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With only two weeks remaining in the year, Congress appears poised to pass a government funding deal (the “Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025”) that includes a welcome holiday gift for health care providers and patients – an expansive health care package that would extend certain telehealth flexibilities promulgated during the COVID-19 public health emergency (“PHE”) for an additional two years. The extended telehealth flexibilities were originally set to expire on December 31, 2024. This extension would generally allow providers to continue to serve Medicare patients via telehealth consistent with the current practices. Flexibilities Extended by the Bill The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a number of telehealth waivers during the PHE, some of which were extended through December 31, 2024, by the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (“CAA”).[i] The Congressional bill would extend those flexibilities through December 31, 2026. The flexibilities that would be extended by the bill are: Definition of “Originating Site” : The bill would extend the definition of “originating site” to mean any site in the U.S., including the home of an individual. An “originating site” is the location at which the telehealth eligible individual is located at the time the service is furnished via a telecommunications system. Definition of “Practitioner” : The bill would extend the definition of “practitioner” to also include a qualified occupational therapist, qualified physical therapist, a qualified speech-language pathologist, and a qualified audiologist. Prior to the PHE, a “practitioner” was limited to a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse-midwife, clinical social worker, clinical psychologist, and registered dietitian or nutrition professional. RHC and FQHC Telehealth Services : The bill would extend the authorization for Rural Health Clinics (“RHCs”) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (“FQHCs”) to provide and reimburse for telehealth services. In-Person Visit Requirement for Telehealth Mental Health Services : The bill would delay the reimbursement requirement for physicians and practitioners to conduct in-person exams within six months before an initial telehealth service for purposes of diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of a mental health disorder until January 1, 2027. Audio-Only Telehealth : The bill would provide that telehealth services furnished using audio-only telecommunications technology will continue to be covered and reimbursable. Recertification of Eligibility for Hospice Care : The bill would extend the permissible use of telehealth for conducting face-to-face encounters prior to recertification of eligibility for hospice care. HDHP/HSA Safe Harbor for Telehealth Services : For plan years beginning between December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2027, the bill would extend the ability of health savings account-qualifying high-deductible health plans to cover telehealth services on a pre-deductible basis. Other Notable Provisions In addition to extending the flexibilities described above, the bill also includes the following provisions: Required Use of Modifiers in Certain Circumstances : The bill would direct the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) to establish requirements for codes or modifiers by January 1, 2026, for claims for telehealth services that are furnished: (1) through a telehealth virtual platform by a physician or practitioner that contracts with an entity that owns the platform or has a payment arrangement with an entity for use of the platform or (2) incident to a physician’s or practitioner’s professional service. Acute Hospital Care at Home : The bill would extend hospital at home flexibilities until 2029. Changes Under the CY 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule CMS also recently finalized certain changes to maintain certain telehealth flexibilities within its regulatory authority in the Calendar Year 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule (“Final Rule”).[ii] The changes implemented by the Final Rule include: Extended Allowance of “Remote Direct Supervision” : Certain services, including most incident-to services and many diagnostic tests, must be furnished under specific minimum levels of supervision by a physician or other practitioner. When services require “direct supervision”, the supervising practitioner must be “immediately available” to furnish assistance and direction. “Direct supervision” will be defined to permit the presence and “immediate availability” of the supervising practitioner through real-time audio and visual interactive telecommunications through December 31, 2025. CMS also permanently defines “direct supervision” to include “immediate availability” of the supervising practitioner through audio/video real-time communications technology (excluding audio-only) only for the following incident-to services: services furnished incident to a physician or other practitioner’s service when provided by auxiliary personnel employed by the billing practitioner and working under their direct supervision, and for which the underlying HCPCS code has been assigned a professional component or technical component indicator of “5”, and services described by CPT code 99211 ( Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient that may not require the presence of a physician or other qualified health care professional ). Extended Flexibility to Use Enrolled Location as “Distant Site” Address : Telehealth practitioners are permitted to bill from their currently enrolled location instead of their home address when providing telehealth services from their home through December 31, 2025. Revision of “Telecommunications System” Definition to Allow Permanent Use of “Audio-Only” in Certain Circumstances : CMS permanently revises the definition of “telecommunications system” to also include “two-way, real-time audio-only communication technology for any telehealth service furnished to a beneficiary in their home if the distant site physician or practitioner is technically capable of using an interactive telecommunications system as defined as multimedia communications equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment permitting two-way, real-time interactive communication, but the patient is not capable of, or does not consent to, the use of video technology” beginning January 1, 2025. Other notable provisions of the Final Rule include: New Additions to the List of Telehealth Services : While CMS did not permanently add any codes to the Medicare List of Telehealth Services, it added the following codes on a provisional basis: HCPS Code G0011 (PrEP for HIV) HCPS Code G0013 (PrEP for HIV) HCPS Codes GCTD1 – 3 (Caregiver Training In Direct Care Strategies and Techniques) HCPS Codes GCTB1 – 2 (Individual Behavior Management/Modification Caregiver Training) CPT Codes 97550-97552 (Caregiver Training in Strategies To Facilitate Patient Functional Performance in the Home or Community) CPT Codes 96202 – 96203 (Group Behavior Management/Modification Caregiver Training) No Recognition of New AMA Telemedicine Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services Codes : The American Medical Association (“AMA”) recently revised the CPT Codebook and valued seventeen new codes (9X075 – 9X091) to describe telemedicine Evaluation and Management (“E/M”) services. CMS declines recognizing and paying for the new codes because they mirror existing office/outpatient E/M codes but assigns a procedure status indicator of “I” to indicate that there is a more specific code that should be used for Medicare purposes. Looking Forward The extension of telehealth flexibilities under the bill and the Final Rule is a relief for many providers and their patients who rely on telehealth for medical care. Nevertheless, the piecemeal approach to telehealth waivers, and Congress’ continued reliance on only temporary extension of critical flexibilities, has created intricate compliance obligations for providers. FOOTNOTES [i] For additional information on the 2023 CAA please see the following resource: Key Healthcare Provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 | Healthcare Law Blog (sheppardhealthlaw.com) . [ii] 89 FR 97710 (Dec. 9, 2024). Listen to this post
Donald Hand Jr. scores 29 with 10 rebounds, Boston College beats Fairleigh Dickinson 78-70
Miss America Madison Marsh’s journey from pageant to pilotAnyone who watched Naperville North quarterback Jacob Bell’s sensational senior season knew he would be a hot commodity on the recruiting trail. Bell committed to Ball State over the summer, before he threw for 3,075 yards and 38 touchdowns . Even opposing coaches said he could play in a bigger college program. But nothing was certain. “We were hoping that way, but we wouldn’t have been shocked if we didn’t have something come about,” Naperville North coach Sean Drendel said. “With this new recruiting world, nothing is surprising. “When they’re letting 24-, 25-, 26-year-olds still play college football, it becomes really tough for a high school kid. You better be a really good player to be one of those kids that gets a scholarship offer nowadays.” Bell is one of those kids. Three days after taking an official visit to Indiana, Bell committed to the College Football Playoff participant on Tuesday and announced it Wednesday. “It was a relatively unique process for me,” Bell said. “I’ve known Indiana’s staff for a good amount of time, talked to them on and off. “A couple weeks back, they called me up, asked for some of my information, said that an opportunity may be available.” Drendel said that opened up when another quarterback recruit chose to go elsewhere. “They thought they had one of the top five kids in the country, who flipped in December, and then they realized they need to go get a good guy,” Drendel said. “Jacob had visited them before. “When they really started to dig in on Jacob, they really started liking what they saw, and it became apparent in their mind they felt like he was one of the top kids out there, so go get him.” Bell said he liked what he saw during his official visit to Bloomington last weekend. No. 10 Indiana had just lost 27-17 to No. 7 Notre Dame in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Dec. 20. “It was the day after the game against Notre Dame in the college football playoffs, so that was pretty cool to be around that event,” he said. “It was a quick process, but I definitely saw everything I needed to see, met the right people and things like that.” Bell will be joining a program on the rise. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, who is The Associated Press national coach of the year, led the Hoosiers (11-2) to a school-record number of wins and into the playoffs for the first time. “It’s absolutely awesome,” Bell said. “With how successful that coaching staff is right now and they’re going to be around for a very long time, just signed an extension, it’s just a pretty stable situation in the midst of all the chaos of college football. “It’s definitely something that I’m excited to get into and a program that I’m excited to be a part of.” The chaos in college sports has been caused by the transfer portal and the evolving dynamic of compensation for student-athletes’ name, image and likeness. It has made the recruiting process more difficult for high school players. But Bell, whose older brother Jon is a backup quarterback at South Dakota State, didn’t fret. “Having a brother that’s a college athlete right now, I kind of have a bigger insight into how that stuff works with the portal and some of the demands that schools have,” Bell said. “I didn’t get frustrated with it. I tried to understand it and just be patient with the process, and it ended up paying off.” Indiana has a robust NIL program. Bell said the school’s donors are involved, and he is aware of the opportunities. “Obviously, with the new landscape of college football, it’s a part of it,” he said. “The smart thing to do is always to try to build off of it and build your brand. “That didn’t weigh anything into my commitment. I just knew that they play a brand of football that I like and (offer) a great education, so it was kind of a hard opportunity to pass up.” Bell, who intends to major in business, will do his due diligence to maximize his earning potential. “For sure,” he said. “Once I get into college and get closer to possibly earning a starting spot, that will be definitely be something I put more focus into.” Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
Saquon Barkley is the NFL's version of Shohei Ohtani: Analysis
Chevron Corp. stock rises Tuesday, outperforms marketHuawei Says Goodbye to Android: A Bold Move Towards Technological Independence
The proceeds from the Proposed Offering will be used to file the outstanding continuous disclosure documents of the Company, cover essential expenses, and subsequently apply for a full revocation of the FFCTO within a reasonable time, among other things. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Proposed Offering as described in the table below. Notes: 1.Includes certain amounts payable in U.S. dollars converted to CAD using Bank of Canada exchange rate of 1 USD to 1.4386 CAD on December 24, 2024. On closing of the Proposed Offering, the Subscriber is anticipated to hold 19.99% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. The applicable disclosure required under National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues will be included in the press release of the Company announcing the closing of the Proposed Offering. The exercise by the Subscriber of Unit Warrants will be prohibited if such exercise would result in the Subscriber holding 20.0% or more of the issued and outstanding voting securities of the Company. Completion of the Proposed Offering remains conditional on the grant of the Partial Revocation Order by the BCSC, approval of the Proposed Offering by the TSX Venture Exchange (“ TSXV ”), and the execution of a subscription agreement, among other things. The Company anticipates filing (i) audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and related certifications for the year ended June 30, 2024 (“ Annual Filings ”), within 45 days of the closing of the Proposed Offering and (ii) interim financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and related certifications for the three months ended September 30, 2024, including certifications thereto (“ Interim Filings ”), within 15 days of the filing of the Annual Filings, at which time the Company intends to apply for a full revocation of the FFCTO. About Fobi Founded in 2017 in Vancouver, Canada, Fobi is a leading AI and data intelligence company that provides businesses with real-time applications to digitally transform and future-proof their organizations. Fobi enables businesses to action, leverage, and monetize their customer data by powering personalized and data-driven customer experiences, and drives digital sustainability by eliminating the need for paper and reducing unnecessary plastic waste at scale. Fobi works with some of the largest global organizations across retail & CPG, insurance, sports & entertainment, casino gaming, and more. Fobi is a recognized technology and data intelligence leader across North America and Europe, and is the largest data aggregator in Canada's hospitality & tourism industry. For more information, please contact: Forward Looking Statements/Information: This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information, including statements regarding the terms of the Proposed Offering, the Partial Revocation Order, the intended use of the proceeds of the Proposed Offering, the time to complete the Annual Filings and Interim Filings, and other statements characterized by words such as“anticipates,”“may,”“can,”“plans,”“believes,”“estimates,”“expects,”“projects,”“targets,”“intends,”“likely,”“will,”“should,”“to be”,“potential” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions“may”,“should” or“will” occur. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company's control, including, without limitation, market competition, the impact of general economic and industry conditions, competition, stock market volatility, BCSC and TSXV approval conditions, and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although the Company believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: Fobi not receiving approval of the TSXV with respect to any future issuances of securities as required; and changes to volatile exchange rates, market conditions, market competition and other economic and market factors. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, and results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve all or any of its proposed objectives. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MENAFN27122024004107003653ID1109035851 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Newly released pictures show Joe Biden meeting Hunter Biden’s Chinese business partners
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( MENAFN - The Rio Times) French energy giant TotalEnergies is making a final push to secure $4.7 billion in US funding for its Mozambique LNG project before Donald trump takes office. This high-stakes effort highlights the complex interplay of energy, geopolitics, and finance in one of Africa's largest infrastructure projects. The Mozambique LNG project, with a total investment of $20 billion, aims to develop vast natural gas reserves off Mozambique's northern coast. It includes two liquefaction units with an initial capacity of 13 million tonnes per annum, potentially expanding to 43 MTPA. The project represents Mozambique 's first onshore LNG development and promises significant economic benefits for the country. However, the project faces numerous challenges. Security concerns in the Cabo Delgado region forced TotalEnergies to declare force majeure and withdraw personnel in 2021. Recent improvements in security, aided by Rwandan and Southern African forces, have rekindled hopes for the project's restart. The financing landscape is equally complex. TotalEnergies has already secured $14.9 billion in senior debt financing, the largest ever in Africa. The company now seeks to finalize the remaining funding from the US Export-Import Bank before potential changes in the political landscape. TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG Project TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné aims to restart the project by the end of 2024, with LNG production targeted for 2029. However, this timeline depends on securing final confirmations from financiers and maintaining improved security conditions. The project's significance extends beyond TotalEnergies' business interests. It aligns with the US government's Prosper Africa initiative and could boost Mozambique's economic growth and diversification. However, it also faces opposition from environmental groups and some Democratic lawmakers who oppose fossil fuel financing. As TotalEnergies navigates these challenges, the outcome of its funding quest will significantly impact Mozambique's economic future. It will also have far-reaching implications for the global LNG market. The story underscores the delicate balance between energy development, environmental concerns, and geopolitical interests in Africa's evolving energy landscape. The outcome of TotalEnergies' funding quest will impact Mozambique's economic future. It will also influence the global LNG market. The project's restart could signal renewed investor confidence in Mozambique's energy sector. It may encourage further development of the country's natural resources. MENAFN27122024007421016031ID1109035876 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
ATLANTA — Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather, but for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can cause so much stress and confusion that they could be in danger of what experts calls wandering. Related Articles “I would say around the holiday time is the biggest challenge for people with dementia,” said Kim Franklin, senior manager of programs and services at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Schedules are changing, people are traveling, families are coming together and friends are coming over. There’s a lot of chaos going on and that can cause a person to wander. They want to get away. It’s hard for them to process what’s happening.” The Alzheimer’s Association reports 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day. Alerting 911 as soon as the person goes missing is critical. The odds of survival decrease as more time passes. Angel Alonso, president of Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery based in Gwinnett County, said the vast majority — between 60% and 70% — of the 30 to 40 calls the nonprofit received last year involved people with the disease. The GESAR is a volunteer-driven organization that works with law enforcement to find people who have gone missing, including children, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and people lost during major disasters. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Vice President John Clark, who is also volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For caregivers and loved ones, a relative who goes missing is devastating. Two of Clark’s grandparents had dementia, so he gravitated to search and rescue to help other families and caregivers keep their loved ones safe. He’s consulted with police departments across metro Atlanta on the best ways to find people with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to lose their ability to recognize people and places that are familiar. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are often warning signs that a person might wander. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander during the course of the disease. That includes people returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual. Or they may talk about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work or talk about going home even when they’re at home. Sometimes they become restless and pace or make repetitive movements. Clark recounted one call for help when a family reported a missing relative, but they insisted she couldn’t have gone far because of a bad knee that limited her to walking no further than the mailbox. Searchers found the missing woman 7 miles from home. Even those who have never shown an interest in wandering might start without warning. Dan Goerke is fortunate. His late wife, Diane, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012, once went missing from the car of a caregiver. The caregiver had stopped for an errand. Diane had waited alone in cars as people ran errands before. But this time, when the caregiver returned, Diane was gone but her seat belt was still fastened. “It was like she disappeared into thin air,” said Goerke, who said he doesn’t blame the caregiver. Fortunately, she was found uninjured and nearby a short time later that same day. Goerke said it’s hard for caregivers to always be on guard for wandering. “We have so many things to juggle that’s not necessarily at the top of our minds. We have to manage medications, take them to doctor’s appointments, cook meals and taking care of things day to day,” he said. Clark said when searching for someone with dementia, one of the keys is to know what the person was like before their diagnosis. Often their long-term memories are still strong. They once found a woman who walked out of her home and went to where she used to shop and to her old job, although it had closed. Recently, GESAR unveiled a new tool to search for missing people: Maverick. An 8-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Maverick is in training to be part of the GESAR search and research team that will track missing people, including wandering dementia patients in metro Atlanta. In cases involving children and people with dementia, a dog’s personality can also be an asset. Labs like Maverick are friendly and affectionate, not imposing or threatening like some other breeds — and less likely to scare the person who is lost. Canines can be used in searches in both rural and urban areas. “He’s an asset,” said Maverick’s handler, Carmen Alonso. “His nose can pick up odors and track where a person has been that we might not think to go that direction.” At the Cobb County Police Department, Public Information Officer Sgt. Eric Smith said if dogs are needed to search for a wanderer they call the sheriff’s department, which has bloodhounds. “They’re not apprehension dogs so there’s little or no likelihood of a bite,” he said. Technology can also help, Smith said. Searchers can use drones and families can install technology on a person’s car to help locate it or use other kinds of trackable devices including on their phone. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Clark, who is also a volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most cases they’ve worked on have had favorable results, according to the Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery organization. No two searches are the same, said Sgt. Jeremy Blake of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. “When responding to calls for a missing person, the response is different than that of a fleeing suspect,” he wrote in an email. “The K-9s that are used to track missing persons are not trained in the apprehension of suspects. ... Often times, if the K-9 cannot locate the missing person, they can provide officers with a more accurate direction of travel than they may previously had.” Nearly 7 million U.S. residents age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s according to the most recent . Of those, more than 188,000 Georgians ages 65 and older also have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. There is a better chance of being found in urban environments because of a higher probability of a “good Samaritan” stepping in. Wanderers may give no forewarning. Often those with memory issues wander away during activities they’ve done safely in the past, such as shopping or sitting on a front porch. Some people who still drive can become disoriented and drive for miles away from home. According to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, on average, half the calls for missing persons involve the elderly or someone with disabilities. Call 911 as soon as possible. Have a photograph available for first responders and an article of clothing to provide a scent for search dogs. Sharing what the missing person liked to do in prior years can be a key: Did they have a job they went to every day? Did they like to fish or go to a certain spot? Searchers will need to know the last time the person was seen to help determine how far a person might have wandered. ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Kari Dziedzic, former Minnesota Senate majority leader, dies at 62
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With only two weeks remaining in the year, Congress appears poised to pass a government funding deal (the “Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025”) that includes a welcome holiday gift for health care providers and patients – an expansive health care package that would extend certain telehealth flexibilities promulgated during the COVID-19 public health emergency (“PHE”) for an additional two years. The extended telehealth flexibilities were originally set to expire on December 31, 2024. This extension would generally allow providers to continue to serve Medicare patients via telehealth consistent with the current practices. Flexibilities Extended by the Bill The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a number of telehealth waivers during the PHE, some of which were extended through December 31, 2024, by the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (“CAA”).[i] The Congressional bill would extend those flexibilities through December 31, 2026. The flexibilities that would be extended by the bill are: Definition of “Originating Site” : The bill would extend the definition of “originating site” to mean any site in the U.S., including the home of an individual. An “originating site” is the location at which the telehealth eligible individual is located at the time the service is furnished via a telecommunications system. Definition of “Practitioner” : The bill would extend the definition of “practitioner” to also include a qualified occupational therapist, qualified physical therapist, a qualified speech-language pathologist, and a qualified audiologist. Prior to the PHE, a “practitioner” was limited to a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse-midwife, clinical social worker, clinical psychologist, and registered dietitian or nutrition professional. RHC and FQHC Telehealth Services : The bill would extend the authorization for Rural Health Clinics (“RHCs”) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (“FQHCs”) to provide and reimburse for telehealth services. In-Person Visit Requirement for Telehealth Mental Health Services : The bill would delay the reimbursement requirement for physicians and practitioners to conduct in-person exams within six months before an initial telehealth service for purposes of diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of a mental health disorder until January 1, 2027. Audio-Only Telehealth : The bill would provide that telehealth services furnished using audio-only telecommunications technology will continue to be covered and reimbursable. Recertification of Eligibility for Hospice Care : The bill would extend the permissible use of telehealth for conducting face-to-face encounters prior to recertification of eligibility for hospice care. HDHP/HSA Safe Harbor for Telehealth Services : For plan years beginning between December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2027, the bill would extend the ability of health savings account-qualifying high-deductible health plans to cover telehealth services on a pre-deductible basis. Other Notable Provisions In addition to extending the flexibilities described above, the bill also includes the following provisions: Required Use of Modifiers in Certain Circumstances : The bill would direct the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) to establish requirements for codes or modifiers by January 1, 2026, for claims for telehealth services that are furnished: (1) through a telehealth virtual platform by a physician or practitioner that contracts with an entity that owns the platform or has a payment arrangement with an entity for use of the platform or (2) incident to a physician’s or practitioner’s professional service. Acute Hospital Care at Home : The bill would extend hospital at home flexibilities until 2029. Changes Under the CY 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule CMS also recently finalized certain changes to maintain certain telehealth flexibilities within its regulatory authority in the Calendar Year 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule (“Final Rule”).[ii] The changes implemented by the Final Rule include: Extended Allowance of “Remote Direct Supervision” : Certain services, including most incident-to services and many diagnostic tests, must be furnished under specific minimum levels of supervision by a physician or other practitioner. When services require “direct supervision”, the supervising practitioner must be “immediately available” to furnish assistance and direction. “Direct supervision” will be defined to permit the presence and “immediate availability” of the supervising practitioner through real-time audio and visual interactive telecommunications through December 31, 2025. CMS also permanently defines “direct supervision” to include “immediate availability” of the supervising practitioner through audio/video real-time communications technology (excluding audio-only) only for the following incident-to services: services furnished incident to a physician or other practitioner’s service when provided by auxiliary personnel employed by the billing practitioner and working under their direct supervision, and for which the underlying HCPCS code has been assigned a professional component or technical component indicator of “5”, and services described by CPT code 99211 ( Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient that may not require the presence of a physician or other qualified health care professional ). Extended Flexibility to Use Enrolled Location as “Distant Site” Address : Telehealth practitioners are permitted to bill from their currently enrolled location instead of their home address when providing telehealth services from their home through December 31, 2025. Revision of “Telecommunications System” Definition to Allow Permanent Use of “Audio-Only” in Certain Circumstances : CMS permanently revises the definition of “telecommunications system” to also include “two-way, real-time audio-only communication technology for any telehealth service furnished to a beneficiary in their home if the distant site physician or practitioner is technically capable of using an interactive telecommunications system as defined as multimedia communications equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment permitting two-way, real-time interactive communication, but the patient is not capable of, or does not consent to, the use of video technology” beginning January 1, 2025. Other notable provisions of the Final Rule include: New Additions to the List of Telehealth Services : While CMS did not permanently add any codes to the Medicare List of Telehealth Services, it added the following codes on a provisional basis: HCPS Code G0011 (PrEP for HIV) HCPS Code G0013 (PrEP for HIV) HCPS Codes GCTD1 – 3 (Caregiver Training In Direct Care Strategies and Techniques) HCPS Codes GCTB1 – 2 (Individual Behavior Management/Modification Caregiver Training) CPT Codes 97550-97552 (Caregiver Training in Strategies To Facilitate Patient Functional Performance in the Home or Community) CPT Codes 96202 – 96203 (Group Behavior Management/Modification Caregiver Training) No Recognition of New AMA Telemedicine Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services Codes : The American Medical Association (“AMA”) recently revised the CPT Codebook and valued seventeen new codes (9X075 – 9X091) to describe telemedicine Evaluation and Management (“E/M”) services. CMS declines recognizing and paying for the new codes because they mirror existing office/outpatient E/M codes but assigns a procedure status indicator of “I” to indicate that there is a more specific code that should be used for Medicare purposes. Looking Forward The extension of telehealth flexibilities under the bill and the Final Rule is a relief for many providers and their patients who rely on telehealth for medical care. Nevertheless, the piecemeal approach to telehealth waivers, and Congress’ continued reliance on only temporary extension of critical flexibilities, has created intricate compliance obligations for providers. FOOTNOTES [i] For additional information on the 2023 CAA please see the following resource: Key Healthcare Provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 | Healthcare Law Blog (sheppardhealthlaw.com) . [ii] 89 FR 97710 (Dec. 9, 2024). Listen to this post
Donald Hand Jr. scores 29 with 10 rebounds, Boston College beats Fairleigh Dickinson 78-70
Miss America Madison Marsh’s journey from pageant to pilotAnyone who watched Naperville North quarterback Jacob Bell’s sensational senior season knew he would be a hot commodity on the recruiting trail. Bell committed to Ball State over the summer, before he threw for 3,075 yards and 38 touchdowns . Even opposing coaches said he could play in a bigger college program. But nothing was certain. “We were hoping that way, but we wouldn’t have been shocked if we didn’t have something come about,” Naperville North coach Sean Drendel said. “With this new recruiting world, nothing is surprising. “When they’re letting 24-, 25-, 26-year-olds still play college football, it becomes really tough for a high school kid. You better be a really good player to be one of those kids that gets a scholarship offer nowadays.” Bell is one of those kids. Three days after taking an official visit to Indiana, Bell committed to the College Football Playoff participant on Tuesday and announced it Wednesday. “It was a relatively unique process for me,” Bell said. “I’ve known Indiana’s staff for a good amount of time, talked to them on and off. “A couple weeks back, they called me up, asked for some of my information, said that an opportunity may be available.” Drendel said that opened up when another quarterback recruit chose to go elsewhere. “They thought they had one of the top five kids in the country, who flipped in December, and then they realized they need to go get a good guy,” Drendel said. “Jacob had visited them before. “When they really started to dig in on Jacob, they really started liking what they saw, and it became apparent in their mind they felt like he was one of the top kids out there, so go get him.” Bell said he liked what he saw during his official visit to Bloomington last weekend. No. 10 Indiana had just lost 27-17 to No. 7 Notre Dame in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Dec. 20. “It was the day after the game against Notre Dame in the college football playoffs, so that was pretty cool to be around that event,” he said. “It was a quick process, but I definitely saw everything I needed to see, met the right people and things like that.” Bell will be joining a program on the rise. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, who is The Associated Press national coach of the year, led the Hoosiers (11-2) to a school-record number of wins and into the playoffs for the first time. “It’s absolutely awesome,” Bell said. “With how successful that coaching staff is right now and they’re going to be around for a very long time, just signed an extension, it’s just a pretty stable situation in the midst of all the chaos of college football. “It’s definitely something that I’m excited to get into and a program that I’m excited to be a part of.” The chaos in college sports has been caused by the transfer portal and the evolving dynamic of compensation for student-athletes’ name, image and likeness. It has made the recruiting process more difficult for high school players. But Bell, whose older brother Jon is a backup quarterback at South Dakota State, didn’t fret. “Having a brother that’s a college athlete right now, I kind of have a bigger insight into how that stuff works with the portal and some of the demands that schools have,” Bell said. “I didn’t get frustrated with it. I tried to understand it and just be patient with the process, and it ended up paying off.” Indiana has a robust NIL program. Bell said the school’s donors are involved, and he is aware of the opportunities. “Obviously, with the new landscape of college football, it’s a part of it,” he said. “The smart thing to do is always to try to build off of it and build your brand. “That didn’t weigh anything into my commitment. I just knew that they play a brand of football that I like and (offer) a great education, so it was kind of a hard opportunity to pass up.” Bell, who intends to major in business, will do his due diligence to maximize his earning potential. “For sure,” he said. “Once I get into college and get closer to possibly earning a starting spot, that will be definitely be something I put more focus into.” Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
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The proceeds from the Proposed Offering will be used to file the outstanding continuous disclosure documents of the Company, cover essential expenses, and subsequently apply for a full revocation of the FFCTO within a reasonable time, among other things. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Proposed Offering as described in the table below. Notes: 1.Includes certain amounts payable in U.S. dollars converted to CAD using Bank of Canada exchange rate of 1 USD to 1.4386 CAD on December 24, 2024. On closing of the Proposed Offering, the Subscriber is anticipated to hold 19.99% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. The applicable disclosure required under National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues will be included in the press release of the Company announcing the closing of the Proposed Offering. The exercise by the Subscriber of Unit Warrants will be prohibited if such exercise would result in the Subscriber holding 20.0% or more of the issued and outstanding voting securities of the Company. Completion of the Proposed Offering remains conditional on the grant of the Partial Revocation Order by the BCSC, approval of the Proposed Offering by the TSX Venture Exchange (“ TSXV ”), and the execution of a subscription agreement, among other things. The Company anticipates filing (i) audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and related certifications for the year ended June 30, 2024 (“ Annual Filings ”), within 45 days of the closing of the Proposed Offering and (ii) interim financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and related certifications for the three months ended September 30, 2024, including certifications thereto (“ Interim Filings ”), within 15 days of the filing of the Annual Filings, at which time the Company intends to apply for a full revocation of the FFCTO. About Fobi Founded in 2017 in Vancouver, Canada, Fobi is a leading AI and data intelligence company that provides businesses with real-time applications to digitally transform and future-proof their organizations. Fobi enables businesses to action, leverage, and monetize their customer data by powering personalized and data-driven customer experiences, and drives digital sustainability by eliminating the need for paper and reducing unnecessary plastic waste at scale. Fobi works with some of the largest global organizations across retail & CPG, insurance, sports & entertainment, casino gaming, and more. Fobi is a recognized technology and data intelligence leader across North America and Europe, and is the largest data aggregator in Canada's hospitality & tourism industry. For more information, please contact: Forward Looking Statements/Information: This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information, including statements regarding the terms of the Proposed Offering, the Partial Revocation Order, the intended use of the proceeds of the Proposed Offering, the time to complete the Annual Filings and Interim Filings, and other statements characterized by words such as“anticipates,”“may,”“can,”“plans,”“believes,”“estimates,”“expects,”“projects,”“targets,”“intends,”“likely,”“will,”“should,”“to be”,“potential” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions“may”,“should” or“will” occur. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company's control, including, without limitation, market competition, the impact of general economic and industry conditions, competition, stock market volatility, BCSC and TSXV approval conditions, and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although the Company believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: Fobi not receiving approval of the TSXV with respect to any future issuances of securities as required; and changes to volatile exchange rates, market conditions, market competition and other economic and market factors. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, and results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve all or any of its proposed objectives. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MENAFN27122024004107003653ID1109035851 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Newly released pictures show Joe Biden meeting Hunter Biden’s Chinese business partners
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( MENAFN - The Rio Times) French energy giant TotalEnergies is making a final push to secure $4.7 billion in US funding for its Mozambique LNG project before Donald trump takes office. This high-stakes effort highlights the complex interplay of energy, geopolitics, and finance in one of Africa's largest infrastructure projects. The Mozambique LNG project, with a total investment of $20 billion, aims to develop vast natural gas reserves off Mozambique's northern coast. It includes two liquefaction units with an initial capacity of 13 million tonnes per annum, potentially expanding to 43 MTPA. The project represents Mozambique 's first onshore LNG development and promises significant economic benefits for the country. However, the project faces numerous challenges. Security concerns in the Cabo Delgado region forced TotalEnergies to declare force majeure and withdraw personnel in 2021. Recent improvements in security, aided by Rwandan and Southern African forces, have rekindled hopes for the project's restart. The financing landscape is equally complex. TotalEnergies has already secured $14.9 billion in senior debt financing, the largest ever in Africa. The company now seeks to finalize the remaining funding from the US Export-Import Bank before potential changes in the political landscape. TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG Project TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné aims to restart the project by the end of 2024, with LNG production targeted for 2029. However, this timeline depends on securing final confirmations from financiers and maintaining improved security conditions. The project's significance extends beyond TotalEnergies' business interests. It aligns with the US government's Prosper Africa initiative and could boost Mozambique's economic growth and diversification. However, it also faces opposition from environmental groups and some Democratic lawmakers who oppose fossil fuel financing. As TotalEnergies navigates these challenges, the outcome of its funding quest will significantly impact Mozambique's economic future. It will also have far-reaching implications for the global LNG market. The story underscores the delicate balance between energy development, environmental concerns, and geopolitical interests in Africa's evolving energy landscape. The outcome of TotalEnergies' funding quest will impact Mozambique's economic future. It will also influence the global LNG market. The project's restart could signal renewed investor confidence in Mozambique's energy sector. It may encourage further development of the country's natural resources. MENAFN27122024007421016031ID1109035876 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
ATLANTA — Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather, but for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can cause so much stress and confusion that they could be in danger of what experts calls wandering. Related Articles “I would say around the holiday time is the biggest challenge for people with dementia,” said Kim Franklin, senior manager of programs and services at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Schedules are changing, people are traveling, families are coming together and friends are coming over. There’s a lot of chaos going on and that can cause a person to wander. They want to get away. It’s hard for them to process what’s happening.” The Alzheimer’s Association reports 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day. Alerting 911 as soon as the person goes missing is critical. The odds of survival decrease as more time passes. Angel Alonso, president of Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery based in Gwinnett County, said the vast majority — between 60% and 70% — of the 30 to 40 calls the nonprofit received last year involved people with the disease. The GESAR is a volunteer-driven organization that works with law enforcement to find people who have gone missing, including children, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and people lost during major disasters. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Vice President John Clark, who is also volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For caregivers and loved ones, a relative who goes missing is devastating. Two of Clark’s grandparents had dementia, so he gravitated to search and rescue to help other families and caregivers keep their loved ones safe. He’s consulted with police departments across metro Atlanta on the best ways to find people with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to lose their ability to recognize people and places that are familiar. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are often warning signs that a person might wander. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander during the course of the disease. That includes people returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual. Or they may talk about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work or talk about going home even when they’re at home. Sometimes they become restless and pace or make repetitive movements. Clark recounted one call for help when a family reported a missing relative, but they insisted she couldn’t have gone far because of a bad knee that limited her to walking no further than the mailbox. Searchers found the missing woman 7 miles from home. Even those who have never shown an interest in wandering might start without warning. Dan Goerke is fortunate. His late wife, Diane, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012, once went missing from the car of a caregiver. The caregiver had stopped for an errand. Diane had waited alone in cars as people ran errands before. But this time, when the caregiver returned, Diane was gone but her seat belt was still fastened. “It was like she disappeared into thin air,” said Goerke, who said he doesn’t blame the caregiver. Fortunately, she was found uninjured and nearby a short time later that same day. Goerke said it’s hard for caregivers to always be on guard for wandering. “We have so many things to juggle that’s not necessarily at the top of our minds. We have to manage medications, take them to doctor’s appointments, cook meals and taking care of things day to day,” he said. Clark said when searching for someone with dementia, one of the keys is to know what the person was like before their diagnosis. Often their long-term memories are still strong. They once found a woman who walked out of her home and went to where she used to shop and to her old job, although it had closed. Recently, GESAR unveiled a new tool to search for missing people: Maverick. An 8-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Maverick is in training to be part of the GESAR search and research team that will track missing people, including wandering dementia patients in metro Atlanta. In cases involving children and people with dementia, a dog’s personality can also be an asset. Labs like Maverick are friendly and affectionate, not imposing or threatening like some other breeds — and less likely to scare the person who is lost. Canines can be used in searches in both rural and urban areas. “He’s an asset,” said Maverick’s handler, Carmen Alonso. “His nose can pick up odors and track where a person has been that we might not think to go that direction.” At the Cobb County Police Department, Public Information Officer Sgt. Eric Smith said if dogs are needed to search for a wanderer they call the sheriff’s department, which has bloodhounds. “They’re not apprehension dogs so there’s little or no likelihood of a bite,” he said. Technology can also help, Smith said. Searchers can use drones and families can install technology on a person’s car to help locate it or use other kinds of trackable devices including on their phone. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Clark, who is also a volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most cases they’ve worked on have had favorable results, according to the Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery organization. No two searches are the same, said Sgt. Jeremy Blake of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. “When responding to calls for a missing person, the response is different than that of a fleeing suspect,” he wrote in an email. “The K-9s that are used to track missing persons are not trained in the apprehension of suspects. ... Often times, if the K-9 cannot locate the missing person, they can provide officers with a more accurate direction of travel than they may previously had.” Nearly 7 million U.S. residents age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s according to the most recent . Of those, more than 188,000 Georgians ages 65 and older also have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. There is a better chance of being found in urban environments because of a higher probability of a “good Samaritan” stepping in. Wanderers may give no forewarning. Often those with memory issues wander away during activities they’ve done safely in the past, such as shopping or sitting on a front porch. Some people who still drive can become disoriented and drive for miles away from home. According to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, on average, half the calls for missing persons involve the elderly or someone with disabilities. Call 911 as soon as possible. Have a photograph available for first responders and an article of clothing to provide a scent for search dogs. Sharing what the missing person liked to do in prior years can be a key: Did they have a job they went to every day? Did they like to fish or go to a certain spot? Searchers will need to know the last time the person was seen to help determine how far a person might have wandered. ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Kari Dziedzic, former Minnesota Senate majority leader, dies at 62
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