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Policy Change

All articles tagged with #policy change

VA halts controversial disability-rule after veteran outrage
politics5 days ago

VA halts controversial disability-rule after veteran outrage

The Department of Veterans Affairs will not enforce a newly published interim rule that would base disability ratings on functional status while on medications, halting enforcement after widespread backlash; the rule—aimed at adjusting benefits and published in the Federal Register—drew fierce criticism from the VFW and lawmakers who warned it could penalize veterans who follow doctors’ orders, including concerns about psychiatric medications, and a lawsuit has been filed to block it.

New VA rule ties disability ratings to medication effects, sparking veteran concern
policy6 days ago

New VA rule ties disability ratings to medication effects, sparking veteran concern

The VA issued a Federal Register rule allowing disability ratings to reflect improvements from medications or treatments, potentially lowering ratings during reevaluation even when the underlying disability remains. Veterans groups warn this could reduce benefits and deter care, especially for PTSD and toxic-exposure conditions, while VA officials say the rule formalizes a longstanding practice and won’t affect current ratings. The rule has drawn widespread backlash and thousands of public comments as questions about implementation and legal implications remain unresolved.

US Simplifies Childhood Vaccine Schedule Amid Rotavirus Concerns
health1 month ago

US Simplifies Childhood Vaccine Schedule Amid Rotavirus Concerns

The CDC no longer broadly recommends certain childhood vaccines, including for influenza, rotavirus, and hepatitis A, under new guidance from the Trump administration and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aiming to align with other countries but facing criticism from health experts for potentially reducing protection against common diseases.

government1 month ago

HHS Closes Loopholes in Child Care Funding Verification

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is reversing Biden-era rules that allowed states to pay child care providers in advance based on enrollment, instead restoring attendance-based billing and parental voucher flexibility to prevent fraud and ensure funds are used appropriately for supporting working families.

CDC Reverses Universal Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation for Newborns
health2 months ago

CDC Reverses Universal Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation for Newborns

The CDC has officially stopped recommending universal hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns, instead advising only those born to infected mothers to receive the vaccine within 24 hours, citing informed consent concerns. This decision has faced criticism from health experts who warn it could lead to increased hepatitis B cases, reversing decades of progress in disease prevention. The change reflects broader shifts in CDC guidance under new leadership, raising concerns about scientific integrity and public health safety.