EU Trade Restrictions and U.S. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
The United States International Trade Commission has announced that it is seeking information for a report that will identify trade-related barriers that U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) perceive as disproportionately affecting their exports to the European Union (as compared to large firms). The commission will be releasing its report on July 31, 2014. The notice appeared in the Federal Register on July 30.
- A public hearing will be held in Washington, D.C., on October 8, 2013.
- Deadline for filing requests to appear at the public hearing: September 13, 2013.
- Deadline for filing pre-hearing briefs and statements: September 20, 2013.
- Deadline for statements: October 15, 2013.
Advocacy contact: Assistant Chief Counsel Sarah Bresolin Silver
Updating Home Health Regulations
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published its proposed rule on Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update for Calendar Year 2014, Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements, and Cost Allocation of Home Health Survey Expenses.
Background: This proposed rule would update the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) rates effective January 1, 2014. This rule proposes “rebasing” rate adjustments for home health providers and also establishes some quality reporting requirements.
Key Issues: CMS certified no significant impact associated with reimbursement rate to home health providers. Stakeholders suggest that there will be a significant impact associated and that CMS underestimated the costs associated with the rule.
Deadline: Advocacy is encouraging interested parties to comment on the rule especially with regards to the cost impacts associated with rebasing adjustments for home health agencies. Comments due on August 26, 2013.
Advocacy contact: Assistant Chief Counsel Linwood Rayford