HHS and CMS Announce Healthcare Advisory Committee Members

HHS and CMS have announced the members of the new Healthcare Advisory Committee, a federal advisory body composed of healthcare leaders. The committee will provide non-binding recommendations to improve and modernize U.S. healthcare financing and delivery across Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs.

PCAOB Publishes Inspection Reports for Deloitte, KPMG, and Others

The PCAOB has published three new inspection reports for Deloitte Accountants B.V. (Netherlands), KPMG (Ireland), and Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC. Additionally, an expanded report for R&A CPAs PLLC was made public due to unaddressed quality control issues. These reports are part of the PCAOB's ongoing oversight of public company audits.

PCAOB Meeting to Consider Request for Public Comment on Strategic Priorities

The PCAOB will hold an open meeting on March 31, 2026, to consider issuing a request for public comment on its strategic priorities for 2026-2030. Feedback will inform the development of the PCAOB's strategic plan and standard-setting initiatives.

BCSC Halts Trading in Noveris Health Sciences Inc. Securities

The BC Securities Commission (BCSC) has halted trading in Noveris Health Sciences Inc. securities until April 16, 2026. The order was issued due to unexplained trading volume and price fluctuations, discrepancies between offering documents and financial statements, and misleading promotional articles.

PSR Plans Card Fees, Fraud, and Payments Reform for 2026/27

The UK's Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has outlined its 2026/27 work programme, focusing on reducing high card fees, enhancing APP fraud protections, and fostering innovation in payments. Key initiatives include implementing remedies for weak competition in card fees and continuing efforts against Authorised Push Payment fraud.

FRC Launches Audit Policy Consultations

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has launched two consultations seeking stakeholder feedback on UK audit policy. One focuses on the International Standard for Auditing for Less Complex Entities (ISA for LCE), and the other proposes revisions to ISA (UK) 250 and ISA (UK) 270. The FRC is gathering views to inform its engagement with international standard-setters and refine domestic auditing standards.

Rescinds NHLBI Supplement to NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has rescinded its supplement to the NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing (NOT-HL-23-070). Applicants should now refer to updated guidance (NOT-OD-26-046) for Data Management and Sharing Plan information.

NHLBI Participation in NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (R21)

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) announced its participation in the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) program, PA-25-304. This participation is effective for application due dates on or after May 8, 2026.

H.R. 2148 Veteran Caregiver Act Cost Estimate

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that H.R. 2148, the Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment and Retirement Act, will cost approximately $102 million. The estimate was ordered reported by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

OIG Report: Part B Drug Payments Included Noncovered Self-Administered Versions, Increasing Costs

An HHS OIG report found that Medicare Part B payment amounts for the drug Omvoh included noncovered self-administered versions in 2024, increasing costs. Excluding these versions would have saved Part B and its enrollees an estimated $1,742 per vial in the fourth quarter of 2024. The report also noted that CMS's prior removal of noncovered self-administered versions for five other drugs saved $1.3 billion from 2023 through 2024.