THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
The House was not in session this week. With no committee hearings or markups on the calendar, the action shifted to the agency side. HHS published the largest open-source Medicaid dataset in department history, aimed at empowering public fraud detection. Separately, the FDA signaled it may revoke safety designations for dozens of processed carbohydrate ingredients unless food companies can prove they are safe.
AGENCY WATCH: HHS
HHS Publishes Largest Open-Source Medicaid Dataset in Department History
Date: February 13, 2026
HHS released aggregated, provider-level Medicaid claims data organized by billing code over time. The dataset is designed to allow researchers, journalists, and the public to identify patterns consistent with fraud in the system.
Puerto Rico Connection: While no specific Puerto Rico data has been confirmed, the island’s Medicaid program is likely included in the dataset. Given Puerto Rico’s ongoing Medicaid funding discussions and the fraud verification measures included in CMS’s proposed regulations from the prior week, this dataset could become a tool for both oversight and advocacy.
FDA Considers Revoking Safety Status of Processed Carbohydrates
Date: February 15, 2026
The FDA is publicly considering whether to revoke the safety designation of dozens of processed refined carbohydrate ingredients unless food companies can demonstrate they are safe and not contributing to health issues and obesity. This action aligns with the administration’s broader focus on food safety and nutrition policy.
LOOKING AHEAD
No Health Subcommittee hearings or markups have been announced for the week of February 23. We continue to monitor for scheduling announcements as the House returns from recess.
On Our Radar:
NEED MORE DETAIL?
Maceira Zayas Law offers in-depth regulatory analysis, legislative tracking, and staff training on federal developments affecting Puerto Rico. For questions about any item in this briefing, or to schedule a consultation, contact:
Ginnell Torres, Health Law Attorney
gtorres@mzls.com
© 2026 Maceira Zayas Law & Strategy. All rights reserved. This briefing is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
