Minnesota Medicaid SPA 25-0036: MAT Services Recovery Peers

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Minnesota's State Plan Amendment (SPA) 25-0036, effective October 1, 2025. This amendment removes the end date for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services and adds recovery peers and treatment coordinators as qualified providers.

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.

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.

Medicare Transmittals: Policy Changes and Coverage Updates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued several transmittals in late 2024 detailing policy changes and coverage updates for Medicare. These updates affect various aspects of Medicare benefits, billing, and claims processing, with implementation dates extending into 2025.

2025 Medicare Transmittals and Implementation Dates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its 2025 transmittals, detailing updates and implementation dates for various Medicare programs. These documents outline changes to payment systems, data reporting, and operational procedures for healthcare providers.

Medicare Policy Updates and Coding Changes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued several transmittals detailing policy updates and coding changes for Medicare in 2026. These updates cover various areas including the Review Choice Demonstration, SSI/Medicare beneficiary data, preventive services, error rate testing, and specific payment systems. The implementation dates for these changes range from April to May 2026.

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.

Medicaid Applied Behavior Analysis Audits for Children with Autism

The HHS Office of Inspector General announced a series of audits of Medicaid Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children with autism. These audits aim to determine if state Medicaid agencies' payments complied with federal and state requirements, following identification of questionable billing patterns.

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.

Hospital Billing Requirements Review for Overpayment Risk

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a review series focused on hospital billing requirements to identify overpayment risks. A completed project for Sarasota Memorial Hospital identified at least $12.1 million in Medicare overpayments due to non-compliance with billing requirements.

Medicare Advantage Risk-Adjustment Data - Documentation Review

The HHS OIG announced a series of projects to review documentation supporting diagnosis codes submitted by Medicare Advantage organizations to CMS. CMS estimates 9.5% of payments to MA organizations are improper due to unsupported diagnoses.

NOAA Seeks 5-Year Cooperative Agreement for Ocean Mapping

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking proposals for a 5-year cooperative agreement to advance ocean and coastal mapping. The anticipated funding is approximately $8.5 million over five years, with $1.6 million expected in FY 2026.

OJJDP FY 2026 Child ID Kits Grant Opportunity

The Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has announced a FY 2026 grant opportunity to fund the purchase and distribution of child identification kits. The total award amount is $10,000,000, with applications due by March 19, 2026.

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.

U.S. Embassy Bratislava AEIF 2026 Alumni Innovation Fund

The U.S. Embassy Bratislava Public Affairs Section has announced the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). This program seeks proposals from teams of at least two alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs to implement projects supporting U.S. policy objectives, with a maximum award of $35,000.

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.

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.

NSLDS User Guide and Record Layouts Updated

The U.S. Department of Education has updated the NSLDS Transfer Student Monitoring & Financial Aid History User Guide and Record Layouts, effective March 12, 2026. These updates, which will be implemented in late April 2026, include changes to file layouts and a new alert for loan limit exceptions, supporting the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

ESMA Guidelines on UCITS and AIFs Liquidity Management Tools

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued new guidelines on liquidity management tools for UCITS and open-ended AIFs. These guidelines aim to enhance investor protection and market stability by providing a common framework for managing fund liquidity.

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.

Joint Commission Launches Accreditation 360 for Healthcare Accreditation

The Joint Commission has launched Accreditation 360, a new approach to healthcare accreditation and certification. This initiative aims to simplify processes, reduce burden by removing over 700 requirements, and enhance patient safety through outcome-based measures and data analytics.

Joint Commission Launches Children's Health Strategy and Revises Standards

The Joint Commission has launched a new children's health strategy and is revising its accreditation and certification standards to better address the unique needs of pediatric patients. This initiative involves forming a Children's Healthcare Advisory Committee to guide the revisions.

NAHQ, Joint Commission Launch Accreditation Micro-Credential

The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) and Joint Commission have launched a new Regulatory & Accreditation (R&A) Micro-Credential. This program aims to equip healthcare quality professionals with practical skills for survey readiness and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Joint Commission and NQF Align Sentinel Event Lists

The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum (NQF) have aligned their lists of serious reportable events, also known as sentinel events. This alignment aims to standardize reporting and improve patient safety initiatives within healthcare organizations accredited by The Joint Commission.

ICH Q1A(R2) Stability Testing Guideline Finalized

The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) has finalized its Q1A(R2) guideline on stability testing of new drug substances and products. This revised guideline, effective February 6, 2003, provides updated recommendations for stability testing protocols across different climatic zones.

ICH Guidelines Overview

The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) provides guidelines across quality, safety, efficacy, and multidisciplinary areas. These guidelines aim to harmonize technical requirements for pharmaceutical registration globally.

Public Consultations on Drug Development Guidelines

The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) is seeking public input on proposed guidelines related to drug development standards. This consultation aims to gather feedback on new and revised guidelines before their finalization.

PCAOB Censure and $50,000 Fine for Fruci & Associates II, PLLC

The PCAOB has censured Fruci & Associates II, PLLC, imposed a $50,000 civil penalty, and mandated remedial actions. The sanctions stem from findings that the firm violated PCAOB rules and quality control standards in audits of issuers like Clean Vision Corp. and Hammer Fiber Optics Holdings Corp.

PCAOB Censure and Registration Revocation of Zwick CPA, PLLC

The PCAOB has censured Zwick CPA, PLLC and its principal, Jack Zwick, revoked the firm's registration, and barred Zwick from the profession. The firm and Zwick were jointly and severally fined $50,000 for violations of PCAOB rules and standards in an audit of an issuer client.

PCAOB Bars Scott Reams, Fines $35,000, Allows Petition After Two Years

The PCAOB has granted Scott Reams' petition to terminate a bar imposed in December 2022, which included a $35,000 fine. Reams was found to have violated PCAOB rules in an audit engagement. The PCAOB has now consented to his association with a registered public accounting firm, subject to certain supervision requirements.

PCAOB Censure and Bar of Jeffrey Hoskow

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has censured Jeffrey Hoskow and barred him from being an associated person of a registered public accounting firm. The sanctions stem from violations of PCAOB rules and standards concerning audit documentation.

PCAOB Grants Petition to Terminate Bar for Brandon R. Keyes

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has granted Brandon R. Keyes' petition to terminate a bar imposed in December 2022. Keyes, previously barred and fined $35,000 for audit deficiencies, is now permitted to associate with a registered public accounting firm, Richey May & Co., LLP, under specific supervision requirements.

IRS Contingency Plan During Government Shutdown

The IRS released an updated Contingency Plan on January 15, 2019, recalling 57.4% of its employees to work during the government shutdown to ensure tax refunds are processed. The tax filing season will start on time on January 28, and the filing deadline remains unchanged.

AICPA Proposes Updates to Tax Services Standards

The AICPA is proposing updates to its Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTSs), affecting approximately 665,000 U.S. accountants. The proposed changes include revised guidance on data protection, reliance on digital tools, and tax representation services. The comment period closes on December 31.

Guidance on Mitigating Risks of Remote Audits

The AICPA & CIMA Insights Blog published an article discussing the risks associated with remote audits and proposing a hybrid approach to mitigate these challenges. The guidance aims to help auditors and clients navigate the complexities of remote auditing effectively.

FASB Standard Impacts Construction Revenue Recognition

The Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) new revenue standard, effective for nonpublic entities in 2019, significantly impacts revenue recognition for the construction industry. The AICPA provides resources to help construction firms navigate these changes, focusing on 10 key considerations.

PCI SSC Meeting Advances Payment Security and AI Guidance

The PCI Security Standards Council held its North America Community Meeting, focusing on advancing payment security and launching AI guidance. The event brought together over 1,200 stakeholders to discuss evolving standards, best practices for AI in payments, and cross-industry collaboration.

PCI SSC Asia-Pacific Community Meeting on Payment Security

The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) is hosting its annual Asia-Pacific Community Meeting in Bangkok on November 5-6, 2025. The event will bring together payment security experts to discuss evolving threats, new technologies, and best practices for preventing cyberattacks and fraud in the region.

PCI SSC Establishes India-South Asia Regional Engagement Board

The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) has established its first Regional Engagement Board (REB) for the India and South Asia region, effective for 2025-2026. The board comprises 27 organizations from the payment industry to advise on payment security issues and promote awareness of PCI SSC standards.

PCI Security Standards Council Publishes Inaugural Annual Report

The PCI Security Standards Council has released its first-ever Annual Report, detailing progress in payment security during 2025 and outlining its vision for 2026. The report highlights advancements in standards, global collaboration, and the adoption of a product-led operating model.

AEP Ohio Transmission Line Rebuild Hearing

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has scheduled an adjudicatory hearing for AEP Ohio Transmission Company, Inc.'s Elliott-Lee 138 kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project. The hearing will take place on March 16, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, to allow parties to present evidence regarding the application.

OFAC Issues Russia-related General License 134 on Crude Oil

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued Russia-related General License 134, authorizing the delivery and sale of crude oil and petroleum products of Russian Federation origin loaded on vessels as of March 12, 2026. This license provides specific exceptions to sanctions for certain oil transactions.

Maine Privacy Bill Advances, Oregon AI Chatbot Bill Clears Legislature

Maine's legislature has advanced a comprehensive privacy bill, the Maine Online Data Privacy Act, through both chambers. Oregon's Senate Bill 1546, an AI chatbot safety bill, has also cleared its state legislature and is heading to the governor. Both bills represent significant state-level regulatory developments.

US House Committee Advances KIDS Act and Other Online Safety Bills

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced the KIDS Act, Sammy's Law, and the App Store Accountability Act to a full House vote. These bills aim to enhance children's online safety by addressing issues like dangerous content, age verification, and app store policies.

EU AI Act Omnibus: New Compliance Deadlines and Deepfake Ban

Members of the European Parliament have reached a preliminary agreement on amendments to the EU AI Act, including extended compliance deadlines for high-risk systems and a ban on non-consensual deepfakes. The agreement aims to provide legal certainty and allow more time for technical standards and guidance development.

AI Training Compliance Guidance Post-SRB Ruling

This guidance analyzes the impact of the EU Court of Justice's Single Resolution Board ruling on AI training compliance for engineers. It outlines two pathways for compliance, emphasizing engineering choices in defining identifiability and data protection.

South Korea Overhauls PIPA with 10% Turnover Fines and CEO Accountability

South Korea has significantly amended its Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), introducing fines up to 10% of total turnover and assigning direct supervisory liability to CEOs. These changes, effective September 11, 2026, aim to strengthen deterrence and promote proactive data protection investment.

HITRUST CSF v11.6 Assessment Creation Deadline

HITRUST has announced deadlines for creating and submitting e1 and i1 assessments using CSF v11.6.0. The ability to create new assessments using v11.6.0 will be disabled on March 31, 2026, and submission will be disabled on June 30, 2026.

HITRUST CSF v11.6 Assessment Creation Deadline

HITRUST has announced that effective August 22, 2025, all new e1 and i1 assessments must be created using CSF v11.6.0. Existing assessments using v11.5.1 can still be submitted, with a future deadline to be announced.

HITRUST CSF v11.7.0 Release Notes

HITRUST has released version 11.7.0 of its Common Security Framework (CSF), effective December 18, 2025. This update includes new authoritative sources, consolidation of requirement statements, and modifications to the e1 and i1 assessment baselines.