HHS Names Its 2025 Performance Police for Executive Reviews

2026-13047 — Establishment Registration and Product Listing for Tobacco Products

The FDA wants to make sure all tobacco product makers, both in the U.S. and abroad, register their businesses and list their products. This new rule closes a big gap by including foreign companies, helping the FDA keep better track of tobacco products for public health. Comments on this proposal are open until September 14, 2026, so affected businesses should get ready to update their info and possibly face new costs.

2026-12069 — Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and Preventing AO Conflicts of Interest, and Related Provisions

This new rule makes sure the groups that check Medicare providers play fair and follow clear rules to avoid conflicts of interest. It updates how psychiatric hospitals are reviewed and tightens rules for providers who lost their Medicare status but want back in. These changes affect Medicare providers and accrediting groups, start June 16, 2027, and aim to keep care safe and trustworthy.

2026-11530 — Employment and Training Services for Noncustodial Parents in the Child Support Program; Rescission

The government plans to cancel a recent rule that let child support agencies offer job training to noncustodial parents using federal funds. This change affects agencies and parents involved in the child support program and could shift how support services are funded and delivered. Comments on this proposal are open until August 10, 2026, so folks have time to weigh in before it’s final.

2026-11140 — Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations

Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer info when they pay or deny surprise medical bills. They’ll use special codes to explain these decisions, especially when dealing with folks they don’t have contracts with. This helps patients and providers understand bills better and speeds up fixing disputes, with no extra costs for most people.

2026-10890 — Medicare Program; Alternative Payment Model Updates and the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model

Starting July 1, 2026, Medicare is updating the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model to help kidney transplant hospitals do even better at getting more people transplanted and improving care quality. These changes affect hospitals involved in kidney transplants and aim to make the process smoother and more effective, with new payment rules that reward success. This update is part of a 6-year plan running through 2031 to save more lives and boost patient experience.

2026-10292 — Medicaid Program; Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-for-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments

This proposed rule changes how states can pay Medicaid managed care plans and certain doctors to make sure payments are fair, efficient, and encourage enough providers to offer quality care. It affects states, Medicaid managed care organizations, and targeted Medicaid practitioners, aiming to keep payments balanced and services available. Comments on these changes are open until July 21, 2026, so stakeholders have time to weigh in before it’s finalized.

Previous: 2025-22181 — Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC; Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment

Duke Energy Carolinas wants to let Pickens Regional Joint Water System build a new water intake on Lake Keowee to pull up to 16.5 million gallons daily. The government checked the plan and says it won’t harm the environment if done right. This means local communities in North and South Carolina will get better water access without big environmental risks.

Next: 2025-22183 — Performance Review Board

The Federal Maritime Commission just announced the new members of its Performance Review Board, the team that checks how well top executives are doing their jobs. This update affects senior leaders and helps make sure they’re held to high standards. No changes to pay or timing were mentioned, but the board’s work keeps leadership sharp and accountable.