National Public Health Week Celebration

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) announced the celebration of National Public Health Week from April 6-12. The agency will spotlight various health services through social media and its website, including perinatal services, adult health, vital records, WIC, communicable disease prevention, and the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program. This is an informational observance recognizing public health professionals across government, business, and nonprofit sectors.

Idaho Power Seeks CPCNs for South Hills and Peregrine Power Plants

Idaho Power Company filed an application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission requesting Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for two natural gas power plants: South Hills (222 MW, targeting June 2029) and Peregrine (430 MW, targeting June 2030). The company also seeks an associated accounting order for Allowance for Funds Used During Construction. Interested parties have until May 6, 2026 to intervene in the proceeding.

IIPA and Micron Granted Intervention Status in Idaho Power Case

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission granted intervention status to the Idaho Irrigation Pumpers Association (IIPA) and Micron Technology, Inc. in Case No. IPC-E-26-04, concerning Idaho Power Company's application for certificates of public convenience and necessity for the South Hills and Peregrine Power Plants. Both petitions were granted without opposition. The intervenors must comply with Commission Rules 71-75 and 222-223, and all parties must serve documents on all parties of record.

Estate of Angela Elaine Nowell - Estate Administration Dispute

The Court of Appeals of Washington, Division One affirmed the superior court's order denying Deborah Osborne's motion to vacate the appointment of El-Fatih Paul Nowell as administrator of his deceased wife's estate. The appellate court rejected Osborne's venue argument, holding that the Pierce County Superior Court properly appointed Nowell as administrator despite Osborne's competing petition filed in King County.

Public Data Asset Release Under OPEN Government Data Act

CMS announced the release of seven public data assets containing Original Medicare utilization and payment data aggregated by provider and service, including physician services, inpatient/outpatient hospitals, Part D prescribers, DMEPOS, and Medicaid provider spending. The datasets are released in open, machine-readable formats under an open license pursuant to the OPEN Government Data Act. CMS evaluated privacy protections under HIPAA, 21st Century Cures Act, and 42 CFR Part 2, determining the data has been de-identified and appropriately limited to mitigate re-identification risk.

CMS PRA Information Collection Request - Annual EPSDT Participation Report

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) notice inviting public comment on the revision of Form CMS-416, the Annual Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) Participation Report. The notice summarizes the proposed data collection to assess state effectiveness in providing child health screening and treatment services to Medicaid-eligible children. Comments must be submitted to the OMB desk officer by May 6, 2026.

PRA Notice - Skilled Nursing Facility Physician Certification Information Collection

CMS published a 60-day notice under the Paperwork Reduction Act requesting public comment on an information collection related to physician certifications and recertifications in skilled nursing facilities under Section 1814(a) of the Social Security Act. The notice includes burden estimates and invites comments on the necessity, utility, and accuracy of the proposed information collection. Comments must be received by June 5, 2026.

WISeR Model Prior Authorization Technical Correction

CMS issued a correction notice correcting typographical and technical errors in the July 1, 2025 Federal Register notice regarding the WISeR (Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction) Model prior authorization requirements. The corrections refine the lists of Local Coverage Determination (LCD) codes for specific services including Epidural Steroid Injections, Vertebral Compression Fracture procedures, Fusion surgeries, and Sleep Apnea treatments. The corrections are effective April 6, 2026, with applicability to WISeR items and services implemented on January 1, 2026.

WISeR Prior Authorization Implementation Delay

CMS issued a notice delaying implementation of prior authorization requirements for two services under the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) 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 is postponed until a future date to be announced. This is a routine administrative delay to allow additional time for operational readiness.

Hospice Wage Index and Payment Update for FY2027

CMS has issued a proposed rule updating the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for Fiscal Year 2027. The proposed rule would require hospices to provide the hospice election statement addendum to all Medicare beneficiaries at the time of hospice election. Comments are due by June 1, 2026.