{"description":"Documents matching 'mandatory usda professional standards trainings'","count":585,"total_pages":30,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=mandatory+usda+professional+standards+trainings&format=json&page=2","results":[{"title":"Agency Information Collection Activities: USDA Professional Standards Trainings and Tracker Tool (PSTTT)","type":"Notice","abstract":"In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is an extension, without change, of a currently approved collection for assisting State agencies and school nutrition professionals in searching for trainings, recording, tracking, and managing the required training hours for State and local school district nutrition professionals, in four major areas (nutrition, operations, administration, and communications and marketing), to meet the requirements of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 Professional Standards Rule.","document_number":"2026-06167","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/31/2026-06167/agency-information-collection-activities-usda-professional-standards-trainings-and-tracker-tool","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-03-31/pdf/2026-06167.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-06167.pdf?1774874713","publication_date":"2026-03-31","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":"integrated the former Professional Standards Training Database into the PSTTT, allowing for guest user access to search for relevant professional standards trainings to take in addition to logging completed trainings—this resulted in renaming the tool from the “Professional Standards Training Tracker Tool” to the “Professional Standards Trainings and Tracker Tool” to more accurately reflect the PSTTT's capabilities. In this notice, the previous requirements listed as “State agency personnel” and “school nutrition professionals” has been clarified"},{"title":"National Environmental Policy Act","type":"Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting the interim final rule (IFR) published on July 3, 2025, with minor changes, as final. The IFR revised departmental regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and removed various USDA agency regulations for implementing NEPA. The IFR was in response to the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) rescission of its NEPA implementing regulations (which USDA's NEPA regulations were designed to supplement), statutory changes to NEPA, executive orders, and case law. In the IFR, USDA provided a 30-day comment period for the public to review and make comments. This final rule addresses public comments and adopts as final the IFR, with certain substantive changes as explained herein.","document_number":"2026-06537","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/03/2026-06537/national-environmental-policy-act","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-03/pdf/2026-06537.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-06537.pdf?1775133916","publication_date":"2026-04-03","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"}],"excerpts":"should another USDA subcomponent want to apply the CE. \n There is, therefore, no reason in principle that a USDA subcomponent cannot rely on another agency's CE or adopted CE for the same kind of proposed action. In the case of USDA subcomponents being able to use one another's CEs, USDA subcomponents also share the same extraordinary circumstances review protocol and are readily able to confer with their fellow USDA subcomponents when questions arise. Similarly, for CEs that have already been adopted by a USDA subcomponent, another USDA subcomponent"},{"title":"Agency Information Collection Activities: USDA Professional Standards Training Tracker Tool (PSTTT)","type":"Notice","abstract":"In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is an extension, without change, of a currently approved collection for assisting State agencies and school nutrition professionals in recording, tracking, and managing the required training hours for state and local school district nutrition professionals, in four major areas (Nutrition, Operations, Administration, and Communications and Marketing), to meet the requirements of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 Professional Standards Rule. The HHFKA (section 306) requires Professional Standards for state and local school district nutrition professionals. In addition to hiring standards, mandatory annual training is required for all individuals involved in preparing school meals.","document_number":"2023-09890","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/05/10/2023-09890/agency-information-collection-activities-usda-professional-standards-training-tracker-tool-psttt","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-05-10/pdf/2023-09890.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-09890.pdf?1683636317","publication_date":"2023-05-10","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":"school nutrition professionals in recording, tracking, and managing the required training hours for state and local school district nutrition professionals, in four major areas (Nutrition, Operations, Administration, and Communications and Marketing), to meet the requirements of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 Professional Standards Rule. The HHFKA (section 306) requires Professional Standards for state and local school district nutrition professionals. In addition to hiring standards, mandatory annual training is required for all"},{"title":"Final Determination: Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) establishes procedures for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to consider adopting periodic revisions to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and to ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 90.1), subject to a determination by the agencies that the revised codes do not negatively affect the availability or affordability of new construction of single and multifamily housing covered by EISA, and a determination by the Secretary of Energy that the revised codes \"would improve energy efficiency.\" At the time of developing the preliminary determination, the most recent editions of the codes for which DOE had issued efficiency determinations were ASHRAE 90.1-2019, and the 2021 IECC. This notice follows the notice of preliminary determination published on May 18, 2023, and announces the final determination of HUD and USDA as required under section 481(d)(1) of EISA. After consideration of public comments, HUD and USDA determine that the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 will not negatively affect the affordability and availability of housing covered by EISA.","document_number":"2024-08793","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/26/2024-08793/final-determination-adoption-of-energy-efficiency-standards-for-new-construction-of-hud--and","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-26/pdf/2024-08793.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-08793.pdf?1714049127","publication_date":"2024-04-26","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT","name":"Housing and Urban Development Department","id":228,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/housing-and-urban-development-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/228","parent_id":null,"slug":"housing-and-urban-development-department"},{"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"}],"excerpts":"HUD and USDA programs with either requirements or incentives for funding recipients to build to standards above the current 2009 IECC and/or ASHRAE 90.1-2007 standards (see “Exceeds Current Energy Standard” column). Contingent on the energy standard selected, and the minimum energy efficiency requirements established for each standard, projects built to the energy or green building standards listed in Table 3 may also meet or exceed the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 standards discussed in this notice (see “Meets or Exceeds Proposed Standards” column)"},{"title":"Small Business Size Standards: Monetary-Based Industry Size Standards","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA or the Agency) proposes to increase its monetary based small business size definitions (commonly referred to as \"size standards\") for 263 industries (259 receipts based and four assets based). SBA proposes to retain receipts based size standards for 237 industries and 12 subindustries (\"exceptions\") and remove one exception. SBA's proposal relied on its recently revised \"Size Standards Methodology\" (Revised Methodology). SBA seeks comments on its proposed changes to size standards and data sources it evaluated to develop the proposed size standards. SBA also invites comments on its proposed policy of not lowering any size standards, except for excluding dominant firms from qualifying as small. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(4), a summary of this rule may be found at www.regulations.gov.","document_number":"2025-16142","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/22/2025-16142/small-business-size-standards-monetary-based-industry-size-standards","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-08-22/pdf/2025-16142.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-16142.pdf?1755780357","publication_date":"2025-08-22","agencies":[{"raw_name":"SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION","name":"Small Business Administration","id":468,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/small-business-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/468","parent_id":null,"slug":"small-business-administration"}],"excerpts":"NAICS revisions to its size standards (87 FR 59240, September 29, 2022).\n \n \n This proposed rule is one of the two proposed rules that will review size standards of industries grouped by the type of size standards measures, \n i.e., \n monetary based size standards and employee based size standards. Rather than review all size standards in one rule, SBA is reviewing size standards by grouping industries that use the same size measure (\n i.e., \n employees or monetary measures). Once SBA completes its review of size standards for a group of industries"},{"title":"Request for Information: Grain-Based Desserts and High-Protein Yogurt Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs","type":"Notice","abstract":"The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requests comments from the public to help inform future policymaking, guidance, and technical assistance related to grain-based desserts and high-protein yogurt (which may include Greek and Greek- style yogurt) crediting in the Child Nutrition Programs. FNS welcomes comments from all interested partners, including child nutrition professionals, State agencies, the food industry, the research community, and other individuals and organizations with an interest in the Child Nutrition Programs.","document_number":"2024-30710","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/26/2024-30710/request-for-information-grain-based-desserts-and-high-protein-yogurt-crediting-in-child-nutrition","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-26/pdf/2024-30710.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-30710.pdf?1734961531","publication_date":"2024-12-26","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":"beverages that credit toward reimbursable meals and snacks sometimes have a Federal standard of identity. Federal standards of identity are established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). They are mandatory requirements that determine what a food must contain to be marketed and sold under a certain name. FNS relies on FDA's and FSIS' standards of identity because they provide a common Federal standard under which specific foods are made. This allows FNS to establish crediting policy"},{"title":"Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Department of Labor (Department or DOL) is issuing this interim final rule (IFR) to amend its regulations governing the certification of agricultural labor or services to be performed by temporary foreign workers in H-2A nonimmigrant status (H-2A workers). Specifically, the Department is revising the methodology for determining the hourly Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for non-range occupations by using wage data reported for each U.S. state and territory by the Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. For the vast majority of H-2A job opportunities, the Department will use OEWS survey data to establish AEWRs applicable to five Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes combining the most common field and livestock worker occupations previously measured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Labor Survey (FLS), which covered six SOC codes. These AEWRs will be divided into two skill-based categories to account for wage differentials arising from qualifications contained in the employer's job offer. For all other occupations, the Department will use the OEWS survey to determine two skill-based AEWRs for each SOC code to reflect wage differentials. The threshold determination for assigning the SOC code(s) and applicable skill-based AEWR will be based on the duties performed for the majority of the workdays during the contract period and qualifications contained in the employer's job offer. Finally, to address differences in compensation between most U.S. workers and H-2A workers who receive employer-provided housing at no cost, the Department will implement a standard adjustment factor to the AEWR to account for this non-monetary compensation that employers will apply when compensating H-2A workers under temporary agricultural labor certifications.","document_number":"2025-19365","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/02/2025-19365/adverse-effect-wage-rate-methodology-for-the-temporary-employment-of-h-2a-nonimmigrants-in-non-range","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-02/pdf/2025-19365.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19365.pdf?1759263310","publication_date":"2025-10-02","agencies":[{"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":"expectation of a training requirement that can range from a short-term demonstration of use or on-the-job training to more formal education or vocational training. For example, SOC code 45-2091 (Agricultural Equipment Operators) identifies a combination of more than 64 different categories of tools that workers may use to perform their jobs, including a wide array of harvesting equipment, trucks and tractor-trailers, spreaders, and loaders, where employees in this occupational classification need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training, and accordingly"},{"title":"Oil and Gas Resources","type":"Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA or Department) is finalizing revisions to its regulations governing Federal oil and gas resources within the National Forest System (NFS). The Department is making these revisions to update and modernize its existing regulations. In addition, conforming technical amendments to other parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) affected by this rule are also being updated. The regulations revise the process for analyzing whether the USDA, Forest Service will consent to making certain lands available for oil and gas leasing by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The regulations also clarify requirements for conducting lease operations and revise procedures concerning monitoring operator compliance with all applicable terms and conditions of leasing. The revised regulations will apply to operations on both existing and future leases.","document_number":"2026-01655","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/28/2026-01655/oil-and-gas-resources","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-28/pdf/2026-01655.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-01655.pdf?1769521512","publication_date":"2026-01-28","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":"Forest Service","name":"Forest Service","id":209,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/forest-service","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/209","parent_id":12,"slug":"forest-service"}],"excerpts":"proposed rule does not address training and funding for Agency staff and programs. As one commenter states, “Creating efficient processes is about more than revising regulations. Without sufficient funding and qualified resource professionals, streamlining regulations is a reaction to symptoms instead of addressing the root causes. Congress and the Administration must address proper funding, to not only ensure healthier forests, but a healthier Forest Service.”\n \n \n Agency Response: \n The rule does not address training and funding for Agency staff"},{"title":"Food Distribution Programs: Improving Access and Parity","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule considers public comments submitted in response to the proposed rule revising the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and USDA Foods disaster response regulations. This final rule makes access and parity improvements in USDA's food distribution programs to support access for eligible populations and streamline requirements for program operators.","document_number":"2024-24966","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/31/2024-24966/food-distribution-programs-improving-access-and-parity","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-10-31/pdf/2024-24966.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-24966.pdf?1730292329","publication_date":"2024-10-31","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":"operations, nor does it negatively impact the distribution of USDA Foods through other programs within a distributing agency's jurisdiction. USDA Foods for disaster response activities are typically drawn from local USDA Foods inventories that support permanent programs such as TEFAP. This provision ensures that distributing agencies consider the operation of other USDA Foods programs when making decisions about using USDA Foods for disaster response activities. \n Public Comments and USDA Response \n The Department received 10 comments, 3 of which were"},{"title":"Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing: Preliminary Determination and Solicitation of Comment","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) establishes procedures for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to adopt periodic revisions to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and to ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 90.1), subject to a determination by HUD and USDA that the revised codes do not negatively affect the availability or affordability of new construction of single and multifamily housing covered by EISA, and a determination by the Secretary of Energy that the revised codes \"would improve energy efficiency.\" This Notice announces the preliminary determination of HUD and USDA, as required under section 481(d)(1) of EISA, that the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 will not negatively affect the affordability and availability of housing covered by EISA. In making this preliminary determination, the first step to ultimately requiring compliance with these standards in HUD and USDA housing covered by EISA, this Notice relies on several studies that show that these codes are cost effective in that the incremental cost of the additional efficiency measures pays for themselves with energy cost savings on a life-cycle basis.","document_number":"2023-10596","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/05/18/2023-10596/adoption-of-energy-efficiency-standards-for-new-construction-of-hud--and-usda-financed-housing","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-05-18/pdf/2023-10596.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-10596.pdf?1684327532","publication_date":"2023-05-18","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT","name":"Housing and Urban Development Department","id":228,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/housing-and-urban-development-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/228","parent_id":null,"slug":"housing-and-urban-development-department"},{"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"}],"excerpts":"Current Energy Standard” column). Contingent on the energy efficiency or green building standard selected, and the minimum energy efficiency requirements established for each standard, projects built to these above-code standards may also exceed the proposed 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 standards discussed in this Notice (see “Meets or Exceeds Proposed Energy Standard” column). HUD and USDA are requesting comments in this Notice on the current energy efficiency requirements included in the green building standards incentivized or required by these"},{"title":"Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This document proposes to establish an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for natural grass sod products. The proposed program, the Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order), was submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by Turfgrass Producers International (TPI), a group of natural grass sod producers. The purpose of the program would be to maintain and expand markets for natural grass sod products and the program would be financed by an assessment on domestic sod producers. This proposed Order also announces that USDA is conducting a referendum among eligible producers to determine whether they favor establishing the program. The program would be established if it is favored by a majority of industry producers voting in the referendum. A separate final rule on referendum procedures is published in this issue of the Federal Register. This proposed Order also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intent to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of new information collection requirements to implement the program.","document_number":"2024-28389","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/10/2024-28389/natural-grass-sod-promotion-research-and-information-order","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-10/pdf/2024-28389.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-28389.pdf?1733763620","publication_date":"2024-12-10","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":"Agricultural Marketing Service","name":"Agricultural Marketing Service","id":9,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/agricultural-marketing-service","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/9","parent_id":12,"slug":"agricultural-marketing-service"}],"excerpts":"percent. Furthermore, when evaluating the prices based on weighted averages instead of ranges, the additional costs incurred would be between 0.38 percent and 0.13 percent.\n \n \n \n 9 \n USDA, 2022 USDA NASS Census, \n https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_1_US/st99_1_039_039.pdf \n (last visited Aug. 30, 2024).\n \n \n \n \n 10 \n USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News, \n https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_2930.pdf \n (last visited Aug. 30, 2024).\n \n \n This level of assessment"},{"title":"Emergency Response Standard","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"OSHA is proposing through this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to issue a new safety and health standard, titled Emergency Response, to replace the existing Fire Brigades Standard. The new standard would address a broader scope of emergency responders and would include programmatic elements to protect emergency responders from a variety of occupational hazards. The agency requests comments on all aspects of the proposed rule.","document_number":"2023-28203","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/05/2023-28203/emergency-response-standard","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-05/pdf/2023-28203.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-28203.pdf?1706881515","publication_date":"2024-02-05","agencies":[{"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":"Occupational Safety and Health Administration","name":"Occupational Safety and Health Administration","id":386,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/occupational-safety-and-health-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/386","parent_id":271,"slug":"occupational-safety-and-health-administration"}],"excerpts":"Firefighters Professional Qualifications, scheduled for 2024. \n NFPA 1021 and other standards will become NFPA 1020, Standard for Fire Officer and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications, scheduled for 2025. \n NFPA 1407, NFPA 1451 and other standards will become NFPA 1400, Standard on Fire Service Training, scheduled for 2026. \n NFPA 1581, NFPA 1582 and other standards will become NFPA 1580, Standard for Emergency Responder Occupational Health and Wellness, scheduled for 2025. \n NFPA 1201, NFPA 1710, NFPA 1720, and other standards will"},{"title":"National Organic Program (NOP); Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards","type":"Rule","abstract":"The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) amends the organic livestock and poultry production requirements by adding new provisions for livestock handling and transport, slaughter, and avian (poultry) living conditions; and expanding and clarifying existing requirements covering livestock care and production practices and non-avian living conditions. These changes will ensure organically produced foods meet a transparent and consistent standard to allow the industry to maintain consumer confidence in USDA organic products, to align with consumer expectations regarding outdoor access, and to further facilitate interstate commerce in organic products.","document_number":"2023-23726","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/02/2023-23726/national-organic-program-nop-organic-livestock-and-poultry-standards","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-11-02/pdf/2023-23726.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-23726.pdf?1698855918","publication_date":"2023-11-02","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":"Agricultural Marketing Service","name":"Agricultural Marketing Service","id":9,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/agricultural-marketing-service","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/9","parent_id":12,"slug":"agricultural-marketing-service"}],"excerpts":"research and as more producers enter into organic livestock production, the Committee expects that USDA, with the assistance of the National Organic Standards Board will elaborate on livestock criteria. The Committee recommends as well that, over time, USDA and the Organic Standards Board develop standards for aquaculture products. \n \n S. Rep. No. 101-357, at 292 (1990). \n In addition, OFPA grants USDA authority to establish standards for the national organic program. Sec. 6503(a) states: “The Secretary shall establish an organic certification program"},{"title":"OneRD Guarantee Loan","type":"Rule","abstract":"Rural Development's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service, agencies of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), collectively referred to as the Agency in this document, are publishing this final rule for the OneRD Guarantee Loan Program (OneRD). The intent of this rule is to make necessary revisions to the policy and procedures which will strengthen oversight and management of the growing Community Facilities (CF), Water and Waste Disposal (WWD), Business and Industry (B&I), and Rural Energy for America (REAP) guarantee portfolios. This action is part of a continuing effort by the Agency to improve customer service for its lenders and create a more efficient work process for its staff.","document_number":"2024-21920","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/30/2024-21920/onerd-guarantee-loan","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-09-30/pdf/2024-21920.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-21920.pdf?1727441119","publication_date":"2024-09-30","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":"Rural Utilities Service","name":"Rural Utilities Service","id":460,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/rural-utilities-service","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/460","parent_id":12,"slug":"rural-utilities-service"}],"excerpts":"accommodate the public must comply with the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard. The borrower and lender are responsible for ensuring compliance with these requirements. \n USDA Non-Discrimination Statement \n In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion"},{"title":"Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances","type":"Rule","abstract":"This rule finalizes changes proposed October 3, 2019, by the Department to revise Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations for calculating standard utility allowances (SUAs) and expand allowable shelter expenses to include basic internet costs. It requires State agencies to submit for FNS approval their SUA methodologies at least every five years, and methodology submissions must incorporate any revisions necessary to demonstrate that the baseline expenditure data and underlying methodology reflect recent trends and changes. This rule also provides State agencies with the flexibility necessary to ensure that they meet households' needs while also aligning SUAs with data on low-income household utility costs in a more consistent manner. This rule also finalizes updates proposed April 20, 2016, regarding the treatment of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or other similar energy assistance program payments, in accordance with amendments made to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by the Agricultural Act of 2014. The intent of this final rule is to ensure consistency and integrity of SUAs across the country, which the Department believes is good governance.","document_number":"2024-26845","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/18/2024-26845/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-standardization-of-state-heating-and-cooling-standard","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-11-18/pdf/2024-26845.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-26845.pdf?1731678345","publication_date":"2024-11-18","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":"basic internet individual standard, instead of a combined telecommunications standard, is better aligned with how the Department treats other individual standards. For instance, under current rules, State agencies may offer all other utilities (including telephone) as individual standards but may only combine them when using HCSUAs and LUAs. Therefore, the final rule allows State agencies to develop a basic internet individual standard, independent from the telephone standard, rather than as part of a telecommunications standard. Under the final rule"},{"title":"Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands; Minimum Property Standards for Flood Hazard Exposure; Building to the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule revises HUD's regulations governing floodplain management and the protection of wetlands to implement the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) in accordance with the Executive Order titled \"Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input.\" These revisions to HUD's regulations will improve the resilience of HUD-assisted or financed projects to the effects of climate change and natural disasters and provide for greater flexibility in the use of HUD assistance in floodways under certain circumstances. Among other revisions, this rule provides a process for determining the extent of the FFRMS floodplain, with a preference for a climate-informed science approach (CISA) to making this determination. The rule also revises HUD's floodplain and wetland regulations to streamline, improve overall clarity, and modernize standards. Also, this rule revises HUD's Minimum Property Standards for one-to-four-unit housing under HUD's mortgage insurance and low-rent public housing programs to require that the lowest floor in newly constructed structures located within the 1-percent-annual-chance (100-year) floodplain be built at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation (BFE) as determined by best available information. The rule also revises a categorical exclusion when HUD performs environmental reviews and updates various HUD environmental regulations to permit online posting of public notices.","document_number":"2024-06246","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/23/2024-06246/floodplain-management-and-protection-of-wetlands-minimum-property-standards-for-flood-hazard","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-23/pdf/2024-06246.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-06246.pdf?1713789912","publication_date":"2024-04-23","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT","name":"Housing and Urban Development Department","id":228,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/housing-and-urban-development-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/228","parent_id":null,"slug":"housing-and-urban-development-department"}],"excerpts":"Minimum Property Standards under 24 CFR 200.926 through 200.926e. These property standards require that when HUD insures a mortgage on a property, the property meets basic livability and safety standards and is code compliant. The section relating to construction in flood hazard areas, § 200.926d(c)(4), has long been included as a property standard. \n In alignment with the revisions in this final rule that address FFRMS under E.O. 11988, this final rule also amends the Minimum Property Standards on site design, specifically the standards addressing drainage"},{"title":"Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"OSHA is proposing to issue a new standard, titled Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. The standard would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction, with some exceptions. It would be a programmatic standard that would require employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplace. It would more clearly set forth employer obligations and the measures necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat. OSHA requests comments on all aspects of the proposed rule.","document_number":"2024-14824","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/30/2024-14824/heat-injury-and-illness-prevention-in-outdoor-and-indoor-work-settings","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-08-30/pdf/2024-14824.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-14824.pdf?1724935516","publication_date":"2024-08-30","agencies":[{"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":"Occupational Safety and Health Administration","name":"Occupational Safety and Health Administration","id":386,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/occupational-safety-and-health-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/386","parent_id":271,"slug":"occupational-safety-and-health-administration"}],"excerpts":"in the docket (DOL, 2024a). \n D. Other Standards \n Various other organizations have also either identified the need for standards to prevent occupational heat-related injury and illness or published their own standards. In 2024, the American National Standards Institute/American Society of Safety Professionals A10 Committee (ANSI/ASSP) published a consensus standard on heat stress management in construction and demolition operations. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) also has a standard for evaluating heat stress: ISO 7243:"},{"title":"Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA or the Department) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS or the Agency) amends the Agency's regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (P&S Act or Act). The Act protects fair trade, financial integrity, and competitive markets for poultry. The final rule prohibits certain payment practices under poultry grower ranking systems (commonly known as tournaments) in contract poultry production for broiler chickens, requires live poultry dealers (LPDs) to adopt policies and procedures for operating a fair ranking system for broiler growers, and requires LPDs to provide certain information to broiler growers when the LPD requests or requires the grower to make additional capital investments. These regulations will increase transparency and address deception and unfairness in broiler grower payments, tournament operations, and capital improvement systems.","document_number":"2025-00508","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/16/2025-00508/poultry-grower-payment-systems-and-capital-improvement-systems","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-16/pdf/2025-00508.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-00508.pdf?1736948726","publication_date":"2025-01-16","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":"Agricultural Marketing Service","name":"Agricultural Marketing Service","id":9,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/agricultural-marketing-service","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/9","parent_id":12,"slug":"agricultural-marketing-service"}],"excerpts":"commenter suggested that, for the duration of a reasonable transition period, USDA require that current payments remain overall comparable, so that LPDs cannot arbitrarily lower grower base pay or overall compensation during the transition period or impose other unfair contract terms. This commenter also suggested that USDA require that modified contracts have, at a minimum, the same length as the period covered by the grower's initial contract. \n Advocacy associations urged USDA to closely monitor the industry's transition and establish fair minimum"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs, Including the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program; Health and Safety Standards for Obstetrical Services in Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals; Prior Authorization; Requests for Information; Medicaid and CHIP Continuous Eligibility; Medicaid Clinic Services Four Walls Exceptions; Individuals Currently or Formerly in Custody of Penal Authorities; Revision to Medicare Special Enrollment Period for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals; and All-Inclusive Rate Add-On Payment for High-Cost Drugs Provided by Indian Health Service and Tribal Facilities","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule with comment period revises the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system for calendar year 2025 based on our continuing experience with these systems. We describe the changes to the amounts and factors used to determine the payment rates for Medicare services paid under the OPPS and those paid under the ASC payment system. Also, this final rule updates the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program, Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting Program, Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting Program, and Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program. We also summarize information received in response to a Request for Information on potential modifications to the Safety of Care measure group in the Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating methodology. In this final rule, we are also finalizing our proposal to narrow the description of \"custody\" in the Medicare payment exclusion rule and to revise the special enrollment period criteria for formerly incarcerated individuals. We are also finalizing our Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) continuous eligibility provisions. We are also finalizing the proposal to reduce the review timeframe for standard prior authorization requests for certain covered outpatient department services paid under the OPPS from 10-business days to 7-calendar days. Further, this rule finalizes updates to the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) in an effort to advance the health and safety of pregnant, birthing, and postpartum women. This rule also finalizes our proposed policy to separately pay Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal hospitals for high-cost drugs furnished in hospital outpatient departments through an add-on payment in addition to the all-inclusive rate (AIR) under the authorities used to calculate the AIR starting January 1, 2025. Finally, we are finalizing exceptions to the Medicaid clinic services four walls requirement for IHS and Tribal clinics, and, at state option, for behavioral health clinics and clinics located in rural areas.","document_number":"2024-25521","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/27/2024-25521/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-hospital-outpatient-prospective-payment-and-ambulatory-surgical","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-11-27/pdf/2024-25521.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-25521.pdf?1730492130","publication_date":"2024-11-27","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":"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":"103 \n \n 17. Caregiver Training Services, HCPCS Codes GCTD1, GCTD2, and GCTD3 (APC 5731) \n \n The CY 2025 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule (89 FR 61956) proposed to establish new coding and payment for caregiver training for direct care services and supports. The topics of training could include, but would not be limited to, techniques to prevent decubitus ulcer formation, wound dressing changes, and infection control. Unlike other caregiver training codes that are currently paid under the PFS, the caregiver training codes for direct care"},{"title":"Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule makes regulatory changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) to support and stabilize the Head Start workforce and improve the quality of services Head Start programs provide to children and families. These changes include requirements for wages and benefits, breaks for staff, and enhanced support for staff health and wellness. The changes also include enhancements to mental health services to better integrate mental health into every aspect of program service delivery. Enhancements are also included in the areas of family service worker family assignments, identifying and meeting community needs, ensuring child safety, services for pregnant women and other pregnant people, and alignment with State early childhood systems. Finally, the changes include minor clarifications to promote better transparency and clarity of understanding for grant recipients.","document_number":"2024-18279","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/21/2024-18279/supporting-the-head-start-workforce-and-consistent-quality-programming","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-08-21/pdf/2024-18279.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-18279.pdf?1723821314","publication_date":"2024-08-21","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":"“pushing.” \n Section 1302.92 Training and Professional Development \n Section 1302.92 establishes requirements for staff training and professional development. Specifically, § 1302.92(b) requires programs to establish and implement systematic approaches to training and professional development designed to assist staff in acquiring or increasing the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, comprehensive services within the scope of their job responsibilities. \n The final rule adds a new requirement for annual training in positive strategies"}]}