR0089, an absorption review concerning self-propelled tracked excavators (11,000 kg to less than 80,000 kg operating weight) imported from China. The applicant is JCB Heavy Products Ltd. Interested parties must register and submit evidence to participate in the investigation.

Optical Detection of Middle Ear Effusion and Infection via Laser Speckle

The USPTO published patent application US20260083310A1 for an optical detection system using laser speckle imaging to diagnose middle ear effusion and infection. The system employs dual-wavelength light sources and an imaging device sized to fit within a patient's ear canal. Inventors include Claus-Peter Richter, Joaquin Cury, and Jordan Michael Villa.

Oral Health Monitoring Device

USPTO published Colgate-Palmolive Company's patent application US20260083311A1 for an oral health monitoring device. The device incorporates wing structures with dual image sensors enabling simultaneous imaging of multiple tooth surfaces. The application was filed August 28, 2023 and granted A1 publication status on March 26, 2026.

Split Overtube Prevents Loop Formation During Colonoscopy

USPTO published patent application US20260083313A1 for a split overtube device designed to prevent loop formation during colonoscopy. The device features a longitudinal split allowing placement over an endoscope shaft during an ongoing procedure. Invented by Rafal Sadurski, the overtube uses segmented oval openings and a fastening mechanism to create a semi-rigid conduit that translates axial force into forward endoscope movement without dangerous loop formation.

White-Light Source and Intraocular Illumination Device

USPTO published patent application US20260083316A1 for a white-light source and intraocular illumination device with controllable spectral composition. The invention combines multiple light sources (blue, green, red spectral ranges) including laser-activated remote phosphor (LARP) technology for fiber-based intraocular illumination in surgical applications. Application No. 19109457 was filed April 28, 2023, by inventors Doubek, Masini, and Neis.

Visual Field Testing Method and Device

The USPTO published patent application US20260083318A1 for a visual field testing method and device. The invention, filed July 23, 2025, describes a method using display equipment with a detection interface where central and peripheral targets are presented according to preset strategies, with subject responses determining testing results. This affects medical device manufacturers developing diagnostic ophthalmic equipment.

Glaucoma visual field diagnosis head-mounted display

USPTO published patent application US20260083319A1 for a head-mounted display system implementing adaptive map perimetry for glaucoma visual field diagnosis and monitoring. The system includes a headset device with a display screen, adaptive algorithm, normative database, and spatial mapping to identify damaged visual field clusters. Inventors: Lama Al-Aswad, Iván Marín-Franch, Nicholas Neissa.

Administrative Judicial Review Dismissed - Licence Refusal Appeal

The Federal Court of Australia dismissed an application for judicial review brought by JGW25 challenging a decision to refuse a licence under s 19AP of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). The applicant raised grounds including constructive failure to exercise jurisdiction, legal unreasonableness, reliance on erroneous information, and failure to consider relevant matters. The Court ordered the applicant to pay the respondent's costs.

Mastercard Asia/Pacific v ACCC - Implied Waiver of Legal Privilege

The Federal Court of Australia Full Court in Mastercard Asia/Pacific v ACCC [2026] FCAFC 37 upheld that implied waiver of legal professional privilege is not limited to express assertions about privileged communications. The Court affirmed that waiver can arise from conduct opening the subject-matter to scrutiny, including the filing of affidavits asserting non-competitive purposes, even before they are read into evidence. This judgment clarifies privilege law applicable to ACCC competition proceedings.

Court orders meeting for Diversified United Investment scheme of arrangement

The Federal Court of Australia ordered a meeting to be convened for the scheme of arrangement involving Diversified United Investment Limited (ACN 006 713 177) as plaintiff and Australian United Investment Company Limited (ACN 004 268 679) as interested person. The court was satisfied that ASIC was given adequate notice and opportunity to review the proposed scheme and draft explanatory statement.

Non-opposition to EPH/TTE/EFG concentration (Case M.12302)

The European Commission issued a non-opposition decision for Case M.12302 involving EPH, TTE, and EFG. The notified concentration was cleared without commitments or further investigation, indicating the Commission found no competition concerns. This is a standard Phase I merger clearance under EU competition rules.

Spain CISAF: Catalonia Zero-Emission Manufacturing Aid Scheme

The European Commission approved Spain's request for a €50 million state aid scheme under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) to support zero-emission manufacturing in Catalonia. The aid will be administered as direct grants through non-competitive open calls by the Catalan Directorate General of Industry, with eligible manufacturers able to apply until 31 December 2030.

JLL and PIF acquire joint control of FMTECH

The European Commission received a merger notification (M.12358) under Council Regulation No. 139/2004 for JLL Co-Investment and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) to acquire joint control of FMTech, a Saudi facilities management company currently solely controlled by PIF. JLL is a Chicago-based global commercial real estate and investment management company.

EU merger notification JLL/PIF/FMTECH simplified procedure

The European Commission published a prior notification of a concentration in Case M.12358 involving JLL, PIF, and FMTECH. The transaction has been identified as a candidate for the simplified merger procedure, which applies to straightforward cases unlikely to raise competition concerns. This notice invites third parties with comparable interests to submit observations on the proposed concentration.

JLL / PIF / FMTECH Merger - Phase I Clearance

The European Commission cleared the JLL/PIF/FMTECH merger under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation. The Phase I decision was adopted on 27 March 2026, with the parties notified on 4 March 2026. The concentration involves combined facilities support activities (NACE O.81.10) and was cleared without conditions or remedies.

JLL/PIF/FMTECH Merger Approved

The European Commission approved the acquisition of joint control over Saudi Facility Management Company (FMTech) by Jones Lang Lasalle Co-Investment (US) and the Public Investment Fund (Saudi Arabia). The transaction was reviewed under the simplified merger procedure and declared compatible with the internal market and EEA Agreement. No concerns were raised regarding competition.

Appointment of François-Louis Michaud as EBA Chairperson

The Council of the European Union formally appointed François-Louis Michaud as chairperson of the European Banking Authority (EBA) for a five-year term starting 16 April 2026. The appointment was made following the EBA board of supervisors shortlisting two candidates, interviews in January 2026, and confirmation by the European Parliament on 10 March 2026. The appointment may be extended once upon completion of the initial term.