Federal Government Shutdown: Key Updates for ACR Members

This page was updated Oct. 21 to reflect a CMS update.

ACR® will update this page with any developments that impact radiologists, practices and patients. ACR members, continue to read the ACR Advocacy in Action e-newsletter delivered to in your inbox Saturday mornings.

What this means

• Essential services (e.g., air traffic control, critical healthcare) will continue.
• Nonessential federal employees are furloughed. Many agency staff may be unable to travel to or attend scientific conferences, meetings and events.
• Congress must pass either appropriations legislation or a Continuing Resolution, which must be signed by the President to end the shutdown.
• ACR will provide updates as developments occur.

The following agencies have publicly posted shutdown contingency plans, which are summarized below. Each heading is a direct link to that respective plan.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

• CMS lifted the hold Oct. 21 on certain Medicare payments for services impacted by expired provisions; claims will be processed and paid as they pass the statutorily required 14-day payment floor; 53% of CMS staff retained.
• Federal No Surprises Act Independent Resolution Process is unaffected by the shutdown.
• Medicaid is funded through Q1 FY 2026.
• CMS rulemaking and policy development may be delayed.
• COVID-era telehealth flexibilities have expired; pre-COVID rules apply.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

• MQSA mammography certification remains operational. FDA will update ACR of any status change.
• Safety-related activities and those funded by carry-over user fees continue.
• New drug/device submissions requiring fees are paused.
• 86% of FDA staff retained.

National Institutes of Health (NIH):

• New Guidance: Most current research grantees can still draw funds. Still accepting grant applications to be processed when shutdown ends. 
• PubMed has issued a notice that during the shutdown information on their website may not be up to date and no new submissions are processed.
• Grant reviews, new awards and most meetings paused.
• 25.5% of staff retained, primarily those who provide patient care.

Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H):

• Operations continue using carry-over balances from prior appropriations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• The NIOSH Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) continues to provide services to coal miners.
• Services related to B Reader Certification, including B Reader examinations and grading, are paused; monitor CDC/NIOSH sites.
• Public health communications and most activities paused.
• 36% of CDC/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry staff retained. 

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

• Medical care and critical services continue.
• 97% of VA employees funded or exempt from furlough.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC):

• Licensing, inspections, adjudicatory activities and other routine enforcement functions may be delayed or discontinued.
• Carryover funding will instead be used on critical health/safety activities and reforms.
• Medical licensees should monitor NRC communications.

MedPAC:

• Due to a lapse in appropriations, the October public meeting is cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is Nov. 6–7.

We will continue to monitor developments and share updates as available.