This week's regulatory activity at a glance. The Department of Labor adjusted federal civil penalties for inflation, increasing fines across workplace safety, wage violations, and benefit plan compliance. The adjustment applies to violations occurring after January 15, 2025. <strong>Companies with recent DOL actions or pending investigations just saw the bill go up.</strong> CMS finalized Alternative Payment Model updates that shift how Medicare reimburses providers based on quality outcomes rather than volume. The same rule launched the Increasing Organ Transplant Access model, which ties payments to transplant center performance metrics. <strong>Healthcare systems with transplant programs</strong> now have new financial incentives to increase organ acceptance rates. The Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee across six states, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. <strong>Energy and agricultural operations</strong> in those states face new restrictions on land use in designated zones. The designation triggers consultation requirements under the Endangered Species Act for any federal action that might affect the habitat. |