{"description":"Documents matching 'security costs necessary provision incarcerated'","count":605,"total_pages":31,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=security+costs+necessary+provision+incarcerated&format=json&page=2","results":[{"title":"Incarcerated People's Communication Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services","type":"Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) modifies the Commission's previous incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS) rate caps in response to record evidence of the significant unintended consequences of those rate caps. It establishes new interim audio and video IPCS rate caps by basing the calculation of the Commission's rate caps only on billed minutes, incorporating all safety and security measure expenses that IPCS providers reported incurring, and creating an additional rate cap tier for extremely small jails. It also creates a separate interim rate additive to ensure recovery of correctional facilities' costs of administering IPCS. Additionally, it sets a new compliance date for providers' compliance with the new rules and clarifies that the rate cap, site commission, and per-minute pricing rules from the Commission's 2021 Order will no longer apply following that date.","document_number":"2025-22125","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/05/2025-22125/incarcerated-peoples-communication-services-implementation-of-the-martha-wright-reed-act-rates-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-05/pdf/2025-22125.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-22125.pdf?1764855936","publication_date":"2025-12-05","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"to exclude various safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> <span class=\"match\">costs</span> from its IPCS rate cap calculations and instead treat all reported safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> <span class=\"match\">costs</span> as used and useful <span class=\"match\">costs</span> for determining the <span class=\"match\">costs</span> to be included in the lower bounds of the zones of reasonableness. In its Petition, NCIC alleges that the Commission's application of the used and useful analysis “did not fully account for IPCS providers' safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> <span class=\"match\">costs</span>.” NCIC argues that “the lack of comprehensive data” prevented “a reasoned analysis of the IPCS <span class=\"match\">costs</span> allocated across the seven categories"},{"title":"Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics Seek Comment on Proposed 2026 Mandatory Data Collection for Incarcerated People's Communications Services","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) and the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) of the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seek comment on the contours and specific requirements of the proposed 2026 Mandatory Data Collection for incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS). Consistent with the Commission's direction, in this document, we seek comment on proposals to modify the Commission's previous data collection to obtain data and information necessary for the Commission to set permanent rate caps for audio and video ICPS and, to the extent practicable, lessen the reporting burdens on ICPS providers.","document_number":"2026-12234","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/17/2026-12234/wireline-competition-bureau-and-office-of-economics-and-analytics-seek-comment-on-proposed-2026","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-17/pdf/2026-12234.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-12234.pdf?1781613919","publication_date":"2026-06-17","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"consideration of safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> measures. The Commission structured reporting of safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> expenses by requiring providers to allocate their expenses across seven different cost categories. This approach produced imperfect data for purposes of ratemaking for at least two reasons. First, as the Commission acknowledged, “the categories of safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> <span class=\"match\">costs</span> in the 2023 Mandatory Data Collection [were] imprecise.” This meant that safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> <span class=\"match\">costs</span> “c[ould] be allocated among different <span class=\"match\">security</span> categories or functions in"},{"title":"Incarcerated People's Communications Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services","type":"Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Wireline Competition Bureau and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (the Bureaus) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) adopt an Order revising the instructions, reporting templates, and certification form for the annual reports submitted by providers of communications services to incarcerated people and waiving the filing deadline for the 2025 Annual Reports.","document_number":"2025-03142","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/12/2025-03142/incarcerated-peoples-communications-services-implementation-of-the-martha-wright-reed-act-rates-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-03-12/pdf/2025-03142.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-03142.pdf?1741697109","publication_date":"2025-03-12","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"real-time communications services.”\n \n \n Definition of Safety and <span class=\"match\">Security</span> Measures. \n In the \n 2024 IPCS Order, \n the Commission determined which safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> <span class=\"match\">costs</span> are used and useful in the <span class=\"match\">provision</span> of IPCS and included those <span class=\"match\">costs</span> in the IPCS rate caps that it established. Given the Commission's determination, the Bureaus find it unnecessary to collect information on safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> measures through the Annual Reports, and therefore delete the definition of Safety and <span class=\"match\">Security</span> Measures from the instructions they adopt here. Consequently"},{"title":"Incarcerated People's Communication Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seeks additional comment and data from stakeholders on adopting permanent audio and video IPCS rate caps and on whether and how the Commission should refine its IPCS data collections going forward to provide the data needed to ensure rate caps are just and reasonable and fairly compensate IPCS providers. It also seeks comment on how and when the Commission should structure a permanent rate additive to account for the recovery of correctional facility costs incurred in making IPCS available, including an additive that potentially varies by facility type and size. Finally, it proposes to retain the prohibition on ancillary service charges previously adopted by the Commission and seeks further comment on this proposal. In the alternative, it seeks comment on a request to reinstate automated payment fees and third-party financial transaction fees as permissible ancillary service charges.","document_number":"2025-22130","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/05/2025-22130/incarcerated-peoples-communication-services-implementation-of-the-martha-wright-reed-act-rates-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-05/pdf/2025-22130.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-22130.pdf?1764855937","publication_date":"2025-12-05","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"average <span class=\"match\">costs</span> overemphasizes large facility <span class=\"match\">costs</span>.” We also seek comment on Securus's claim that using simple, facility-based averages to set rate caps would “lead to a higher rate cap and more providers being able to recover their actual <span class=\"match\">costs</span>.”\n \n 9. We seek additional comment on whether and how we should refine the IPCS data collections going forward, particularly in light of the recognized anomalies with IPCS data. Are any adjustments to the structure of the collection <span class=\"match\">necessary</span> to distinguish between <span class=\"match\">necessary</span> equipment and services <span class=\"match\">costs</span>? What"},{"title":"Incarcerated People's Communication Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services","type":"Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) adopts rules addressing all intrastate, interstate, and international audio and video incarcerated people's communication services (IPCS), including video visitation services. The reforms include adopting permanent rate caps for audio IPCS and interim rate caps for video; prohibiting IPCS providers from making site commission payments associated with IPCS and preempting state and local laws and regulations requiring such commissions; prohibiting IPCS providers from imposing any separate ancillary service charges on IPCS consumers; strengthening the Commission's requirements for access to IPCS by incarcerated people with disabilities; permitting IPCS providers to offer optional alternate pricing plans that comply with the rate caps; strengthening existing consumer disclosure and inactive account requirements; revising the existing annual reporting and certification requirements; facilitating enforcement of the new IPCS rules; and delegating authority to the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB), Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB), and Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA).","document_number":"2024-19037","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/20/2024-19037/incarcerated-peoples-communication-services-implementation-of-the-martha-wright-reed-act-rates-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-09-20/pdf/2024-19037.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-19037.pdf?1726663521","publication_date":"2024-09-20","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"flexibility in evaluating <span class=\"match\">costs</span> described in section 3(b)(1) of the Martha Wright-Reed Act is tempered by certain requirements to consider particular <span class=\"match\">costs</span> or cost characteristics under section 3(b)(2) of that Act. Section 3(b)(2) provides that the Commission “shall consider <span class=\"match\">costs</span> associated with any safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> measures <span class=\"match\">necessary</span> to provide a service.” Under that <span class=\"match\">provision</span>, the Commission also must consider cost differences associated with “small, medium, or large facilities or other characteristics.” Consistent with that <span class=\"match\">provision</span>, we therefore also"},{"title":"Incarcerated People's Communication Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seeks additional comment on establishing permanent rate caps for video incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS) that are just and reasonable, and will fairly compensate IPCS providers, including comment on the video IPCS marketplace and the types of data needed to support its efforts to adopt permanent video IPCS rate caps in the future. It also seeks comment on the possibly of further disaggregating the very small jail rate tier and the types of cost or other data that would identify any additional distinctions within this rate tier. The Commission seeks comment on its authority to address quality of service issues raised in this proceeding and whether it should develop minimum Federal quality of service standards. It again seeks comment on whether to expand the definitions of \"Prison\" and \"Jail\" to capture the full universe of confinement facilities and specifically, the costs providers incur in providing service to confinement facilities that are not correctional institutions. It also seeks comment on whether to incorporate into its inactive account rules a requirement that providers allow account holders to designate a third party to receive refunds from IPCS accounts. Finally, the Commission seeks comment on possibly adopting a uniform additive to the IPCS rate caps to account for correctional facility costs.","document_number":"2024-19038","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/20/2024-19038/incarcerated-peoples-communication-services-implementation-of-the-martha-wright-reed-act-rates-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-09-20/pdf/2024-19038.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-19038.pdf?1726663519","publication_date":"2024-09-20","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"detailed information regarding video IPCS <span class=\"match\">costs</span> and demand and (to the extent practicable) how those <span class=\"match\">costs</span> might change over time, once WCB and OEA implement the additional data collection we require today. We ask interested parties to supplement the record in this proceeding with any information they have regarding the types of video communications services that providers offer <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> people, the demand for those services, the used and useful <span class=\"match\">costs</span> providers and facilities incur in the <span class=\"match\">provision</span> of those services, and other information that"},{"title":"Incarcerated People's Communications Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services","type":"Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) addresses and resolves multiple pending petitions in the incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS) proceeding. The Commission grants the Hamilton Relay, Inc. petition for reconsideration of certain aspects of the 2022 ICS Order released on September 30, 2022. The Commission dismisses the United Church of Christ and Public Knowledge petition for reconsideration of the 2021 ICS Order released on May 24, 2021. The Commission dismisses the portion of the NCIC Inmate Communications petition for reconsideration of the 2021 ICS Order that it had not previously addressed. The Commission dismisses a petition filed by Securus Technologies, LLC seeking clarification of one aspect of the 2021 ICS Order and dismiss in part and otherwise denies the Securus petition for waiver of certain Commission rules.","document_number":"2024-18605","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/26/2024-18605/incarcerated-peoples-communications-services-implementation-of-the-martha-wright-reed-act-rates-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-08-26/pdf/2024-18605.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-18605.pdf?1724417115","publication_date":"2024-08-26","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"Service (IP CTS) providers update an <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> person's registration information within 30 days of the user being released from <span class=\"match\">incarceration</span> or transferred to a different correctional authority. Hamilton asserts that TRS providers will learn that an <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> person has been released or transferred only when notified by the correctional authority or the <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> person. Hamilton therefore asks us to modify § 64.611(k)(1)(iii) of our rules to require that VRS and IP CTS providers update an <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> person's registration information within"},{"title":"Apportionments","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule amends Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations to limit the circumstances in which benefits will be apportioned and to stop making need-based apportionments. Currently, in limited situations, VA may pay a portion of a VA beneficiary's monetary benefits directly to the beneficiary's dependent, referred to as an apportionment. To qualify, the dependent cannot reside with the beneficiary, must demonstrate financial need, and the apportionment must not cause financial hardship to the beneficiary. VA claims processors, whose expertise is in VA benefits and not in matters related to child or spousal support, decide whether to take monetary benefits from the beneficiary and reallocate the funds to dependents. VA claims processors can take this action without the consent of the beneficiary. These apportionment decisions, which can have significant financial consequences, are based on both parties' self-reported income and self-reported expenses. Unlike State courts, VA has no ability to compel evidence of income and expenses. Allegations of inadequate child or spousal support involve complex issues of family law that are best suited to the expertise and authority of State courts. VA apportionments can upset the expectations upon which a State court support award was predicated, requiring a State court to expend additional resources to revisit a prior determination. Finally, due to their intricacy, a significant amount of information is needed to adjudicate apportionment claims properly. While this information is typically available to State courts, VA must attempt to gather this information from the VA beneficiary and the beneficiary's dependent, which is unavoidably a time-consuming process. The time and effort needed to gather this information increases VA workloads and consumes resources that are better utilized to process veterans' claims. Because VA apportionment awards may conflict with the awards of better-situated State family courts, and because VA lacks the authority and expertise to make fully informed, accurate, and economically appropriate awards, VA is amending its regulations to discontinue making need-based apportionment awards. VA will continue making apportionment awards in situations when a veteran or surviving spouse is incarcerated, or when an incompetent veteran, who does not have a fiduciary, is institutionalized at government expense. VA will not discontinue any current apportionments because of this rulemaking.","document_number":"2026-00237","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/09/2026-00237/apportionments","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-09/pdf/2026-00237.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-00237.pdf?1767879911","publication_date":"2026-01-09","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS","name":"Veterans Affairs Department","id":520,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/veterans-affairs-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/520","parent_id":null,"slug":"veterans-affairs-department"}],"excerpts":"individuals requesting an apportionment of a VA beneficiary's monetary award when that beneficiary is <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> or is deemed incompetent and hospitalized at government expense.\n \n \n Estimated frequency of responses: \n Most claimants will use the apportionment form (2900-0666 (VA Form 21-0788)) once. However, the frequency may vary slightly for apportionees of <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> veterans, depending on the number of times the primary beneficiary is <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span>. For an incompetent veteran institutionalized at government expense, VA will appoint a fiduciary;"},{"title":"2023 Mandatory Data Collection for Incarcerated People's Communications Services","type":"Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Wireline Competition Bureau and the Office of Economics and Analytics (WCB and OEA) adopt an Order defining the contours and specific requirements of the forthcoming 2023 Mandatory Data Collection for incarcerated people's communications services.","document_number":"2023-16305","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/03/2023-16305/2023-mandatory-data-collection-for-incarcerated-peoples-communications-services","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-08-03/pdf/2023-16305.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-16305.pdf?1690920921","publication_date":"2023-08-03","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> measure <span class=\"match\">costs</span> into reasonably \n \n homogenous groupings that “should capture all [safety and] <span class=\"match\">security</span> <span class=\"match\">costs</span>,” particularly with the addition of multiple examples of <span class=\"match\">costs</span> for each category. To the extent that providers make measures available that do not fit within the first six categories, the data collection also includes a catch-all category for “Other Safety and <span class=\"match\">Security</span> Measures.”\n \n 22. The Martha Wright-Reed Act requires the Commission to consider “<span class=\"match\">costs</span> associated with any safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> measures <span class=\"match\">necessary</span> to provide”"},{"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":"address the differences in CCRs and to better reflect hospitals' <span class=\"match\">costs</span>, our methodology simulates blood CCRs for each hospital that does not report a blood cost center by calculating the ratio of the blood-specific CCRs to hospitals' overall CCRs for those hospitals that do report <span class=\"match\">costs</span> and charges for blood cost centers and applies this mean ratio to the overall CCRs of hospitals not reporting <span class=\"match\">costs</span> and charges for blood cost centers on their cost reports. We propose to calculate the <span class=\"match\">costs</span> upon which the proposed payment rates for blood and blood products"},{"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":"authorization requirements. Commenters also discussed the continued <span class=\"match\">costs</span> of addressing past and preventing future cyberattacks and a commenter stated they have seen significant increases in capital <span class=\"match\">costs</span>, particularly since the pandemic. Some commenters stated that hospitals will continue to face increased <span class=\"match\">costs</span> due to the Change Healthcare cyberattack, such as interest <span class=\"match\">costs</span> on loan payments for loans acquired during the cyberattack, expected denials that will require additional administrative <span class=\"match\">costs</span>, and manual processing of claims. Commenters also urged"},{"title":"Employment and Training Services for Noncustodial Parents in the Child Support Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"In an effort to make the child support program more effective, OCSS (or the Office) issues this final rule to allow State and Tribal child support agencies the option to use Federal financial participation (FFP) available under title IV-D of the Social Security Act to provide the following employment and training services to eligible noncustodial parents: job search assistance; job readiness training; job development and job placement services; skills assessments; job retention services; work supports; and occupational training and other skills training directly related to employment.","document_number":"2024-29081","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/13/2024-29081/employment-and-training-services-for-noncustodial-parents-in-the-child-support-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-13/pdf/2024-29081.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-29081.pdf?1733924726","publication_date":"2024-12-13","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Administration for Children and Families","name":"Children and Families Administration","id":49,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/children-and-families-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/49","parent_id":221,"slug":"children-and-families-administration"}],"excerpts":"greatly elevated <span class=\"match\">incarceration</span> rates. <span class=\"match\">Incarceration</span> rates increased dramatically between 1980 and 2008 and have since declined, but the percent of the U.S. population <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> in 2020 was more than double the figure in 1980.\n 10 \n \n It is estimated that six percent of all children in the United States have a parent who is or has been <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span>.\n 11 \n \n Research shows that the subgroup of noncustodial parents who participate in employment and training programs have high rates of prior arrests, convictions, and <span class=\"match\">incarceration</span>.\n 12 \n \n For example"},{"title":"Incarcerated People's Communication Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seeks comment from the public on the scope and implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 (Martha Wright-Reed Act or the Act). Through the Martha Wright-Reed Act, Congress expanded the Commission's jurisdiction over incarcerated people's communications services and expressly directs that the Commission adopt just and reasonable rates and charges for incarcerated people's audio and video communications services in correctional institutions. Specifically, the Commission seeks comment on how to interpret the Act's language to effectively implement the statute consistent with Congress's intent. The Commission seeks comment on how Congress's amendments to sections 2(b), 3(1), and 276 of the Communications Act of 1934 (Communications Act) affect the Commission's regulatory authority over incarcerated people's communications services and how to draft regulations to implement such authority. The Commission also seeks comment on how the Martha Wright- Reed Act affects its ability to ensure that incarcerated people's communications services and associated equipment are accessible to and usable by incarcerated people with disabilities.","document_number":"2023-07068","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/07/2023-07068/incarcerated-peoples-communication-services-implementation-of-the-martha-wright-reed-act-rates-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-04-07/pdf/2023-07068.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-07068.pdf?1680785116","publication_date":"2023-04-07","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"Commission “shall consider <span class=\"match\">costs</span> associated with any safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> measures <span class=\"match\">necessary</span> to provide” telephone service and advanced communications services to <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> people. The Commission seeks comment on what “shall consider” means. How much discretion, if any, does that phrase give the Commission in evaluating safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> <span class=\"match\">costs</span>? Is the Commission required to treat all safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> <span class=\"match\">costs</span> identified by providers or facilities as <span class=\"match\">costs</span> recoverable through rates for communications services for <span class=\"match\">incarcerated</span> people? Could the Commission"},{"title":"Establishing Project Homecoming","type":"Presidential Document","abstract":null,"document_number":"2025-08673","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/14/2025-08673/establishing-project-homecoming","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-05-14/pdf/2025-08673.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-08673.pdf?1747140325","publication_date":"2025-05-14","agencies":[{"raw_name":"EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT","name":"Executive Office of the President","id":538,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/executive-office-of-the-president","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/538","parent_id":null,"slug":"executive-office-of-the-president"}],"excerpts":"fiscal burden to support them, including through <span class=\"match\">costs</span> related to healthcare, food stamps, public housing, emergency medical services, education, and shelter, as well as the <span class=\"match\">costs</span> of crimes committed by illegal aliens. In Fiscal Year 2023 alone, these <span class=\"match\">costs</span> were estimated to exceed $150 billion in taxpayer dollars. Removal flights of illegal aliens are a <span class=\"match\">necessary</span> aspect of immigration enforcement and upholding the rule of law, but they require substantial resources and manpower. \n Therefore, the <span class=\"match\">provision</span> of financial incentives to encourage and assist"},{"title":"Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records","type":"Notice","abstract":"Pursuant to Privacy Act of 1974, notice is hereby given that VA proposes to modify an existing system of records, \"Compensation, Pension, Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Records--VA\" (58VA21/22/28).","document_number":"2025-17709","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/15/2025-17709/privacy-act-of-1974-system-of-records","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-09-15/pdf/2025-17709.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-17709.pdf?1757681108","publication_date":"2025-09-15","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS","name":"Veterans Affairs Department","id":520,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/veterans-affairs-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/520","parent_id":null,"slug":"veterans-affairs-department"}],"excerpts":"data telecommunication networks are by authorization controlled by the site <span class=\"match\">security</span> officer who is responsible for authorizing access to the BDN, LCM, VBMS, and VETSNET by a claimant's representative or attorney approved for access in accordance with VA regulations. The site <span class=\"match\">security</span> officer is responsible for ensuring that the hardware, software, and <span class=\"match\">security</span> practices of a representative or attorney satisfy VA <span class=\"match\">security</span> requirements before granting access. The <span class=\"match\">security</span> requirements applicable to the access of automated claims files by VA employees"},{"title":"Medicaid Program; Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals","type":"Rule","abstract":"This interim final rule with comment period (IFC) interprets and implements the community engagement requirement in Medicaid under section 1902(xx) of the Social Security Act. States are required to implement the new requirement no later than January 1, 2027. This IFC specifies the requirements and expectations for States, including the Medicaid applicants and beneficiaries who must demonstrate community engagement as a condition of their eligibility, the types of qualifying activities that satisfy the community engagement requirement, the criteria to meet an exception from the requirement (that is, be deemed compliant), and the criteria to meet a specified exclusion from the requirement. It also specifies requirements for verification of qualifying activities, outreach to affected populations, steps States must take if they determine individuals are noncompliant, and additional operational considerations for States. Finally, this IFC specifies implementation timing and establishes new State reporting requirements.","document_number":"2026-11094","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/03/2026-11094/medicaid-program-community-engagement-requirement-for-certain-individuals","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-03/pdf/2026-11094.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-11094.pdf?1780346707","publication_date":"2026-06-03","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":"ER03JN26.055 \n \n We note that actual <span class=\"match\">costs</span> may differ from these estimates. Data are very limited and there is a wide range of expected <span class=\"match\">costs</span> across States. Additionally, roughly half of all States have not reported any community engagement system <span class=\"match\">costs</span> in their APDs. States may have additional <span class=\"match\">costs</span> beyond those already requested in the APDs. Moreover, we do not have data on how much States expect to spend beyond implementation. Thus, actual <span class=\"match\">costs</span> may be higher or lower than we estimated. \n \n We also estimate the <span class=\"match\">costs</span> for State systems updates to comply"},{"title":"Incarcerated People's Communications Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seeks comment on the contours and specific requirements of the proposed 2023 Mandatory Data Collection for incarcerated people's communications services. The Commission has drafted proposed instructions, templates, and a certification form for the proposed 2023 Mandatory Data Collection. The Commission seeks comment on all aspects of these documents.","document_number":"2023-09502","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/05/03/2023-09502/incarcerated-peoples-communications-services-implementation-of-the-martha-wright-reed-act-rates-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-05-03/pdf/2023-09502.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-09502.pdf?1683031538","publication_date":"2023-05-03","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"regard? If so, what are they? \n \n 14. \n <span class=\"match\">Costs</span> of Providers' Safety and <span class=\"match\">Security</span> Measures. \n The Martha Wright-Reed Act specifies that the Commission “shall consider,” as part of its ratemaking, “<span class=\"match\">costs</span> associated with any safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> measures <span class=\"match\">necessary</span> to provide” telephone service and advanced communications services in correctional institutions. To facilitate the Commission's consideration of such <span class=\"match\">costs</span>, WCB/OEA propose to require providers to report the <span class=\"match\">costs</span> they incurred to provide safety and <span class=\"match\">security</span> measures during 2022, both in the aggregate"},{"title":"Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell: Pell Grant Exclusion Relating to Other Grant Aid; and Workforce Pell Grants","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Secretary of Education (Secretary) amends the regulations governing institutional eligibility, general provisions, and the Federal Pell Grant (Pell Grant) Program under title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended (the title IV, HEA programs). The final regulations implement statutory changes to the title IV, HEA programs included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA), signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. In the NPRM, we referenced the WFTCA as the \"One Big Beautiful Bill\"; however, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we will instead use WFTCA. The WFTCA made numerous changes to the HEA, including changes to student eligibility requirements for the Pell Grant Program and the establishment of Workforce Pell Grants for students who enroll in a new type of eligible program called an \"eligible workforce program,\" intended to be a high-quality, performance-based, short-term program that supports America's workforce needs.","document_number":"2026-10013","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/19/2026-10013/accountability-in-higher-education-and-access-through-demand-driven-workforce-pell-pell-grant","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-19/pdf/2026-10013.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-10013.pdf?1779108315","publication_date":"2026-05-19","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION","name":"Education Department","id":126,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/education-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/126","parent_id":null,"slug":"education-department"}],"excerpts":"rates above 70 percent. This process may require new personnel <span class=\"match\">costs</span>, data assembly <span class=\"match\">costs</span>, communication <span class=\"match\">costs</span>, and other administrative <span class=\"match\">costs</span>. States must compute completion rates (until the 2028-29 award year) and job placement rates (in perpetuity) over multiple years, meaning States will incur initial start-up <span class=\"match\">costs</span> establishing the process and additional <span class=\"match\">costs</span> associated with computing these metrics on an annual basis. \n \n Third, higher education institutions will incur minimal <span class=\"match\">costs</span> related to compliance with these final regulations in relation"},{"title":"Program Integrity and Institutional Quality: Distance Education and Return of Title IV, HEA Funds","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Secretary amends the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations governing participation in the student financial assistance programs authorized under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), to promote program integrity and institutional quality. These regulations clarify, update, and consolidate certain provisions that apply to distance education and the return of title IV, HEA funds. They also make technical changes to the TRIO program regulations to reflect the current status of the Republic of Palau as a member of the Freely Associated States. This document provides notice that the Department fully closes out the Program Integrity and Institutional Quality: Distance Education and Return of Title IV, HEA Funds notice of proposed rulemaking. That is, we will not be finalizing the remainder of the Federal TRIO program provisions but may promulgate through future rulemaking efforts.","document_number":"2024-31031","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/03/2024-31031/program-integrity-and-institutional-quality-distance-education-and-return-of-title-iv-hea-funds","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-03/pdf/2024-31031.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-31031.pdf?1735566312","publication_date":"2025-01-03","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION","name":"Education Department","id":126,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/education-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/126","parent_id":null,"slug":"education-department"}],"excerpts":"Department lacked legal authority to adopt the <span class=\"match\">provision</span>; the Department failed to provide data to support the change; that the <span class=\"match\">provision</span> would increase <span class=\"match\">costs</span>, take instructors away from teaching, and inhibit academic freedom; and that it would be difficult to implement for students taking asynchronous courses or those enrolled in competency-based programs. Commenters were worried about how the <span class=\"match\">provision</span> would be implemented and requested guidance on various aspects of the <span class=\"match\">provision</span>.\n \n \n Discussion: \n The Department is statutorily required to ensure the"},{"title":"Termination of Parole Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Department of Homeland Security (\"DHS\") is terminating the categorical parole programs for inadmissible aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and their immediate family members (hereinafter referred to as \"CHNV parole programs\") that DHS announced in 2022 and 2023. This Federal Register notice is intended to provide context and guidance to the public regarding the termination of the CHNV parole programs and related employment authorization.","document_number":"2025-05128","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/25/2025-05128/termination-of-parole-processes-for-cubans-haitians-nicaraguans-and-venezuelans","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-03-25/pdf/2025-05128.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-05128.pdf?1742588113","publication_date":"2025-03-25","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY","name":"Homeland Security Department","id":227,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/homeland-security-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/227","parent_id":null,"slug":"homeland-security-department"}],"excerpts":"high levels of migration from those countries.\n \n With respect to the significant public benefit, DHS wrote that the CHNV parole programs would: (i) enhance border <span class=\"match\">security</span> by reducing illegal immigration between the POEs, (ii) minimize the domestic impact of high levels of illegal immigration by CHNV nationals, particularly in border communities; (iii) improve vetting for national <span class=\"match\">security</span> and public safety; (iv) reduce the strain on DHS personnel and resources; (v) disincentivize a dangerous journey that puts migrant lives and safety at risk and enriches"}]}