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.

FY2027 IRF Prospective Payment Rate Updates and Policy Changes

CMS proposes updates to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) prospective payment rates for Federal fiscal year 2027, including the third year of rural adjustment phaseout. The proposed rule includes new requirements for therapy initiation timing (within 36 hours of admission), functional status documentation on preadmission screenings, and interdisciplinary team meeting requirements. Comments are due June 1, 2026.

Medicare Advantage and Part D Drug Benefit Changes

CMS issued a final rule effective June 1, 2026 (applicable to coverage beginning January 1, 2027) implementing Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Part D, and Medicare cost plan changes. The rule codifies Inflation Reduction Act section 11201 changes to Part D benefit design, including new coverage phases, out-of-pocket thresholds, and the Manufacturer Discount Program replacing the Coverage Gap Discount Program.

Shaun Forslund Engineer Certification Appeal

Federal Railroad Administration received an appeal from Shaun Forslund regarding an engineer certification determination. The appeal includes supporting documentation: Letter of Findings dated December 5, 2025, and transcript/exhibits from a hearing on November 5, 2025. This represents an individual challenge to FRA certification requirements.

SACC Membership Candidates Public Comment Opening

EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs and Toxic Substances has opened public comment on candidates for the Scientific Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). The memo seeks stakeholder input on proposed members before final appointments. Comments are due April 21.

National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit

The SBA and America's SBDC announced the National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit, scheduled for May 5-6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. The free online event will offer educational workshops on topics including manufacturing, digital marketing, HR, AI, and business planning, along with networking opportunities and information on federal small business resources. Registration is required at cntvhybrid.com/nsbw2026.

LaunchPADLansio Exhibition Tender

Wrexham University issued a tender notice for the design, fabrication and installation of the LaunchPADLansio under 5s exhibition at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre. The notice corrects the total contract value to £291,500 ex VAT (£350,000 inc. VAT). Bids must be submitted by 4 May 2026.