CMS Extends Deadlines for GENEROUS Model Applications. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) extended three deadlines for the GENErating cost Reductions fOr U.S. Medicaid (GENEROUS) Model. The first extension extends the application deadline to June 11 for drug manufacturers to apply to participate in the model, specifically giving small to mid-sized manufacturers more time to complete their application. The second extension moves the deadline to July 17 for drug manufacturers to enter into participation agreements. The third extension extends the deadline to September 10 for states to apply to the GENEROUS model and finalize participation agreements by September 30. The GENEROUS Model is designed to offer improved and streamlined access for state Medicaid programs to participating manufacturers’ products. Additional information is available on the model webpage.
ONC Releases Data Brief on EHR Use by Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment Facilities. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) released a data brief on the adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchange by substance use and mental health treatment facilities. The brief, based on 2024 data, suggested that while more than two-thirds of the facilities reviewed use only an EHR, fewer facilities reported using an EHR for exchanging health information, care coordination, and patient engagement. In response to the findings, ONC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration are launching pilot programs to test health information technology standards and identify effective practices and opportunities that can support improved behavioral health data exchange for patients and providers.
CMS Announces Public Meeting for HCPCS Level II. CMS announced the first 2026 biannual, hybrid public meeting for the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding Systems (HCPCS) will be held on June 1. The meeting is an opportunity for the public to present information about specific HCPCS Level II coding requests for new products, supplies, and services and for the industry and public to provide feedback on the preliminary coding recommendation and CMS’s preliminary benefit category and payment determination. The list of topics for discussion and guidelines for participation are available on the CMS HCPCS website. Registration is required for in-person attendance. If necessary, the meeting will continue virtually on June 2.
NIST Holding AI Incident Management Workshop May 14. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is holding a workshop on AI Incident Management on May 14 and registration is now open. The workshop will focus on a new class of emerging incidents where artificial intelligence (AI) systems are both targets and sources of risk, as AI systems become an increasing part of infrastructure, cybersecurity, and national security. Coordinated action across government, industry, and academia will be necessary and the workshop will convene leaders to initiate a shared dialogue on scalable, mission-aligned approaches to AI incident response. Stakeholders are invited to attend and contribute their expertise.
CISA Releases Cybersecurity Advisory on Chinese Government-Linked Covert Networks. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), with the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre, other federal, and other international partners, released a cybersecurity advisory, Defending Against China-nexus Covert Networks of Compromised Devices on the threat posed by Chinese government-linked threat actors’ use of covert networks of compromised devices. The advisory identifies how the Chinese government-linked covert networks are built and how threat actors using these covert networks can use large scale botnet infrastructure to infiltrate systems. Included guidance for cyber defenders, in addition to tools and resources, are aimed at protecting against this threat.
House Passes Bill to Reauthorize Telehealth Programs. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3419, “To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs,” sponsored by Rep. David Valadao (R-CA). The bill reauthorizes key grant programs, including the Telehealth Network Grant Program and the Telehealth Resource Centers, which would allow them to continue to support and strengthen the telehealth infrastructure. The legislation has now moved to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for consideration.
HHS OMH Issues Call for Nominations for Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Minority Health (OMH) issued a call for nominations for candidates to serve as primary and alternate delegates for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Tribal Advisory Committee (CIIH TAC). CIIH TAC was established to provide Tribal leaders with a forum to exchange views, share information, and provide feedback to OMH. Nomination letters are encouraged to be submitted to OMH by May 18, but nominations will be accepted until all CIIH TAC primary and alternate delegate positions are filled.
X12 to Hold Webinar on HIPAA Version 008060 278 Transaction. The Standards Development Organization X12 will hold the fourth webinar in its HIPAA version 008060 education/ information series on Thursday, May 28 at 3 pm ET. The session will focus on the 008060 version of the Health Care Services Review - Request for Review and Response (278). Registration is now open. Additional webinars and on-demand presentations will be offered in the future. Questions about the 008060 education/information series can be submitted via the X12 feedback form.