{"description":"Documents matching 'flexible approach obviousness determination guidance'","count":2258,"total_pages":50,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=flexible+approach+obviousness+determination+guidance&format=json&page=2","results":[{"title":"Updated Guidance for Making a Proper Determination of Obviousness","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is publishing this updated guidance to provide a review of the flexible approach to determining obviousness that is required by KSR Int'l Co. v. Teleflex Inc. (KSR). The focus of this document is on post-KSR precedential cases of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit), to provide further clarification for decision-makers on how the Supreme Court's directives should be applied. While highlighting the requirement for a flexible approach to the obviousness determination, this updated guidance also emphasizes the need for a reasoned explanation when reaching a conclusion that a claimed invention would have been obvious. This updated guidance, together with the direction provided in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), serves as operable guidance for USPTO personnel when applying the law of obviousness.","document_number":"2024-03967","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/27/2024-03967/updated-guidance-for-making-a-proper-determination-of-obviousness","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-27/pdf/2024-03967.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-03967.pdf?1708955127","publication_date":"2024-02-27","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"publishing this updated <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> to provide a review of the <span class=\"match\">flexible</span> <span class=\"match\">approach</span> to determining <span class=\"match\">obviousness</span> that is required by \n KSR Int'l Co. \n v. \n Teleflex Inc. \n (\n KSR \n ). The focus of this document is on post-\n KSR \n precedential cases of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit), to provide further clarification for decision-makers on how the Supreme Court's directives should be applied. While highlighting the requirement for a <span class=\"match\">flexible</span> <span class=\"match\">approach</span> to the <span class=\"match\">obviousness</span> <span class=\"match\">determination</span>, this updated <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> also emphasizes"},{"title":"Guidance on Multimodal State Freight Plans and State Freight Advisory Committees","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act included a provision requiring each State that receives funding under the National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) to develop a State Freight Plan (the Plan) that provides a comprehensive approach for the immediate and long-range planning activities and investments of the State with respect to freight, and meets all the required plan contents listed in the Act. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) added several new required elements and updated procedures for State Freight Plans. This guidance document updates and replaces the prior guidance on State Freight Plans and State Freight Advisory Committees issued on January 12, 2023. It also updates the guidance to be consistent with recent Executive Orders issued by President Trump and DOT Orders issued by Secretary Duffy. Except for any requirements specified in the statutes cited in the guidance document, the contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and do not bind the public in any way. The contents will not be relied upon by the Department as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement action or other administrative penalty. Conformity with any recommendations in this guidance document, as distinct from statutory requirements, is voluntary only, and nonconformity will not affect rights and obligations under existing statutes.","document_number":"2026-03648","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/24/2026-03648/guidance-on-multimodal-state-freight-plans-and-state-freight-advisory-committees","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-24/pdf/2026-03648.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-03648.pdf?1771854314","publication_date":"2026-02-24","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"}],"excerpts":"elements and updated procedures for State Freight Plans. This <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> document updates and replaces the prior <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> on State Freight Plans and State Freight Advisory Committees issued on January 12, 2023. It also updates the <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> to be consistent with recent Executive Orders issued by President Trump and DOT Orders issued by Secretary Duffy. Except for any requirements specified in the statutes cited in the <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> document, the contents of this <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> document do not have the force and effect of law and do not bind the public in any way. The"},{"title":"Pipeline Safety: Clarifying Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Integrity Management Guidance","type":"Rule","abstract":"This DFR makes corrections and clarifications to certain guidance for implementing an integrity management program on hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines.","document_number":"2026-08074","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/24/2026-08074/pipeline-safety-clarifying-hazardous-liquid-pipeline-integrity-management-guidance","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-24/pdf/2026-08074.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-08074.pdf?1776948323","publication_date":"2026-04-24","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","id":408,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/408","parent_id":492,"slug":"pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"(82 FR 45750 (Oct. 2, 2017)), stakeholders raised concerns with the <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> for considering the possibility of spilled product migrating via drainage tiles when determining whether a pipeline crossing an agricultural field could affect an HCA. In the same comment, stakeholders suggested that the <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> to consider physical support, operating pressure, and natural forces that are currently listed in the <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> for identifying HCAs should instead be listed with the <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> for identifying threats to pipeline integrity. \n In the 2020 NPRM, PHMSA"},{"title":"Prediction Markets; Public Interest Determinations","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Commission or CFTC) is proposing amendments to its rules concerning event contract derivatives. The markets for these event contracts are commonly referred to as \"prediction markets.\" In particular, the Commission is proposing amendments to further specify the types of event contracts that may be subject to a determination that they are contrary to the public interest, such that they may not be listed for trading or accepted for clearing on or through a CFTC-registered entity, as provided in the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). The proposed amendments set out factors the Commission would apply in that determination and conform the process by which the determination would be made to the CEA. The Commission also is proposing amendments to the procedure for the Commission's determination to enhance clarity and organization, as well as a definition of the term \"gaming\" and a rule regarding when event contracts \"involve\" an underlying activity.","document_number":"2026-11854","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/12/2026-11854/prediction-markets-public-interest-determinations","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-12/pdf/2026-11854.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-11854.pdf?1781181917","publication_date":"2026-06-12","agencies":[{"raw_name":"COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION","name":"Commodity Futures Trading Commission","id":77,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commodity-futures-trading-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/77","parent_id":null,"slug":"commodity-futures-trading-commission"}],"excerpts":"categorical <span class=\"match\">determinations</span> does not leave market participants without <span class=\"match\">guidance</span>. Although the Commission's <span class=\"match\">determinations</span> would apply only to the event contracts before it, the Commission's reasoning in prior <span class=\"match\">determinations</span> would inform its analysis of substantially similar event contracts. Consistent with ordinary principles of reasoned decision-making, the Commission would treat like event contracts alike and would explain any departure from its prior analysis. Prediction markets could thus look to the Commission's published <span class=\"match\">determinations</span> to anticipate"},{"title":"Modernizing H-1B Requirements, Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers","type":"Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is issuing this final rule to modernize and improve the efficiency of the H-1B program, add benefits and flexibilities, and improve integrity measures. These provisions mainly amend the regulations governing H-1B specialty occupation workers, although some of the provisions narrowly impact other nonimmigrant classifications, including: H-2, H-3, F-1, L-1, O, P, Q-1, R-1, E-3, and TN.","document_number":"2024-29354","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/18/2024-29354/modernizing-h-1b-requirements-providing-flexibility-in-the-f-1-program-and-program-improvements","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-18/pdf/2024-29354.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-29354.pdf?1734443141","publication_date":"2024-12-18","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY","name":"Homeland Security Department","id":227,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/homeland-security-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/227","parent_id":null,"slug":"homeland-security-department"}],"excerpts":"review, USCIS officers consult DOL's published <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> and other publicly available sources referenced in DOL's prevailing wage <span class=\"match\">determination</span> policy <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> \n 132 \n \n to determine what occupation and corresponding prevailing wage DOL certified so that USCIS can determine whether the information on the LCA is consistent with the information in the petition; however, USCIS officers would not question whether DOL properly certified the LCA.\n \n \n \n 132 \n  \n See \n “Prevailing Wage <span class=\"match\">Determination</span> Policy <span class=\"match\">Guidance</span>,” Employment and Training Administration, Dept"},{"title":"Request for Comments Regarding the Impact of the Proliferation of Artificial Intelligence on Prior Art, the Knowledge of a Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art, and Determinations of Patentability Made in View of the Foregoing","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) seeks public comments regarding the impact of the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) on prior art, the knowledge of a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA), and determinations of patentability made in view of the foregoing. The increasing power and deployment of AI has the potential to provide tremendous societal and economic benefits and foster a new wave of innovation and creativity while also posing novel challenges and opportunities for intellectual property (IP) policy. Through the AI and Emerging Technologies Partnership (AI/ET Partnership), the USPTO has been actively engaging with the innovation community and AI experts on IP policy in view of AI. To build on these efforts, the USPTO is requesting written public comments on how the proliferation of AI could affect certain evaluations made by the Office, including what qualifies as prior art, the assessment of the level of skill of a PHOSITA, and determinations of patentability made in view of these evaluations. The USPTO expects that the responses received will help the Office evaluate the need for further guidance on these matters, aid in the development of any such guidance, and help inform the USPTO's work in the courts and in providing technical advice to Congress.","document_number":"2024-08969","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/30/2024-08969/request-for-comments-regarding-the-impact-of-the-proliferation-of-artificial-intelligence-on-prior","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-30/pdf/2024-08969.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-08969.pdf?1714398255","publication_date":"2024-04-30","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"commenters indicated that the USPTO should investigate how AI impacts <span class=\"match\">obviousness</span> <span class=\"match\">determinations</span> and the PHOSITA assessment.\n 17 \n \n For example, some commenters stated that an invention developed with the use of AI should not render that invention <span class=\"match\">obvious</span> or more likely to be <span class=\"match\">obvious</span>.\n 18 \n \n Conversely, other commenters indicated that AI contributions to an invention should be \n per se \n <span class=\"match\">obvious</span> or that the AI contribution should have a rebuttable presumption of <span class=\"match\">obviousness</span>.\n 19 \n \n Commenters also indicated that AI has the potential to generate"},{"title":"Terminal Disclaimer Practice To Obviate Nonstatutory Double Patenting","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The USPTO proposes to amend the rules of practice to add a new requirement for an acceptable terminal disclaimer that is filed to obviate (that is, overcome) nonstatutory double patenting. The proposed rule change would require terminal disclaimers filed to obviate nonstatutory double patenting to include an agreement by the disclaimant that the patent in which the terminal disclaimer is filed, or any patent granted on an application in which a terminal disclaimer is filed, will be enforceable only if the patent is not tied and has never been tied directly or indirectly to a patent by one or more terminal disclaimers filed to obviate nonstatutory double patenting in which: any claim has been finally held unpatentable or invalid as anticipated or obvious by a Federal court in a civil action or by the USPTO, and all appeal rights have been exhausted; or a statutory disclaimer of a claim is filed after any challenge based on anticipation or obviousness to that claim has been made. This action is being taken to prevent multiple patents directed to obvious variants of an invention from potentially deterring competition and to promote innovation and competition by allowing a competitor to avoid enforcement of patents tied by one or more terminal disclaimers to another patent having a claim finally held unpatentable or invalid over prior art.","document_number":"2024-10166","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/10/2024-10166/terminal-disclaimer-practice-to-obviate-nonstatutory-double-patenting","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-10/pdf/2024-10166.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-10166.pdf?1715258715","publication_date":"2024-05-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"obviate nonstatutory double patenting in which: any claim has been finally held unpatentable or invalid as anticipated or <span class=\"match\">obvious</span> by a Federal court in a civil action or by the USPTO, and all appeal rights have been exhausted; or a statutory disclaimer of a claim is filed after any challenge based on anticipation or <span class=\"match\">obviousness</span> to that claim has been made. This action is being taken to prevent multiple patents directed to <span class=\"match\">obvious</span> variants of an invention from potentially deterring competition and to promote innovation and competition by allowing a"},{"title":"Guidance Under Section 2801 Regarding the Imposition of Tax on Certain Gifts and Bequests From Covered Expatriates","type":"Rule","abstract":"This document contains final regulations that provide guidance on the application of a tax on United States citizens and residents, as well as certain trusts, that receive, directly or indirectly, gifts or bequests from certain individuals who relinquished United States citizenship or ceased to be lawful permanent residents of the United States. The final regulations also provide guidance on the method of reporting and paying this tax. The final regulations primarily affect United States citizens and residents, as well as certain trusts, that receive one or more such gifts or bequests.","document_number":"2025-00284","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/14/2025-00284/guidance-under-section-2801-regarding-the-imposition-of-tax-on-certain-gifts-and-bequests-from","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-14/pdf/2025-00284.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-00284.pdf?1736516724","publication_date":"2025-01-14","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY","name":"Treasury Department","id":497,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/treasury-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/497","parent_id":null,"slug":"treasury-department"},{"raw_name":"Internal Revenue Service","name":"Internal Revenue Service","id":254,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/internal-revenue-service","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/254","parent_id":497,"slug":"internal-revenue-service"}],"excerpts":"ACTION: \n Final regulations. \n \n \n SUMMARY: \n This document contains final regulations that provide <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> on the application of a tax on United States citizens and residents, as well as certain trusts, that receive, directly or indirectly, gifts or bequests from certain individuals who relinquished United States citizenship or ceased to be lawful permanent residents of the United States. The final regulations also provide <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> on the method of reporting and paying this tax. The final regulations primarily affect United States citizens and"},{"title":"Exercise of Time-Limited Authority To Increase the Numerical Limitation for FY 2025 for the H-2B Temporary Nonagricultural Worker Program and Portability Flexibility for H-2B Workers Seeking To Change Employers","type":"Rule","abstract":"DHS, in consultation with DOL, is exercising time-limited Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 authority and increasing the total number of noncitizens who may receive an H-2B nonimmigrant visa by up to 64,716 for the entirety of FY 2025. These supplemental visas will be distributed in four allocations throughout the fiscal year. This rule reserves 20,000 of these visas for nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, or Costa Rica. All visas will be available only to businesses that are suffering or will suffer impending irreparable harm, as attested by the employer. In addition, DHS is again providing temporary portability flexibility.","document_number":"2024-28017","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/02/2024-28017/exercise-of-time-limited-authority-to-increase-the-numerical-limitation-for-fy-2025-for-the-h-2b","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-02/pdf/2024-28017.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-28017.pdf?1732715146","publication_date":"2024-12-02","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY","name":"Homeland Security Department","id":227,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/homeland-security-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/227","parent_id":null,"slug":"homeland-security-department"},{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF LABOR","name":"Labor Department","id":271,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/labor-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/271","parent_id":null,"slug":"labor-department"},{"raw_name":"Employment and Training Administration","name":"Employment and Training Administration","id":133,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/employment-and-training-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/133","parent_id":271,"slug":"employment-and-training-administration"}],"excerpts":"Program and Portability <span class=\"match\">Flexibility</span> for H-2B Workers Seeking to Change Employers, \n 87 FR 30334, 30335 (May 18, 2022); \n Exercise of Time-Limited Authority To Increase the Numerical Limitation for FY 2023 for the H-2B Temporary Nonagricultural Worker Program and Portability <span class=\"match\">Flexibility</span> for H-2B Workers Seeking To Change Employers, \n 87 FR 76816, 76818 (Dec. 15, 2022); \n Exercise of Time-Limited Authority To Increase the Numerical Limitation for FY 2024 for the H-2B Temporary Nonagricultural Worker Program and Portability <span class=\"match\">Flexibility</span> for H-2B Workers Seeking"},{"title":"Facilitating More Intensive Use of Upper Microwave Spectrum","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (\"FCC\" or \"Commission\") seeks comment on a variety of measures aimed at facilitating more intensive use of spectrum in the 24 GHz, 28 GHz, upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, 47 GHz, and 50 GHz bands (together, the UMFUS bands). These bands are shared between the terrestrial Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) and the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) pursuant to the Commission's rules. When the Commission created this framework in 2016, it assumed that UMFUS bands would be used intensively as a part of terrestrial 5G networks, that earth station deployment in the bands would be relatively light, and that the technical rules adopted were necessary to protect terrestrial UMFUS operations but not too onerous to chill FSS earth station siting. Since that time, it has become more clear how the bands are being used for terrestrial service and how growth in the space economy has increased interest in using the UMFUS bands for FSS. Given these shifts, the requirements contained in the Commission's rules have proven to be an impediment to processing earth station applications in the bands. Accordingly, the NPRM would seek input on a variety of mechanisms that might facilitate more intensive use of the UMFUS bands and improve licensing efficiency.","document_number":"2025-21805","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/03/2025-21805/facilitating-more-intensive-use-of-upper-microwave-spectrum","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-03/pdf/2025-21805.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-21805.pdf?1764683112","publication_date":"2025-12-03","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"equitable <span class=\"match\">approach</span> to determining how applicants get the opportunity to collocate. \n \n 67. We also explore the usefulness of the first-in-time, first-come first-served <span class=\"match\">approach</span> of obtaining a license within a county that the Commission adopted in 2016. The <span class=\"match\">approaches</span> we consider retain the first-come, first-served <span class=\"match\">approach</span> while seeking to mitigate or eradicate the showings that have posed earth station licensing challenges. For example, we seek comment on options to alleviate challenges like the processing delays resulting from this <span class=\"match\">approach</span> such as"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule revises the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regulations to implement changes related to prescription drug coverage, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), Part C and D Star Ratings, and other programmatic areas, including the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. This final rule also codifies existing sub-regulatory guidance in the Part C and Part D programs.","document_number":"2025-06008","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/15/2025-06008/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-04-15/pdf/2025-06008.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-06008.pdf?1743797708","publication_date":"2025-04-15","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"instruction or other forms of program <span class=\"match\">guidance</span>. In accordance with the law, CMS released the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: Final Part One <span class=\"match\">Guidance</span> on Select Topics, Implementation of Section 1860D-2 of the Social Security Act for 2025, and Response to Relevant Comments (“final part one <span class=\"match\">guidance</span>”) and Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: Final Part Two <span class=\"match\">Guidance</span> on Select Topics, Implementation of Section 1860D-2 of the Social Security Act for 2025, and Response to Relevant Comments (“final part two <span class=\"match\">guidance</span>”), establishing critical operational"},{"title":"Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule contains provisions to improve implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including payment parameters and provisions related to the HHS-operated risk adjustment and risk adjustment data validation (HHS-RADV) programs, as well as 2027 user fee rates for issuers offering qualified health plans (QHPs) through Federally-facilitated Exchanges (FFEs) and State-based Exchanges on the Federal platform (SBE-FPs). This final rule also includes provisions related to civil money penalties (CMPs) for noncompliant issuers and other responsible entities; standards governing agents, brokers, and web-brokers; the expansion and codification of hardship exemption eligibility; implementation of the State Exchange Improper Payment Measurement (SEIPM); provider access standards and essential community provider standards for QHP certification; QHP certification of non-network plans; a prohibition on issuers from including routine non-pediatric dental services as an Essential Health Benefit (EHB); requirements related to defrayal for the cost of any State-required benefits in addition to the EHB; cost- sharing flexibilities for catastrophic and individual market bronze plans; establishment of catastrophic plans with plan terms of up to 10 consecutive plan years; QHP issuer quality improvement strategies (QISs); and revisions affecting which enrollees are included in Federal Basic Health Program (BHP) payment calculations to States. This final rule also includes amendments to implement certain provisions of the Working Families Tax Cut (WFTC) legislation.","document_number":"2026-10050","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/20/2026-10050/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-hhs-notice-of-benefit-and-payment-parameters-for-2027-and","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-20/pdf/2026-10050.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-10050.pdf?1779135308","publication_date":"2026-05-20","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"},{"raw_name":"Office of the Secretary"}],"excerpts":" Please see, CMS. (2021, July 23). Failure to File and Reconcile (FTR) Operations <span class=\"match\">Flexibilities</span> for Plan Years 2021 and 2022—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Available at \n https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Regulations-and-<span class=\"match\">Guidance</span>/FTR-<span class=\"match\">flexibilities</span>-2021-and-2022.pdf. \n See also, CMS. (2022, July 18). Failure to File and Reconcile (FTR) Operations <span class=\"match\">Flexibilities</span> for Plan Year 2023. Available at \n https://www.cms.gov/cciio/resources/regulations-and-<span class=\"match\">guidance</span>/ftr-<span class=\"match\">flexibilities</span>-2023.pdf. \n \n \n \n During the PHE pause, we amended the FTR process such that"},{"title":"Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule contains provisions to improve implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including payment parameters and provisions related to the HHS-operated risk adjustment and risk adjustment data validation (HHS-RADV) programs, as well as 2027 user fee rates for issuers offering qualified health plans (QHPs) through Federally-facilitated Exchanges (FFEs) and State-based Exchanges on the Federal platform (SBE-FPs). This proposed rule also includes provisions related to civil money penalties (CMPs) for noncompliant issuers and other responsible entities; standards governing agents, brokers, and web-brokers; the expansion and codification of hardship exemption eligibility; implementation of the State Exchange Improper Payment Measurement (SEIPM); provider access standards and essential community provider standards for QHP certification; QHP certification of non-network plans; a prohibition on issuers from including routine non-pediatric dental services as an Essential Health Benefit (EHB); cost-sharing flexibilities for catastrophic and individual market bronze plans; establishment of catastrophic plans with plan terms of up to 10 consecutive years; QHP issuer quality improvement strategies (QISs); revisions affecting which enrollees are included in Federal Basic Health Program (BHP) payment calculations to States; and seeks comment on potential adjustments to other Federal standards, including the Federal medical loss ratio (MLR) standard in the individual market. This proposed rule also includes amendments to implement certain provisions of the Working Families Tax Cut (WFTC) legislation.","document_number":"2026-02769","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/11/2026-02769/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-hhs-notice-of-benefit-and-payment-parameters-for-2027-and","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-11/pdf/2026-02769.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-02769.pdf?1770671709","publication_date":"2026-02-11","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"},{"raw_name":"Office of the Secretary"}],"excerpts":" Please see, CMS. (2021, July 23). Failure to File and Reconcile (FTR) Operations <span class=\"match\">Flexibilities</span> for Plan Years 2021 and 2022—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Available at \n https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Regulations-and-<span class=\"match\">Guidance</span>/FTR-<span class=\"match\">flexibilities</span>-2021-and-2022.pdf. \n See also, CMS. (2022, July 18). Failure to File and Reconcile (FTR) Operations <span class=\"match\">Flexibilities</span> for Plan Year 2023. Available at \n https://www.cms.gov/cciio/resources/regulations-and-<span class=\"match\">guidance</span>/ftr-<span class=\"match\">flexibilities</span>-2023.pdf. \n \n \n During the PHE pause, we amended the FTR process such that an"},{"title":"Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) clarifies that rules prohibiting authorization of covered equipment include modular transmitters and adopts a prohibition on authorization of devices that include modular transmitters that are covered equipment. The Commission also adopts a procedure to limit previously granted authorizations of covered equipment to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of such equipment. It further discusses the broad scope of the prohibition on authorization of equipment identified on the Covered List by clarifying the term \"produced by\" as used in the Commission's rules concerning covered equipment and clarifying the prohibition on modification to previously authorized covered equipment.","document_number":"2025-21001","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/25/2025-21001/protecting-against-national-security-threats-to-the-communications-supply-chain-through-the","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-11-25/pdf/2025-21001.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-21001.pdf?1763991936","publication_date":"2025-11-25","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).\n \n \n Regulatory <span class=\"match\">Flexibility</span> Act. \n The Regulatory <span class=\"match\">Flexibility</span> Act of 1980, as amended (RFA), requires that an agency prepare a regulatory <span class=\"match\">flexibility</span> analysis for notice-and-comment rulemaking, unless the agency certifies that “the rule will not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.” Accordingly, the Commission has prepared a Final Regulatory <span class=\"match\">Flexibility</span> Analysis (FRFA) concerning the possible impact of the rule and policy changes"},{"title":"Application of Certain Mandatory Bars in Fear Screenings","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) is amending its regulations to allow asylum officers (AOs) to consider the potential applicability of certain bars to asylum and statutory withholding of removal during credible fear and reasonable fear screenings, including credible fear screenings where the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways or Securing the Border rules apply. The rule is intended to enhance operational flexibility and help DHS more swiftly remove certain noncitizens who are barred from asylum and statutory withholding of removal.","document_number":"2024-29617","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/18/2024-29617/application-of-certain-mandatory-bars-in-fear-screenings","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-18/pdf/2024-29617.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-29617.pdf?1734443142","publication_date":"2024-12-18","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY","name":"Homeland Security Department","id":227,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/homeland-security-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/227","parent_id":null,"slug":"homeland-security-department"}],"excerpts":"resulted in positive <span class=\"match\">determinations</span>,\n 117 \n \n and 63.48 percent resulted in negative <span class=\"match\">determinations</span>.\n 118 \n \n For those same years, if administrative closures are included, 25.73 percent of reasonable fear completions by USCIS resulted in positive <span class=\"match\">determinations</span>,\n 119 \n \n 44.72 percent resulted in negative <span class=\"match\">determinations</span>,\n 120 \n \n and 29.55 percent were administratively closed.\n 121 \n \n \n \n \n 112 \n  232,479 total positive credible fear <span class=\"match\">determination</span>/338,087 FY 2019-FY 2023 all positive and negative credible fear <span class=\"match\">determinations</span> = 68.76%\n \n \n \n \n 113 "},{"title":"Food Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims; Definition of Term “Healthy”","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is issuing this final rule updating the definition for the implied nutrient content claim \"healthy\" to be consistent with current nutrition science and Federal dietary guidance, especially the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines), regarding how consumers can maintain healthy dietary practices. This final rule revises the requirements for when the term \"healthy\" can be used as an implied nutrient content claim in the labeling of human food products to help consumers identify foods that are particularly useful as the foundation of a nutritious diet that is consistent with dietary recommendations.","document_number":"2024-29957","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/27/2024-29957/food-labeling-nutrient-content-claims-definition-of-term-healthy","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-27/pdf/2024-29957.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-29957.pdf?1734624913","publication_date":"2024-12-27","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Food and Drug Administration","name":"Food and Drug Administration","id":199,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/food-and-drug-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/199","parent_id":221,"slug":"food-and-drug-administration"}],"excerpts":"still providing some <span class=\"match\">flexibility</span> for foods that supply monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (see 87 FR 59168 at 59179). We invited comment on this <span class=\"match\">approach</span>. \n \n (Comment 65) Some comments argue that a ratio of unsaturated fat to saturated fat is a more favorable <span class=\"match\">approach</span> than the proposed <span class=\"match\">approach</span> for saturated fat limits based on percent DV, asserting that current Dietary Guidelines focus “on the type of fat, rather than the amount of fat or specific subtypes of fat.” Similarly, some comments argue that a ratio-based <span class=\"match\">approach</span> (\n e.g., \n a ratio"},{"title":"Application of the Federal Securities Laws to Certain Types of Crypto Assets and Certain Transactions Involving Crypto Assets","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Securities and Exchange Commission (\"Commission\" or \"SEC\") issues herein an interpretation regarding the application of the Federal securities laws to certain types of crypto assets and certain transactions involving crypto assets. The references in this release to \"we\" and \"our\" are to the Commission. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (\"CFTC\") provides herein guidance relating to that interpretation.","document_number":"2026-05635","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/23/2026-05635/application-of-the-federal-securities-laws-to-certain-types-of-crypto-assets-and-certain","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-03-23/pdf/2026-05635.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-05635.pdf?1774010720","publication_date":"2026-03-23","agencies":[{"raw_name":"COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION","name":"Commodity Futures Trading Commission","id":77,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commodity-futures-trading-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/77","parent_id":null,"slug":"commodity-futures-trading-commission"},{"raw_name":"SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION","name":"Securities and Exchange Commission","id":466,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/securities-and-exchange-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/466","parent_id":null,"slug":"securities-and-exchange-commission"}],"excerpts":"ACTION: \n Final rule; interpretation; <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> \n \n \n SUMMARY: \n The Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”) issues herein an interpretation regarding the application of the Federal securities laws to certain types of crypto assets and certain transactions involving crypto assets. The references in this release to “we” and “our” are to the Commission. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) provides herein <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> relating to that interpretation. \n \n \n DATES: \n \n Effective Date: \n March 23, 2026.\n \n \n \n ADDRESSES: \n"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would revise the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicaid, Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regulations to implement changes related to Star Ratings, marketing and communications, agent/broker compensation, health equity, drug coverage, dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), utilization management, network adequacy, and other programmatic areas, including the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. This proposed rule also includes proposals to codify existing subregulatory guidance in the Part C and Part D programs.","document_number":"2024-27939","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/10/2024-27939/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-10/pdf/2024-27939.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-27939.pdf?1732656194","publication_date":"2024-12-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"on the draft part one <span class=\"match\">guidance</span>, CMS released the final part one <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> (hereinafter referred to as “final part one <span class=\"match\">guidance</span>”) in February 2024. \n CMS released the draft part two <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> in February 2024, which covered topics such as outreach, education, and communications requirements for Part D sponsors; CMS Part D enrollee education and outreach; pharmacy processes; and Part D sponsor operational requirements. After consideration of comments received on the draft part two <span class=\"match\">guidance</span>, CMS released the final part two <span class=\"match\">guidance</span> (hereinafter referred"},{"title":"Procedures for Implementing NEPA; Removal","type":"Rule","abstract":"This interim final rule rescinds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (Corps) regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Army Civil Works program, except for the Categorical Exclusions contained therein, because the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) NEPA regulations, which the Corps' regulations were meant to supplement, have been removed from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and because the DoD is promulgating Department-wide NEPA procedures that will guide the Army Civil Works' NEPA process. In addition, this interim final rule requests comments on this action.","document_number":"2025-12353","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/03/2025-12353/procedures-for-implementing-nepa-removal","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-07-03/pdf/2025-12353.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-12353.pdf?1751394610","publication_date":"2025-07-03","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE","name":"Defense Department","id":103,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/defense-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/103","parent_id":null,"slug":"defense-department"},{"raw_name":"Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers","name":"Engineers Corps","id":142,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/engineers-corps","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/142","parent_id":103,"slug":"engineers-corps"}],"excerpts":"not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804. \n B. Public Law 96-354, “Regulatory <span class=\"match\">Flexibility</span> Act” (5 U.S.C. 601) \n \n Because a notice of proposed rulemaking and an opportunity for public comment are not required to be given for this rule, because it is a rule of agency procedure or under the “good cause” exemption in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A), the analytical requirements of the Regulatory <span class=\"match\">Flexibility</span> Act (5 U.S.C. 601 \n et seq. \n ) are not applicable. Accordingly, no regulatory <span class=\"match\">flexibility</span> analysis is required, and none has been prepared.\n \n C. Public Law 96-511"},{"title":"Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Food and Drug Administration is issuing a final rule to amend the agricultural water provisions of the produce safety regulation. This rule replaces the microbial criteria and testing requirements for pre-harvest agricultural water for covered produce (other than sprouts) with a regulatory approach that incorporates recent science and Food and Drug Administration outbreak investigation findings to achieve improved public health protections as compared to the earlier requirements. The rule requires systems-based assessments, with required testing in certain circumstances, that focus on key risk factors for contamination by pre-harvest agricultural water and will enable farms to implement effective preventive measures. The rule requires farms to take timely action based on risk and includes a new requirement for expedited mitigation for certain hazards. The requirements are adaptable to future scientific advancements and provide sufficient flexibility to be practicable for all sizes and types of farms to implement across the wide variety of agricultural water systems, uses, and practices. These revisions to the produce safety regulation will more comprehensively address a known route of microbial contamination that can lead to preventable foodborne illness that is a significant public health problem.","document_number":"2024-09153","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/06/2024-09153/standards-for-the-growing-harvesting-packing-and-holding-of-produce-for-human-consumption-relating","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-06/pdf/2024-09153.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-09153.pdf?1714662913","publication_date":"2024-05-06","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Food and Drug Administration","name":"Food and Drug Administration","id":199,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/food-and-drug-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/199","parent_id":221,"slug":"food-and-drug-administration"}],"excerpts":"possible <span class=\"match\">approaches</span>, including: (1) retaining the 2015 pre-harvest microbial water quality criteria and testing requirements and issuing companion <span class=\"match\">guidance</span>; (2) replacing the 2015 quantitative requirements with a qualitative standard and issuing companion <span class=\"match\">guidance</span>; (3) adopting private industry standards as a short-term measure while additional research continues; and (4) performing a multiyear quantitative microbial risk assessment to help fill research gaps. Forum participants identified advantages and disadvantages of each <span class=\"match\">approach</span> and also identified"}]}