Your Input Sought/Of Possible Interest (Washington Update, January 30, 2019)

YOUR INPUT SOUGHT

NEW Pain Management Task Force Draft Report – Due April 1, 2019
The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA), requires that the public be given at least ninety (90) days to submit comments on any proposed updates and recommendations developed by the Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force (Task Force). The Task Force is requesting comments on the Draft Report on Pain Management Best Practices: Updates, Gaps, Inconsistencies, and Recommendations (hereinafter referred to as Draft Report). Submit comments.

HHS Seeks Public Feedback on Modifying HIPAA Privacy Rules – Due February 12, 2019
The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has published a Request for Information (RFI) asking the public for comments on how regulations implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) can be improved to “facilitate efficient care coordination and/or case management, and/or promote the transformation to value-based health care,” including rule changes that would encourage providers and other covered entities to share treatment information with parents, loved ones, and caregivers of adults facing health emergencies (with a particular focus on the opioid crisis). Comments are due no later than February 12, 2019. Read the RFI and submit comments.

Consideration of pain in adult and child disability claims – Due February 15, 2019
The Office of Disability Policy, Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit public comments and supporting data related to the consideration and documentation of pain in the medical evidence used in connection with claims for benefits. SSA will use the responses to the questions listed in the ANPRM and any other relevant research and data obtained to determine whether and how to propose revisions to the current policy regarding the evaluation of pain. Comment here.

Medicaid §1115 Waivers – State waiver proposals are subject to both state and federal comment periods. See the “Medicaid waivers” section above for open federal comment periods.

OF POSSIBLE INTEREST

Balancing The Risks and Benefits of Opioids for Children
The Checkup (New York Times blog, 1/28/19)