Public Policy "NEWS"

CMS issued a proposal Friday to cut reimbursements to home health providers by 2.2% next year, or an estimated $375 million less than 2023 levels. On June 30, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a 2.2% cut to Medicare home health payments in 2024. This would amount to a loss of $375 million for home health agencies. The proposed cut is due to a number of factors, including the implementation of the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), which is a new payment system for home health services. The PDGM is designed to better align payments with the cost of providing home health services. However, some home health agencies have argued that the PDGM is not adequately compensating them for the services they provide. They have also said that the proposed cut will make it more difficult for them to provide quality care to Medicare beneficiaries. The CMS is currently accepting public comments on the proposed cut. The agency will make a final decision on the cut

The US Environmental Protection Agency proposed strict limits on six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. It's the first time the government has moved to  regulate PFAS , a class of thousands of chemicals used in everything from dental floss and toilet paper, to common furniture treatments and food packaging. Read more

There are many positive affirmative action ideas that can be implemented to help create a more equitable and inclusive society. Some examples include: Recruiting and hiring more women and minorities in leadership positions. This can help to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interests of everyone. Providing scholarships and financial assistance to students from underrepresented groups. This can help to level the playing field and make education more accessible to everyone. Creating training programs and mentorship opportunities for women and minorities. This can help them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This can help to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all employees. Addressing unconscious bias in hiring and promotion decisions.   This can help to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their race, gender, or other pers

Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.). has previously demanded White House support for the project in exchange for his vote, and other Republicans, including West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, praised the pipeline provisions included in the legislation.  Read more  - The Washington Post

When people have a serious illness or a long-term health condition, getting a type of healthcare called palliative care can help improve their daily lives. These types of conditions might not be curable. Or, they may make it difficult for people to live comfortably or take care of daily tasks while they’re having treatment for the condition. “Palliative” means care that relieves pain and other symptoms without treating the condition that causes them. The main goal of palliative care is to help relieve uncomfortable symptoms you experience because of your illness. It also aims to relieve stress you feel because of your condition. You can get palliative care at any stage of your illness or while living with any serious health condition.  MSNBC anchor Richard Lui on caregiving for dad with Alzheimer's : MSNBC's Richard Lui stepped back from his TV job to be a caregiver for his father with Alzheimer's disease. The experience inspired his book , "Enough About Me."

Bonta : “It’s more important to get it right than fast, but the goal is to get it done right  and  fast…. It took some time to work out the kinks and to get through some of the hiccups, and we’re moving more rapidly now.”  B ill Text - AB-1506 Police use of force.