{"description":"Documents matching 'routine in-service inspections external ultrasonic'","count":120,"total_pages":6,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=routine+in-service+inspections+external+ultrasonic&format=json&page=2","results":[{"title":"Pipeline Safety: Breakout Tank Inspection Rule","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"Breakout tanks are used to \"relieve surges in a hazardous liquid pipeline system\" or to \"receive and store hazardous liquid transported by a pipeline for reinjection and continued transportation by pipeline.\" American Petroleum Institute Standard 653 (API Std 653) sets industry standards for the inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of aboveground storage tanks. PHMSA currently incorporates the 3rd edition of API Std 653 (issued December 2001) by reference into its regulations for breakout tanks. In this rulemaking, PHMSA is proposing to update its regulations for breakout tanks to incorporate the 5th edition of API Std 653 (issued November 2014) by reference. As a key part of this, PHMSA is proposing to authorize the use of risk-based inspection (RBI) procedures for establishing the inspection intervals of in-service breakout tanks.","document_number":"2026-10969","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/02/2026-10969/pipeline-safety-breakout-tank-inspection-rule","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-02/pdf/2026-10969.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-10969.pdf?1780317916","publication_date":"2026-06-02","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","id":408,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/408","parent_id":492,"slug":"pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"B. Physical <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span> Requirements and Risk-Based <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span> (§ 195.432) \n Section 195.432 references API Std 653 to define periodic <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> requirements for atmospheric and low-pressure steel above-ground breakout tanks. Section 6 of the 3rd edition of API Std 653 requires <span class=\"match\">routine</span> <span class=\"match\">in-service</span> <span class=\"match\">inspections</span>, <span class=\"match\">external</span> <span class=\"match\">inspections</span>, <span class=\"match\">external</span> <span class=\"match\">ultrasonic</span> thickness measurements of the tank shell, exterior cathodic protection surveys of the tank bottom (if applicable), and internal <span class=\"match\">inspections</span> of the tank bottom and shell. These <span class=\"match\">inspections</span> are intended"},{"title":"Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Updates Related to the Use of Ozone-Depleting Substances as Process Agents","type":"Rule","abstract":"This action establishes recordkeeping and reporting requirements for uses of ozone-depleting substances as process agents and updates related definitions. Codified recordkeeping and reporting requirements will provide clear notice of information the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency collects, aggregates, and reports each year on behalf of the United States as a party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer; effectively monitor these narrow uses in a more routine and consistent manner under the Clean Air Act; and enhance understanding of emissions of substances harmful to the stratospheric ozone layer.","document_number":"2024-22380","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/10/2024-22380/protection-of-stratospheric-ozone-updates-related-to-the-use-of-ozone-depleting-substances-as","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-10-10/pdf/2024-22380.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-22380.pdf?1728477916","publication_date":"2024-10-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY","name":"Environmental Protection Agency","id":145,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/environmental-protection-agency","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/145","parent_id":null,"slug":"environmental-protection-agency"}],"excerpts":"“difficult-to-monitor,” “dual mechanical seal pump and dual mechanical seal agitator,” “equipment,” “in controlled substance service,” “in gas and vapor service,” “in heavy liquid service,” “in light liquid service,” “in vacuum service,” “isolated intermediate,” “no <span class=\"match\">external</span> shaft pump and no <span class=\"match\">external</span> shaft agitator,” “operating scenario,” “process,” “process condenser,” “process vent,” “typical batch,” “uncontrolled emissions of controlled substances,” and “unsafe-to-monitor.” \n VI. Costs and Benefits \n The recordkeeping and reporting requirements EPA is"},{"title":"Pipeline Safety: Periodic Standards Update II","type":"Rule","abstract":"PHMSA is amending the Federal pipeline safety regulations to incorporate by reference all or parts of 19 updated industry standards. PHMSA is also clarifying certain regulatory provisions and making several editorial corrections.","document_number":"2025-15988","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/21/2025-15988/pipeline-safety-periodic-standards-update-ii","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-08-21/pdf/2025-15988.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-15988.pdf?1755693925","publication_date":"2025-08-21","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","id":408,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/408","parent_id":492,"slug":"pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"“Pressure Vessel <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span> Code: <span class=\"match\">In-service</span> <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span>, Rating, Repair, and Alteration,” 10th Edition, May 2014, including Addendum 1 (May 2017). \n API 510 presents the current state of knowledge and technology applicable to the <span class=\"match\">in-service</span> alteration, <span class=\"match\">inspection</span>, repair, and rerating of steel pressure vessels, as well as the pressure-relieving devices that protect these vessels. This standard applies to all hydrocarbon and chemical process vessels. \n [[Replaces API Std 510, “Pressure Vessel <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span> Code: <span class=\"match\">In-Service</span> <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span>, Rating, Repair"},{"title":"Hazardous Materials: Adoption of Miscellaneous Petitions and Updating Regulatory Requirements","type":"Rule","abstract":"PHMSA amends the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to update, clarify, improve the safety of, or streamline various regulatory requirements. Specifically, this rulemaking responds to 18 petitions for rulemaking submitted by the regulated community between May 2018 and October 2020 that requests PHMSA address a variety of provisions, including but not limited to those addressing packaging, hazard communication, and the incorporation by reference of certain documents. These revisions maintain or enhance the existing high level of safety under the HMR while providing clarity and appropriate regulatory flexibility in the transport of hazardous materials.","document_number":"2024-03290","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/04/2024-03290/hazardous-materials-adoption-of-miscellaneous-petitions-and-updating-regulatory-requirements","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-03-04/pdf/2024-03290.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-03290.pdf?1709300720","publication_date":"2024-03-04","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","id":408,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/408","parent_id":492,"slug":"pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"Standard for Metallic, DOT and TC 3-Series Gas Cylinders and Tubes Using <span class=\"match\">Ultrasonic</span> Examination” (Second Edition), which allow for the use of UE for cylinder requalification. PHMSA revises paragraph (e)(2) to state that cylinders in corrosive liquid service are still required to do both an internal and <span class=\"match\">external</span> visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span>. PHMSA is revising paragraph (f)(2) to state that if a cylinder or tube is requalified by <span class=\"match\">ultrasonic</span> examination, only an <span class=\"match\">external</span> visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> is required. Additionally, PHMSA adds a new paragraph (h) to specify that"},{"title":"Hazardous Materials: Harmonization With International Standards","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"PHMSA proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to adopt certain international regulations and standards related to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements. These amendments are intended to maintain consistency with the latest international standards and regulations, and to reduce costs to entities or individuals within the United States or to otherwise lower the cost of regulations on the United States economy.","document_number":"2026-02575","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/10/2026-02575/hazardous-materials-harmonization-with-international-standards","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-10/pdf/2026-02575.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-02575.pdf?1770644712","publication_date":"2026-02-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","id":408,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/408","parent_id":492,"slug":"pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"specific information on design and fabrication requirements for the procurement of new packagings intended for the transportation of UF6 in quantities of 0.2205 lb. (0.1 kg) or more. It also defines the requirements for <span class=\"match\">in-service</span> <span class=\"match\">inspections</span>, cleanliness, and maintenance for packagings <span class=\"match\">in service</span>. Packagings currently <span class=\"match\">in service</span> and not specifically defined in this standard will continue to be authorized for use, provided they are used within their original design limitations, and are inspected, tested, and maintained to comply with the intent of"},{"title":"Hazardous Materials: Advancing Safety of Highway, Rail, and Vessel Transportation","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"PHMSA proposes to revise the Hazardous Materials Regulations to adopt several modal-specific amendments that would enhance the safe transportation of hazardous materials in commerce. PHMSA, in consultation with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the United States Coast Guard, proposes amendments identified during Departmental review and from industry petitions for rulemaking.","document_number":"2024-23421","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/28/2024-23421/hazardous-materials-advancing-safety-of-highway-rail-and-vessel-transportation","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-10-28/pdf/2024-23421.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-23421.pdf?1729860313","publication_date":"2024-10-28","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","id":408,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/408","parent_id":492,"slug":"pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"enhancing safety. \n Paragraph (d)(1) \n This paragraph applies to the <span class=\"match\">external</span> visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> of cargo tank motor vehicles, and states that where insulation precludes a complete <span class=\"match\">external</span> visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> as required by §§ 180.407(d)(2) through (d)(6), the cargo tank must also be given an internal visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> in accordance with § 180.407(e). PHMSA proposes to add “coverings such as wrappings and coatings” as materials that can preclude a complete <span class=\"match\">external</span> visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> to paragraph (d)(1). This is consistent with Letters of Interpretation"},{"title":"Updates to Marine Engineering Standards","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Coast Guard is updating marine engineering standards that are incorporated by reference and eliminating outdated or unnecessarily prescriptive regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations. This regulatory action is consistent with the standards currently used by industry and supports the Coast Guard's maritime safety mission.","document_number":"2024-10341","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/06/12/2024-10341/updates-to-marine-engineering-standards","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-06-12/pdf/2024-10341.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-10341.pdf?1718109921","publication_date":"2024-06-12","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY","name":"Homeland Security Department","id":227,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/homeland-security-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/227","parent_id":null,"slug":"homeland-security-department"},{"raw_name":"Coast Guard","name":"Coast Guard","id":53,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/coast-guard","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/53","parent_id":227,"slug":"coast-guard"}],"excerpts":"\n Part 61—Periodic Tests and <span class=\"match\">Inspections</span> \n Making stylistic changes throughout part 61 for greater clarity and readability. \n \n Section 61.03-1 Incorporation by reference. \n \n Modifying paragraph (b) to update the name, telephone number, and web address of ASTM International. \n \n Section 61.05-10 Boilers <span class=\"match\">in service</span>. \n \n Eliminating unnecessary and outdated text regarding boiler <span class=\"match\">inspections</span> from paragraphs (a) and (f). \n \n Section 61.10-5 Pressure vessels <span class=\"match\">in service</span>. \n \n Modifying paragraph (g) to provide <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> compliance options, in lieu of"},{"title":"Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; and Quality Reporting Programs; Including the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Program; Request for Information on Strengthening the Standardization and Comparability of Hospital Price Transparency (HPT) Data; Prior Authorization; Accrediting Organization (AO) Deeming for Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA); and Notices of Closure of Teaching Hospitals and Opportunities To Apply for Available Slots","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would revise the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system for calendar year 2027 based on our continuing experience with these systems. We also 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 systems. In addition, this proposed rule would update and refine the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting Program. There are no changes to the Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting Program. We propose to expand the prior authorization requirement to include additional Botulinum Toxin Injection services. We also propose to implement certain provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, for off-campus outpatient departments of a provider. In addition, this proposed rule announces notices of closure of teaching hospitals and opportunities to apply for available slots. This rule also requests information regarding potential approaches to improve comparability and standardization, particularly for complex contracting methodologies, of the HPT information reported in machine- readable files and consumer-friendly displays. We propose hospital AOs with deeming authority to assess compliance with certain Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) administrative requirements during accreditation and reaccreditation surveys. Finally, we are soliciting comments on a potential separate payment under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for domestic procurement of personal protective equipment and essential medicines.","document_number":"2026-13656","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/07/2026-13656/medicare-program-hospital-outpatient-prospective-payment-and-ambulatory-surgical-center-payment","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-07/pdf/2026-13656.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-13656.pdf?1782996328","publication_date":"2026-07-07","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":"internal and <span class=\"match\">external</span> fixation approaches, we cannot evaluate sources that are cited but not included as part of the application.\n \n \n Moreover, we note that the applicant did not provide any evidence comparing the LINK\n TM \n <span class=\"match\">External</span> Fixator's clinical outcomes to those of other available treatment options, such as the Genxfix <span class=\"match\">External</span> Fixator (the predicate device), nitinol bone staple, Mini-Rail\n TM \n <span class=\"match\">External</span> Fixator, Hoffman® <span class=\"match\">External</span> Fixator System, or MaxFrame\n TM \n . Specifically, FDA determined that the LINK\n TM \n <span class=\"match\">External</span> Fixator is substantially"},{"title":"Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-Documents Incorporated by Reference","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"BSEE proposes to incorporate documents by reference (Production Measurement Industry Standards and Safety Industry Standards, including one International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission standard) into the regulations governing oil, gas, and sulfur operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Incorporation of these documents by reference would provide industry with up-to-date, minimum requirements for measuring oil and gas production volumes and enhancing safety. This would reduce uncertainty in the measurement of oil and gas production and update the minimum standards in the safety regulations.","document_number":"2023-25734","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/30/2023-25734/oil-and-gas-and-sulfur-operations-in-the-outer-continental-shelf-documents-incorporated-by-reference","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-11-30/pdf/2023-25734.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-25734.pdf?1701265516","publication_date":"2023-11-30","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR","name":"Interior Department","id":253,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/interior-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/253","parent_id":null,"slug":"interior-department"},{"raw_name":"Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement","name":"Safety and Environmental Enforcement Bureau","id":576,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/safety-and-environmental-enforcement-bureau","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/576","parent_id":253,"slug":"safety-and-environmental-enforcement-bureau"}],"excerpts":"proposed reorganized table as § 250.198(e)(102).\n \n \n API 510, Pressure Vessel <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span> Code: <span class=\"match\">In-Service</span> <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span>, Rating, Repair, and Alteration, Tenth Edition, May 2014; Addendum 1, May 2017 \n is incorporated by reference in the current § 250.198(e)(1) and will remain as previously incorporated by reference into the regulations, but will be renumbered in the proposed reorganized table as § 250.198(e)(103).\n \n \n API 570, Piping <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span> Code: <span class=\"match\">In-service</span> <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span>, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems, Fourth Edition, February 2016;"},{"title":"Hazardous Materials: Adoption of Miscellaneous Petitions and Updating Regulatory Requirements","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"PHMSA proposes amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to update, clarify, improve the safety of, or streamline various regulatory requirements. Specifically, this rulemaking responds to 18 petitions for rulemaking submitted by the regulated community between May 2018 and October 2020 that requests PHMSA address a variety of provisions, including but not limited to those addressing packaging, hazard communication, and the incorporation by reference of certain documents. These proposed revisions maintain or enhance the existing high level of safety under the HMR while providing clarity and appropriate regulatory flexibility in the transport of hazardous materials.","document_number":"2023-03366","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/03/2023-03366/hazardous-materials-adoption-of-miscellaneous-petitions-and-updating-regulatory-requirements","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-03/pdf/2023-03366.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-03366.pdf?1677764717","publication_date":"2023-03-03","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","id":408,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/408","parent_id":492,"slug":"pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"aluminum cylinders; C-8 for DOT 3HT cylinders; and C-13 for DOT 8 series cylinders. \n (2) If a cylinder or tube is requalified by <span class=\"match\">ultrasonic</span> examination, only an <span class=\"match\">external</span> visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> is required. \n (3) For each cylinder with a coating or attachments that would inhibit <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> of the cylinder, the coating or attachments must be removed before performing the visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span>. \n (4) Each cylinder subject to visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> must be approved, rejected, or condemned according to the criteria in the applicable CGA pamphlet. \n (5) In addition to other"},{"title":"Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and Five-Year Review","type":"Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing new source performance standards (NSPS) and emission guidelines (EG) for the large municipal waste combustion (MWC) source category. This final rule responds to a voluntary remand of the preceding rule for this source category and announces the results of the non-discretionary review at five-year intervals required by Clean Air Act (CAA) section 129(a)(5), fulfilling the requirements of a consent decree for the source category. The final rule revises the remanded emission limits for cadmium, lead, particulate matter, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, mercury, hydrogen chloride, and sulfur dioxide for all sources subject to the NSPS and EG and the remanded emission limits for nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide for some sources subject to the EG and all sources subject to the NSPS. This final rule also removes certain startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) exclusions and exemptions. In addition, the EPA is taking this opportunity to streamline regulatory language; revise recordkeeping and reporting requirements; establish electronic notification; reestablish new and existing source applicability dates; eliminate title V requirements for air curtain incinerators that burn only wood waste, yard waste, and clean lumber; close a 2007 proposed reconsideration action; and make certain typographical and technical corrections and clarifications. The EPA estimates this final rule will result in 3,269 tpy reduction in regulated pollutants from existing sources through implementation of the final emission limits.","document_number":"2026-04646","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/10/2026-04646/standards-of-performance-for-new-stationary-sources-and-emission-guidelines-for-existing-sources","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-03-10/pdf/2026-04646.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-04646.pdf?1773060312","publication_date":"2026-03-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY","name":"Environmental Protection Agency","id":145,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/environmental-protection-agency","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/145","parent_id":null,"slug":"environmental-protection-agency"}],"excerpts":"periods of system breakdowns, repairs, and required <span class=\"match\">routine</span> monitor calibrations or quality assurance/quality control periods, according to 40 CFR 60.13(e).\n \n \n \n \n 96 \n  Mercury Air Toxics Standards (40 CFR part 63, subpart UUUU); Commercial and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters (40 CFR part 63, subpart DDDDD).\n \n \n \n Periods of startup, normal operations, and shutdown are predictable and <span class=\"match\">routine</span> aspects of a source's operations. Malfunctions, in contrast, are neither predictable nor <span class=\"match\">routine</span>. Instead they are, by definition, sudden, infrequent"},{"title":"Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020","type":"Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is issuing regulations to implement certain provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. This rulemaking establishes an emissions reduction and reclamation program for the management of hydrofluorocarbons that includes requirements for leak repair and installation and use of automatic leak detection systems for certain equipment using refrigerants containing hydrofluorocarbons and certain substitutes; the servicing and/or repair of certain refrigerant- containing equipment to be done with reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons; the initial installation and servicing and/or repair of fire suppression equipment to be done with recycled hydrofluorocarbons, technician training, and recycling of hydrofluorocarbons prior to the disposal of fire suppression equipment containing hydrofluorocarbons; removal of hydrofluorocarbons from disposable cylinders before discarding them; and certain recordkeeping, reporting, and labeling requirements. In addition, EPA is establishing alternative Resource Conservation and Recovery Act standards for certain ignitable spent refrigerants being recycled for reuse.","document_number":"2024-21967","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/11/2024-21967/phasedown-of-hydrofluorocarbons-management-of-certain-hydrofluorocarbons-and-substitutes-under-the","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-10-11/pdf/2024-21967.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-21967.pdf?1728564320","publication_date":"2024-10-11","agencies":[{"raw_name":"ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY","name":"Environmental Protection Agency","id":145,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/environmental-protection-agency","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/145","parent_id":null,"slug":"environmental-protection-agency"}],"excerpts":"provision to require periodic manual leak <span class=\"match\">inspections</span> for portions of the appliance that are not being monitored by an ALD system. The commenter suggested that EPA require quarterly <span class=\"match\">inspections</span> for portions of an appliance with a charge size of 1,500 pounds or more that are not covered by an ALD system regardless of whether the appliance is leaking above its applicable leak rate. Another commenter in support of the varying leak <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> requirements in the final rule encouraged EPA to adopt <span class=\"match\">routine</span> leak <span class=\"match\">inspections</span> regardless of whether the refrigerant-containing"},{"title":"Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is amending requirements that apply to the petroleum and natural gas systems source category of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule to ensure that reporting is based on empirical data, accurately reflects total methane emissions and waste emissions from applicable facilities, and allows owners and operators of applicable facilities to submit empirical emissions data that appropriately demonstrate the extent to which a charge is owed under the Waste Emissions Charge. The EPA is also amending certain requirements that apply to the general provisions, general stationary fuel combustion, and petroleum and natural gas systems source categories of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule to improve calculation, monitoring, and reporting of greenhouse gas data for petroleum and natural gas systems facilities. This action also establishes and amends confidentiality determinations for the reporting of certain data elements to be added or substantially revised in these amendments.","document_number":"2024-08988","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/14/2024-08988/greenhouse-gas-reporting-rule-revisions-and-confidentiality-determinations-for-petroleum-and-natural","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-14/pdf/2024-08988.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-08988.pdf?1715604315","publication_date":"2024-05-14","agencies":[{"raw_name":"ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY","name":"Environmental Protection Agency","id":145,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/environmental-protection-agency","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/145","parent_id":null,"slug":"environmental-protection-agency"}],"excerpts":"visual <span class=\"match\">inspections</span> are conducted in the calendar year, assume a thief hatch found open in the first visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> was open since the beginning of the year until the date of the visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span>; assume a thief hatch found open in the last visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> of the year was open from the preceding visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> through the end of the year; assume a thief hatch found open in a visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> between the first and last visual <span class=\"match\">inspections</span> of the year was open since the preceding visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> until the date of the visual <span class=\"match\">inspection</span>. \n \n"},{"title":"Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under Subsection (h) of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to issue regulations to implement certain provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. This rulemaking proposes to establish a program for the management of hydrofluorocarbons that includes requirements for leak repair and use of automatic leak detection systems for certain equipment using refrigerants containing hydrofluorocarbons and certain substitutes; requirements for the use of reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons in certain sectors or subsectors; the use of recycled hydrofluorocarbons in fire suppression equipment; recovery of hydrofluorocarbons from cylinders; container tracking; and certain recordkeeping, reporting, and labeling requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency is also proposing alternative Resource Conservation and Recovery Act standards for spent ignitable refrigerants being recycled for reuse. Finally, EPA requests advance comment on approaches for establishing requirements for technician training and/or certification.","document_number":"2023-22526","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/10/19/2023-22526/phasedown-of-hydrofluorocarbons-management-of-certain-hydrofluorocarbons-and-substitutes-under","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-19/pdf/2023-22526.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-22526.pdf?1697633116","publication_date":"2023-10-19","agencies":[{"raw_name":"ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY","name":"Environmental Protection Agency","id":145,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/environmental-protection-agency","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/145","parent_id":null,"slug":"environmental-protection-agency"}],"excerpts":"verification tests must be performed as a part of the proposed leak repair provisions. \n d. Leak <span class=\"match\">Inspections</span> \n EPA is proposing requirements for leak <span class=\"match\">inspections</span> as a part of the proposed leak repair requirements under subsection (h). These leak <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> requirements would apply to refrigerant-containing appliances that have been found to be leaking at a rate that exceeds the applicable leak rate per the appliance type. In particular, the proposed leak <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> requirements involve processes, practices, and activities regarding the repair of refrigerant-containing"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"This major final rule addresses: changes to the physician fee schedule (PFS); other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice, relative value of services, and changes in the statute; codification of establishment of new policies for: the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; the Ambulatory Specialty Model; updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B; Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; updates to the Quality Payment Program; updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers; update to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; updates to the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program.","document_number":"2025-19787","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/05/2025-19787/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2026-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-11-05/pdf/2025-19787.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19787.pdf?1761945018","publication_date":"2025-11-05","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":"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":"to achieve in ASM. Additionally, IA-2 does not specify that the primary care partner must be <span class=\"match\">external</span>. If an ASM participant is in a multi-specialty system, the participant may develop a CCA with a primary care group within that system. In this way, there is the opportunity to minimize additional complications related to <span class=\"match\">external</span> CCAs, if the other expectations of the CCA are met. \n Regarding concerns about EHR interoperability and reliance on <span class=\"match\">external</span> systems, we acknowledge these challenges but believe we allow enough flexibility in IA-2 for ASM"},{"title":"Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: Repair Criteria, Integrity Management Improvements, Cathodic Protection, Management of Change, and Other Related Amendments","type":"Rule","abstract":"PHMSA is revising the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations to improve the safety of onshore gas transmission pipelines. This final rule addresses several lessons learned following the Pacific Gas and Electric Company incident that occurred in San Bruno, CA, on September 9, 2010, and responds to public input received as part of the rulemaking process. The amendments in this final rule clarify certain integrity management provisions, codify a management of change process, update and bolster gas transmission pipeline corrosion control requirements, require operators to inspect pipelines following extreme weather events, strengthen integrity management assessment requirements, adjust the repair criteria for high-consequence areas, create new repair criteria for non-high consequence areas, and revise or create specific definitions related to the above amendments.","document_number":"2022-17031","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/24/2022-17031/pipeline-safety-safety-of-gas-transmission-pipelines-repair-criteria-integrity-management","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-08-24/pdf/2022-17031.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-17031.pdf?1661258715","publication_date":"2022-08-24","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","name":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","id":408,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/408","parent_id":492,"slug":"pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"Definitions—§ 192.3 \n vi. In-Line <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span> (ILI) and In-Line <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span> Tool or Instrumented Internal <span class=\"match\">Inspection</span> Device \n 1. Summary of PHMSA's Proposal \n In the NPRM, PHMSA proposed to add definitions for “in-line <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> (ILI)” and “in-line <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> tool or instrumental internal <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> device” to § 192.3. Specifically, the term “in-line <span class=\"match\">inspection</span>” would mean the <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> of a pipeline from the interior of the pipe using an ILI tool, which may also be known as intelligent or smart pigging. The term “in-line <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> tool or instrumented internal"},{"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":"Although CMS may cover and pay for <span class=\"match\">routine</span> costs of an CED approved clinical trial in both the treatment arm and the control (standard of care or placebo), there may be circumstances, such as single arm studies, where no unique coding or unique payment would be required to preserve the scientific validity of such a study created for <span class=\"match\">routine</span> costs associated with clinical trials. Similarly, if the <span class=\"match\">routine</span> costs are the exact same between different arms of a trial, and <span class=\"match\">routine</span> billing and payment of those <span class=\"match\">routine</span> costs would not unblind a study, then"},{"title":"Requirements for Tobacco Product Manufacturing Practice","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, we, or Agency) is proposing to establish tobacco product manufacturing practice requirements for manufacturers of finished and bulk tobacco products. This proposed rule, if finalized, would set forth the requirements with which finished and bulk tobacco product manufacturers must comply in the manufacture, preproduction design validation, packing, and storage of finished and bulk tobacco products, to assure that the public health is protected and that tobacco products are in compliance with chapter IX of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).","document_number":"2023-04591","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/10/2023-04591/requirements-for-tobacco-product-manufacturing-practice","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-10/pdf/2023-04591.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-04591.pdf?1678283117","publication_date":"2023-03-10","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":"Food and Drug Administration","name":"Food and Drug Administration","id":199,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/food-and-drug-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/199","parent_id":221,"slug":"food-and-drug-administration"}],"excerpts":"edu/tobacco/docs/xkmn0150. \n \n \n 123. ISO 28590:2017, “Sampling procedures for <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> by attributes—Introduction to the ISO 2859 series of standards for sampling for <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> by attributes,” Oct. 2017, available at \n https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:28590:ed-1:v1:en. \n \n \n 124. ISO 3951:2013, ” Sampling procedures for <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> by variables—Part 1: Specification for single sampling plans indexed by acceptance quality limit (AQL) for lot-by-lot <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> for a single quality characteristic and a single AQL,” Dec. 2016, available at"},{"title":"Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating; Hospital Price Transparency; and Notice of Closure of a Teaching Hospital and Opportunity To Apply for Available Slots","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 2026 based on our continuing experience with these systems. We also 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 systems. In addition, this final rule with comment period announces the closure of a teaching hospital and the opportunity to apply for available slots, and updates and refines the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program, Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting Program, Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting Program, Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating, and hospitals to make public their standard charge information and enforcement of hospital price transparency, as well as summarizes comments received in response to a request for information on measure concepts regarding Well-Being and Nutrition for consideration in future years for the OQR, REHQR, and ASCQR programs.","document_number":"2025-20907","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/25/2025-20907/medicare-program-hospital-outpatient-prospective-payment-and-ambulatory-surgical-center-payment","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-11-25/pdf/2025-20907.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-20907.pdf?1763759710","publication_date":"2025-11-25","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":"Single-Use Flexible Cystoscope, over reusable, reprocessed devices. Rather, FDA stated that its Letter to Health Care Providers issued recommendations for reprocessing and using these devices, such as following the reprocessing instructions and developing schedules for <span class=\"match\">routine</span> device <span class=\"match\">inspection</span> and maintenance. Additionally, FDA stated that it believes the risk of infection from reusable, reprocessed urological endoscopes was low based on its data. We also note that the FDA Update (January 31, 2025) communicated a medical device recall of a specific device"},{"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":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would revise 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. In this proposed rule, 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 proposed rule would update and refine 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. This proposed rule would request information on options being considered for future changes to the Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating methodology. The proposed rule would narrow the description of \"custody\" for purposes of Medicare's no legal obligation to pay payment exclusion. The proposed rule would revise the eligibility requirements in the special enrollment period (SEP) for formerly incarcerated individuals to tie the eligibility for this SEP to the determination made by the Social Security Administration that they are no longer incarcerated for releases that occur on and after January 1, 2025. This rule also proposes to codify the requirement in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA, 2023) to provide 12 months of continuous eligibility to children under the age of 19 in Medicaid and CHIP, with limited exceptions. Further, this proposed rule would provide 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 patients. This rule proposes to separately pay IHS and tribal hospitals for high-cost drugs furnished in hospital outpatient departments through an add-on payment in addition to the AIR under the authorities used to calculate the AIR starting January 1, 2025. This rule also requests further information related to a Tribal Technical Advisory Group request to apply the Indian Health Service encounter rate to all outpatient tribal clinics. Finally, the proposed rule would provide exceptions to the Medicaid clinic services benefit four walls requirement for Indian Health Service and Tribal clinics, and, at state option, for behavioral health clinics and clinics located in rural areas.","document_number":"2024-15087","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/07/22/2024-15087/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-hospital-outpatient-prospective-payment-and-ambulatory-surgical","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-07-22/pdf/2024-15087.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-15087.pdf?1720615525","publication_date":"2024-07-22","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":"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":"Although CMS \n \n may cover and pay for <span class=\"match\">routine</span> costs of an CED approved clinical trial in both the treatment arm and the control (standard of care or placebo), there may be circumstances, such as single arm studies, where no unique coding or unique payment would be required to preserve the scientific validity of such a study created for <span class=\"match\">routine</span> costs associated with clinical trials. Similarly, if the <span class=\"match\">routine</span> costs are the exact same between different arms of a trial, and <span class=\"match\">routine</span> billing and payment of those <span class=\"match\">routine</span> costs would not unblind a study, then"}]}