{"description":"Documents matching 'iv-e foster care plan legal'","count":277,"total_pages":14,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=iv-e+foster+care+plan+legal&format=json&page=2","results":[{"title":"Foster Care Legal Representation","type":"Rule","abstract":"This rule allows title IV-E agencies to claim Federal financial participation (FFP) for the administrative costs of: legal representation in foster care proceedings provided by an attorney representing the title IV-E agency or any other public agency (including an Indian tribe) which has an agreement in effect under which the other agency has placement and care responsibility of a title IV-E eligible child; independent legal representation provided by an attorney representing a child in title IV-E foster care, a child who is a candidate for title IV-E foster care (hereafter, referred to as a child \"who is eligible for title IV-E foster care\"), the child's parent(s), the child's relative caregiver(s), and the child's Indian custodian(s) in foster care and other civil legal proceedings as necessary to carry out the requirements in the title IV-E agency's title IV-E foster care plan; and legal representation provided by an attorney representing an Indian child's tribe, or representation of an Indian child's tribe provided by a non-attorney, when the child's tribe participates or intervenes in any state court proceeding for the foster care placement or termination of parental rights (TPR) of an Indian child who is in title IV-E foster care or an Indian child who is a candidate for title IV-E foster care.","document_number":"2024-09663","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/10/2024-09663/foster-care-legal-representation","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-10/pdf/2024-09663.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-09663.pdf?1715199327","publication_date":"2024-05-10","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"eligible for title IV-E foster care”), the child's parent(s), the child's relative caregiver(s), and the child's Indian custodian(s) in foster care and other civil legal proceedings as necessary to carry out the requirements in the title IV-E agency's title IV-E foster care plan; and legal representation provided by an attorney representing an Indian child's tribe, or representation of an Indian child's tribe provided by a non-attorney, when the child's tribe participates or intervenes in any state court proceeding for the foster care placement or termination"},{"title":"Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System","type":"Rule","abstract":"This rule finalizes revisions to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations proposed on February 23, 2024. This final rule requires state title IV-E agencies to collect and report to ACF additional data related to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) for children in the AFCARS Out-of-Home Care Reporting Population.","document_number":"2024-28072","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/05/2024-28072/adoption-and-foster-care-analysis-and-reporting-system","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-05/pdf/2024-28072.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-28072.pdf?1733233519","publication_date":"2024-12-05","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"status of adoption and foster care in the United States, and to develop appropriate national policies with respect to adoption and foster care.” 42 U.S.C. 679c(a)(2). Without more fulsome ICWA-related data, ACF will continue to be limited in its ability to, among other important functions, assess the current state of adoption and foster care programs and relevant trends that affect AI/AN families; address the unique needs of AI/AN children in foster care and their families by clarifying how the ICWA requirements and title IV-E/IV-B requirements interact"},{"title":"Foster Care Legal Representation","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"ACF proposes to allow a title IV-E agency to claim Federal financial participation (FFP) for the administrative cost of an attorney providing: legal representation in foster care proceedings of a title IV-E agency or any other public agency or tribe that has an agreement in effect under which the other agency has placement and care responsibility of a title IV-E eligible child; independent legal representation of a child who is either a candidate for title IV-E foster care, or in title IV-E foster care (hereafter, referred to as a child \"who is eligible for title IV-E foster care\"), the child's parent(s), and the child's relative caregiver(s) in foster care and other civil legal proceedings when such legal representation is found necessary by the Secretary to carry out the requirements in the title IV-E agency's title IV-E foster care plan; and legal representation of an Indian child's tribe, when the child's tribe intervenes in any state court proceeding for the foster care placement or termination of parental rights of an Indian child who is in title IV-E foster care or an Indian child who is a candidate for title IV-E foster care when such legal representation is found necessary by the Secretary to carry out the requirements in the title IV-E agency's title IV-E foster care plan.","document_number":"2023-20932","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/28/2023-20932/foster-care-legal-representation","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-09-28/pdf/2023-20932.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-20932.pdf?1695818717","publication_date":"2023-09-28","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"foster care”), the child's parent(s), and the child's relative caregiver(s) in foster care and other civil legal proceedings when such legal representation is found necessary by the Secretary to carry out the requirements in the title IV-E agency's title IV-E foster care plan; and legal representation of an Indian child's tribe, when the child's tribe intervenes in any state court proceeding for the foster care placement or termination of parental rights of an Indian child who is in title IV-E foster care or an Indian child who is a candidate for"},{"title":"Designated Placement Requirements Under Titles IV-E and IV-B for LGBTQI+ Children; Rescission","type":"Rule","abstract":"This rule finalizes the removal of the requirements issued in the Designated Placement Requirements Under Titles IV-E and IV-B for LGBTQI+ Children final rule that was published on April 30, 2024 (hereafter referred to as the 2024 final rule). The 2024 final rule required title IV-E/IV-B agencies to ensure that a Designated Placement is available for all children who self-identify with an alternative sexual orientation or self-identify as something other than their sex in foster care who request or would benefit from such a placement. Those requirements were never implemented as a result of the decision from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas that vacated the 2024 final rule in its entirety. To ensure clarity for the public and regulated entities, ACF is removing the provisions from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).","document_number":"2026-14131","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14131/designated-placement-requirements-under-titles-iv-e-and-iv-b-for-lgbtqi-children-rescission","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-14/pdf/2026-14131.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-14131.pdf?1783946713","publication_date":"2026-07-14","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"children is overrepresented in the foster care system and that ACF has an obligation to act in the best interests of the child and ensure that all foster children have both safe and appropriate placements and safe and proper care. It states that rescinding the 2024 final rule without a proposed alternative that would maintain access to such placements and care threatens the safety and well-being of many foster youth. The letter encourages ACF to engage in rulemaking to ensure all children have meaningful access to foster care placements that are prepared"},{"title":"Designated Placement Requirements Under Titles IV-E and IV-B for LGBTQI+ Children; Rescission","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposes to remove the requirements issued in the final rule Designated Placement Requirements Under Titles IV-E and IV-B for LGBTQI+ Children (89 FR 34818) that was published on April 30, 2024. The final rule required title IV-E/IV-B agencies to ensure that a Designated Placement is available for all children who self-identify with an alternative sexual orientation or self-identify as something other than their sex in foster care who request or would benefit from such a placement. On June 13, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated the final rule in its entirety, State of Texas v. United States Department of Health & Human Services, 770 F. Supp. 3d 940 (E.D. Tex. 2025), concluding that the final rule exceeded the Department of Health and Human Services' statutory authority and conflicted with the text of title IV-E. As a result of the court's decision, the final rule is no longer in effect or enforceable, and to ensure clarity for the public and regulated entities, ACF proposes to remove the provisions from the Code of Federal Regulations.","document_number":"2026-04515","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/06/2026-04515/designated-placement-requirements-under-titles-iv-e-and-iv-b-for-lgbtqi-children-rescission","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-03-06/pdf/2026-04515.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-04515.pdf?1772659565","publication_date":"2026-03-06","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"}],"excerpts":"(ACF) proposes to remove the requirements issued in the final rule \n Designated Placement Requirements Under Titles IV-E and IV-B for LGBTQI+ Children \n (89 FR 34818) that was published on April 30, 2024. The final rule required title IV-E/IV-B agencies to ensure that a Designated Placement is available for all children who self-identify with an alternative sexual orientation or self-identify as something other than their sex in foster care who request or would benefit from such a placement. On June 13, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District"},{"title":"Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"ACF proposes to amend the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations that require title IV-E agencies to collect and report data to ACF on children who enter out- of-home care, their providers, and children who have a title IV-E adoption or guardianship assistance agreement to collect additional data related to Indian children.","document_number":"2024-03373","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/23/2024-03373/adoption-and-foster-care-analysis-and-reporting-system","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-23/pdf/2024-03373.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-03373.pdf?1708609515","publication_date":"2024-02-23","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"entered foster care rather than the entire population of children in foster care because agencies will not have to collect and report all data elements on all children in foster care and using this number allows the estimate to accommodate those variances between individual child cases and circumstances.\n \n \n • \n Additional and Revised Data Elements for State Title IV-E Agencies: \n The current Out-of-Home Care Data File contains 186 data points (see Appendix A of Technical Bulletin #20). ACF proposes to revise or add in the Out-Of-Home Care Data File"},{"title":"Designated Placement Requirements Under Titles IV-E and IV-B for LGBTQI+ Children","type":"Rule","abstract":"This rule finalizes requirements under titles IV-E and IV-B for children in foster care who are LGBTQI+ (an umbrella term used in this regulation). The proposed rule was published on September 28, 2023. Federal law requires that state and tribal title IV-E and IV-B agencies (\"agencies\") ensure that each child in foster care receives \"safe and proper\" care and has a case plan that addresses the specific needs of the child while in foster care to support their health and wellbeing. To meet these and other related statutory requirements, this final rule requires agencies to ensure that placements for all children are free from harassment, mistreatment, and abuse. The final rule requires that title IV-E and IV-B agencies ensure a Designated Placement is available for all children who identify as LGBTQI+ and specifies the Designated Placement requirements.","document_number":"2024-08982","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/30/2024-08982/designated-placement-requirements-under-titles-iv-e-and-iv-b-for-lgbtqi-children","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-30/pdf/2024-08982.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-08982.pdf?1714398255","publication_date":"2024-04-30","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"Final rule. \n \n \n SUMMARY: \n This rule finalizes requirements under titles IV-E and IV-B for children in foster care who are LGBTQI+ (an umbrella term used in this regulation). The proposed rule was published on September 28, 2023. Federal law requires that state and tribal title IV-E and IV-B agencies (“agencies”) ensure that each child in foster care receives “safe and proper” care and has a case plan that addresses the specific needs of the child while in foster care to support their health and wellbeing. To meet these and other related statutory"},{"title":"Safe and Appropriate Foster Care Placement Requirements for Titles IV-E and IV-B","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"Federal law requires that state and tribal title IV-E/IV-B agencies (\"agencies\") ensure that each child in foster care receives \"safe and proper\" care and has a case plan that addresses the specific needs of the child while in foster care to support their health and wellbeing. Federal law also requires that for children ages 14 and over, agencies must consult with them about their case plans. To ensure agencies meet these and other related statutory requirements, ACF proposes to specify the steps agencies must take when implementing the case plan and case review requirements for children in foster care who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, as well as children who are non-binary, or have non-conforming gender identity or expression (all of whom are referred to under the umbrella term LGBTQI+ for purposes of this regulation).","document_number":"2023-21274","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/28/2023-21274/safe-and-appropriate-foster-care-placement-requirements-for-titles-iv-e-and-iv-b","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-09-28/pdf/2023-21274.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-21274.pdf?1695818906","publication_date":"2023-09-28","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"Background \n Titles IV-E and IV-B of the Act set forth numerous requirements for state and tribal title IV-E/IV-B agencies (referred to as “agencies”) to meet for children in foster care. This NPRM applies to the state or tribal agency administering or supervising the administration of the title IV-E and title IV-B plans. \n \n Titles IV-E and IV-B of the Act provide protections that are designed to ensure that while in foster care, children receive safe and proper care. As part of its title IV-E and IV-B plan, an agency must develop a case plan for each child"},{"title":"Request for Information: Use and Conservation of Social Security Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments That Representative Payees Receive for Beneficiaries Residing in Foster Care","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF), Children's Bureau (CB) oversees the child welfare system, which is administered by State, local, and Tribal child welfare agencies nationwide. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. This request for information (RFI) seeks public input to inform how Federal agencies can support broader State and local efforts to improve the outcomes of children in the child welfare system who are eligible for Federal benefits. The input we receive will inform our deliberations about potential policy changes.","document_number":"2024-25462","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/01/2024-25462/request-for-information-use-and-conservation-of-social-security-benefits-and-supplemental-security","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-11-01/pdf/2024-25462.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-25462.pdf?1730378728","publication_date":"2024-11-01","agencies":[{"raw_name":"Social Security Administration","name":"Social Security Administration","id":470,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/social-security-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/470","parent_id":null,"slug":"social-security-administration"},{"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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"2024.\n \n \n \n Some children enter foster care already receiving SSA benefits. Others begin receiving benefits after their foster care placement. A typical child in foster care spends less than two years in care. About one-third of children exiting foster care in FY 2022 spent less than a year in care, and about 63 percent spent less than two years in care.\n 6 \n \n \n \n \n 6 \n Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families, Children's Bureau, \n The AFCARS (Adoptions and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System) Report"},{"title":"Medicaid Program; Preserving Medicaid Funding for Vulnerable Populations-Closing a Health Care-Related Tax Loophole","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule addresses a loophole in a regulatory statistical test applied to State proposals for Medicaid tax waivers. The test is designed to ensure, as required by statute, that non- uniform or non-broad-based health care-related taxes, authorized under a waiver, are generally redistributive. The inadvertent loophole currently allows some health care-related taxes, especially taxes on managed care organizations, to be imposed at higher tax rates on Medicaid taxable units than non-Medicaid taxable units, contrary to statutory and regulatory intent for health care-related taxes to be generally redistributive. The final rule closes the loophole by finalizing the policies in the proposed rule to add additional safeguards to ensure that tax waivers that exploit the loophole because they pass the current statistical test, but are not generally redistributive, are not approvable. By adding these safeguards, the final rule is also implementing recently added statutory requirements for a tax to be considered generally redistributive.","document_number":"2026-02040","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/02/2026-02040/medicaid-program-preserving-medicaid-funding-for-vulnerable-populations-closing-a-health","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-02/pdf/2026-02040.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-02040.pdf?1769721310","publication_date":"2026-02-02","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":"that the proliferation of Medicaid managed care plans has made it difficult for physicians to focus on patient care due to differing requirements. This commenter also stated that there needs to be increased oversight on Medicaid managed care.\n \n \n Response: \n We agree with the commenter that effective and efficient oversight of Medicaid managed care is a laudable goal. However, the relationship between the proliferation of managed care plans and the ability of physicians to provide adequate patient care is outside the scope of this rule.\n \n \n Comment:"},{"title":"Providing Technical Assistance Related to the Indian Child Welfare Act","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Children's Bureau (CB) is seeking public comment, in particular from State and Tribal title IV-B agencies and Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations and consortia (Tribes), and State and Tribal courts on providing technical assistance related to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA), removing undue burden related to meeting the requirements of title IV-B of the Social Security Act (the Act), changes to the Court Improvement Program, and amendments aimed at increasing the number of studies of programs and services eligible for review by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. ACF is issuing this Federal Register Notice in response to requirements in the Supporting America's Children and Families Act, Public Law 118-258. The comments ACF receives in response will inform ACF's work to meet the new requirements in Public Law 118- 258. ACF is also planning to hold consultation with Tribes later this year on these topics and will announce that through Dear Tribal Leader Letters. This Federal Register Notice is in addition to ongoing ACF consultation with Tribes, including consultation on title IV-B provisions not included in this Notice.","document_number":"2025-13790","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13790/providing-technical-assistance-related-to-the-indian-child-welfare-act","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-07-22/pdf/2025-13790.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-13790.pdf?1753101919","publication_date":"2025-07-22","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"State compliance with ICWA, the arrangements for providing permanency planning services for Tribal children in the care of the State or Tribe, and the provision of independent living services under the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee) program (see the report States' Consultation and Collaboration with Tribes and Reported Compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act: Information from States' and Tribes' 2015-2019 Child and Family Services Plans for a summary of the information States provided in their 2015-2019"},{"title":"Request for Information: Administration for Children and Families Development of Interoperability Standards for Human Service Programs","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), invites public comments to inform the use or adoption of interoperability standards for human services programs. ACF and state, local, and tribal governments all provide a number of health and human services programs for children, youth, families, communities, and individuals. ACF seeks public comment on the most effective approaches, technical standards, and technological tools that currently or could promote interoperability between health and human services programs. ACF collaborates with the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ ONC) as a critical steward and advisor for human services interoperability with responsibility for leading the development and harmonization of interoperability standards between health and human services in line with the HHS Data Strategy. The potential of interoperability across the full spectrum of health and human services is immense--it can enable efficient delivery of government services, enhance access to critical non-profit programs, and most importantly, improve overall individual and community outcomes. ACF has authority under the Title IV of the Social Security Act to designate use of interoperable data standards for several of its programs (e.g., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child support, child welfare, and foster care). The purpose of this RFI is to understand how ACF, in collaboration with ASTP/ONC, can better support interoperability between human services within and across states and local community resources, between states, and ACF.","document_number":"2024-24924","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/28/2024-24924/request-for-information-administration-for-children-and-families-development-of-interoperability","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-10-28/pdf/2024-24924.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-24924.pdf?1729860315","publication_date":"2024-10-28","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"the children. Interoperable data standards between a public child welfare agency with care and custody of a child and a foster care placing agency could ensure both agencies have the most current information on the child in care. Interoperability can also help identify if household composition has changed, or a recipient has moved out of state, and changes to benefits levels are needed. For example, if a parent was reunited with their children exiting foster care, data sharing across information systems would allow the TANF agency to update the benefit"},{"title":"Proposed Information Collection Activity; State Court Improvement Program","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting a 3-year extension of the State Court Improvement Program (SCIP) Strategic Plan Template and Annual Self-Assessment (Office of Management and Budget (OMB) #0970-0307, expiration February 28, 2026). There are minor updates to the self-assessment to reflect new legislation as well as to support technical assistance. The collections are necessary to continue operating the program in compliance with congressional reauthorization.","document_number":"2025-17275","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/09/2025-17275/proposed-information-collection-activity-state-court-improvement-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-09-09/pdf/2025-17275.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-17275.pdf?1757335512","publication_date":"2025-09-09","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"implement improvement plans. States use funds in a variety of ways, including improving legal representation and hearing quality, enhancing the engagement of families in court proceedings, and supporting child welfare and court partnerships. The proposed collection is a continuation of the current collection and comprised of two instruments: a strategic plan and self-assessment. The self-assessment reflects what the state has done in the prior year focusing on its progress and status within the change management cycle. The strategic plan looks forward to"},{"title":"Medicare Program; Contract Year 2027 and Certain Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule revises the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), and Medicare cost plan regulations to implement changes related to Star Ratings, marketing and communications, drug coverage, enrollment processes, special needs plans, and other programmatic areas.","document_number":"2026-06600","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/06/2026-06600/medicare-program-contract-year-2027-and-certain-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-06/pdf/2026-06600.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-06600.pdf?1775160908","publication_date":"2026-04-06","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":"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":"we developed the Complaint Tracking Module (CTM) in the Health Plan Management System (HPMS) to track complaints received by CMS from beneficiaries, providers, and their representatives regarding specific plans. Complaints are recorded in the CTM and assigned to the appropriate plan and, as required under the contract provisions established at § 422.504(a)(15) and § 423.505(b)(22), plans are required to address and resolve the complaints received by CMS against them in the CTM. Plans must also adhere to the timelines to resolve complaints in compliance"},{"title":"Separate Licensing Standards for Relative or Kinship Foster Family Homes","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"ACF is proposing to revise the definition of \"foster family home\" to allow each title IV-E agency to adopt foster family home licensing or approval standards for foster family homes of individuals related to a child by blood, marriage, or adoption and other individuals who have an emotionally significant relationship with the child, including fictive kin, (referred herein as \"relative(s) and kin(ship)\") that differ from non-relative foster family homes agency standards. In this context, a \"non-relative\" foster family home means a home of an unrelated individual who is not kin or fictive kin. This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) would allow a title IV-E agency to claim title IV-E federal financial participation (FFP) for the cost of foster care maintenance payments (FCMP) on behalf of an otherwise eligible child who is placed in a relative or kinship licensed or approved foster family home when the agency uses different licensing or approval standards for relative or kinship foster family homes and non- relative foster family homes. In addition, the NPRM would amend the requirement that title IV-E agencies review the amount of FCMPs to also assure that the agency provides a licensed or approved relative and kinship foster family home the same amount of FCMP that would have been made if the child was placed in a non-related foster family home.","document_number":"2023-03005","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/14/2023-03005/separate-licensing-standards-for-relative-or-kinship-foster-family-homes","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-02-14/pdf/2023-03005.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-03005.pdf?1676295919","publication_date":"2023-02-14","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":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"for non-relative foster family homes. A child is in foster care when a title IV-E agency has placement and care responsibility for a child, removes the child from the parent's home, and places the child in 24-hour substitute care (45 CFR 1355.20). A child is in foster care in accordance with this definition regardless of whether the placement is licensed or approved and payments are made by the state or tribe for the care of the child (45 CFR 1355.20). Placement and care responsibility means that a title IV-E agency is legally accountable for the"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2025 Rates; Quality Programs Requirements; and Other Policy Changes","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule revises the Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment systems (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals; makes changes relating to Medicare graduate medical education (GME) for teaching hospitals; updates the payment policies and the annual payment rates for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals (LTCHs); and makes other policy- related changes.","document_number":"2024-17021","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/28/2024-17021/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-and-the-childrens-health-insurance-program-hospital-inpatient","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-08-28/pdf/2024-17021.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-17021.pdf?1722960072","publication_date":"2024-08-28","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":"and Background \n A. Executive Summary \n 1. Purpose and Legal Authority \n \n This FY 2025 IPPS/LTCH PPS final rule makes payment and policy changes under the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals as well as for certain hospitals and hospital units excluded from the IPPS. In addition, it makes payment and policy changes for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) under the long-term care hospital prospective payment system (LTCH PPS). This"},{"title":"Medicare Program; Contract Year 2027 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would revise the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), and Medicare cost plan regulations to implement changes related to Star Ratings, marketing and communications, drug coverage, enrollment processes, special needs plans, and other programmatic areas.","document_number":"2025-21456","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/28/2025-21456/medicare-program-contract-year-2027-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare-advantage-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-11-28/pdf/2025-21456.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-21456.pdf?1764105313","publication_date":"2025-11-28","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":"drive improved quality of care and reduce regulatory burden. \n 5. Request for Information on Dually Eligible Individual Enrollment Growth in C-SNPs and I-SNPs \n Chronic condition special needs plans (C-SNPs) and the number of dually eligible individuals enrolled in these plans have grown significantly between 2021 and 2025. Dually eligible enrollment in institutional special needs plans (I-SNPs) has remained more stable. While C-SNPs and I-SNPs can offer benefits specific to chronic disease and institutional level of care, respectively, they do not"},{"title":"Medicare Program; Changes to the Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program for Contract Year 2024-Remaining Provisions and Contract Year 2025 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 (PACE)","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule will revise 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 Star Ratings, marketing and communications, agent/broker compensation, health equity, dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), utilization management, network adequacy, and other programmatic areas. This final rule also codifies existing sub-regulatory guidance in the Part C and Part D programs.","document_number":"2024-07105","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/23/2024-07105/medicare-program-changes-to-the-medicare-advantage-and-the-medicare-prescription-drug-benefit","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-23/pdf/2024-07105.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-07105.pdf?1712265021","publication_date":"2024-04-23","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":"1852(d)(5)(C) of the Act and § 422.114(a)(3)(ii) define network-based plans as a coordinated care plan (as described in section 1851(a)(2)(A) of the Act and § 422.4(a)(1)(iii)), a network-based MSA plan, and a section 1876 reasonable cost plan. The statutory and regulatory definitions both specifically exclude an MA regional plan that meets access requirements substantially through means other than written contracts, per § 422.112(a)(1)(ii). \n \n When codifying this requirement in the final rule that appeared in the \n Federal Register \n September"},{"title":"Serious Deficiency Process in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This rulemaking proposes important modifications to make the application of serious deficiency procedures in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program consistent, effective, and in line with current requirements under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The serious deficiency process provides a systematic way for State agencies and sponsoring organizations to correct serious management problems, and when that effort fails, protect Child Nutrition Program integrity through due process. In response to public comments received on a prior rulemaking, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) proposes improvements to ensure that application of the serious deficiency process is fair and fully implemented. FNS proposes to add clarity to the serious deficiency process by defining key terms, establishing a timeline for full correction, and establishing criteria for determining when the serious deficiency process must be implemented. This rulemaking will also address termination for cause and disqualification, implementation of legal requirements for records maintained on individuals on the National Disqualified List, and participation of multi-State sponsoring organizations.","document_number":"2024-02108","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/21/2024-02108/serious-deficiency-process-in-the-child-and-adult-care-food-program-and-summer-food-service-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-21/pdf/2024-02108.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-02108.pdf?1708436713","publication_date":"2024-02-21","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE","name":"Agriculture Department","id":12,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/agriculture-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/12","parent_id":null,"slug":"agriculture-department"},{"raw_name":"Food and Nutrition Service","name":"Food and Nutrition Service","id":200,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/food-and-nutrition-service","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/200","parent_id":12,"slug":"food-and-nutrition-service"}],"excerpts":"unaffiliated child care centers; 1,710.8665 (for 0.25 hours and for 6,843 total annual responses) for independent child care centers; 5,423.124 (for 0.25 hours and for 21,692) for unaffiliated afterschool child care centers; 1,710.8665 (for 0.25 hours and for 6,843 total annual responses) for independent afterschool child care centers; 5,423.124 (for 0.25 hours and for 21,692) for unaffiliated outside-school-hours child care centers; and 1,710.8665 (for 0.25 hours and for 6,843 total annual responses) for independent outside-school-hours child care centers"},{"title":"Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations","type":"Rule","abstract":"This document sets forth these final rules related to certain provisions of the No Surprises Act regarding the Federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) process, which was established as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). These rules finalize new requirements relating to the disclosure of information that group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage must include along with the initial payment or notice of denial of payment for certain items and services subject to the surprise billing protections in the No Surprises Act. These final rules also require plans and issuers to communicate information by using claim adjustment reason codes (CARCs) and remittance advice remark codes (RARCs), as specified in guidance, when providing any paper or electronic remittance advice (ERA) to an entity that does not have a contractual relationship with the plan or issuer. This document also finalizes amendments to certain requirements related to the open negotiation period preceding the Federal IDR process, the initiation of the Federal IDR process, the Federal IDR dispute eligibility review process, and the payment and collection of administrative fees and certified IDR entity fees. This document also finalizes the definition of bundled payment arrangements, amends requirements related to batched items and services and amends the rules for extensions of timeframes due to extenuating circumstances. Additionally, this document finalizes provisions that require plans and issuers to register in the Federal IDR portal. In accordance with Federal law, a summary of these rules may be found at https://www.regulations.gov/.","document_number":"2026-11140","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/04/2026-11140/federal-independent-dispute-resolution-operations","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-04/pdf/2026-11140.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-11140.pdf?1780348210","publication_date":"2026-06-04","agencies":[{"raw_name":"OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT","name":"Personnel Management Office","id":406,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/personnel-management-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/406","parent_id":null,"slug":"personnel-management-office"},{"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"},{"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":"Employee Benefits Security Administration","name":"Employee Benefits Security Administration","id":131,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/employee-benefits-security-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/131","parent_id":271,"slug":"employee-benefits-security-administration"},{"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"}],"excerpts":"(d)(1)(vi) and adding a new paragraph (d)(1)(v) to require plans and issuers to disclose the legal business name of the plan (if any) or issuer; the legal business name of the plan sponsor (if applicable); and the registration number assigned under proposed 26 CFR 54.9816-9, 29 CFR 2590.716-9, or 45 CFR 149.530, if the plan or issuer is registered with the Federal IDR registry. The Departments also sought comment on the specific technical and operational steps that would be necessary for plans and issuers to disclose this additional information when"}]}