Health Care Policy Update – Weekly Wrap-up and What’s Ahead – April 3, 2023


What’s Ahead: This Week
Hearings and Markups –
  • Congress is not in session this week
Notable Policy Events – 
  • Monday, April 3 to Tuesday, April 4
  • Tuesday, April 4
    • Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, “Checking In on the Medicare and Social Security Trust Funds.” Additional information
    • Health Affairs, “Lunch and Learn: Workforce Exodus in State and Local Public Health: The Numbers, the Reality, and the Solutions.” Additional information
    • The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), “ARPA-H Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Proposers Day.” Additional information
  • Wednesday, April 5
    • Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC), “Interoperability Standards Workgroup.” Additional information
  • Thursday, April 6
    • Center for Health Care Strategies, “Sustainable Financing Approaches for Medicaid Managed Care Organizations to Address Health-Related Social Needs.” Additional information
Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week
Medicare –
  • On March 27, Sen. Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure raising concerns over a report claiming that Traditional Medicare beneficiaries are paying higher premiums due to overpayments in the Medicare Advantage program. Press Release Letter
  • On March 28, CMS released the latest enrollment figures for Medicare. As of December 2022, 65,489,211 people are enrolled in Medicare. Enrollment Figures
  • Also on March 28, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a compliance audit of specific diagnosis codes that Cigna submitted to the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. Report in Brief Report
  • On March 29, Reps. DelBene (D-WA) and Kelly (D-PA) received reports from UnitedHealthcare and other private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans on how the plans will reduce their use of prior authorization. Reports Press Release
  • On March 30, CMS released a notice on data collected from the Home Health Care CAHPS Survey and diagnostic data from Medicare Advantage organizations for risk adjusted payments. Comments are due April 29, 2023. Notice
  • Also on March 30, CMS released a memo with revised guidance to strengthen enforcement efforts for noncompliance with infection control deficiencies in nursing homes. Memo
  • Also on March 30, HHS OIG released a report which found that most of the selected diagnosis codes that a Medicare Advantage organization submitted to CMS’ risk adjustment program did not comply with Federal requirements. Report in Brief Report
  • On March 31, CMS released the Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies (the Rate Announcement). CMS is finalizing updates to MA payment growth rates and changes to the MA and Part D payment methodologies. CMS is also finalizing the updated risk adjustment model proposed in the CY 2024 Advance Notice and will phase it in over three years. Fact Sheet Press Release Rate Announcement
  • Also on March 31, the Department of the Treasury released the 2023 Medicare Trustees Report, finding that the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits until 2031, three years later than reported last year. Fact Sheet Press Release Report
  • Also on March 31, CMS issued the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update proposed rule. The rule proposes conforming regulations text changes related to the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Fact Sheet Proposed Rule
  • Also on March 31, CMS released updated guidance detailing the potential impact of ending the National Emergency by H. J. Res. 7, and clarifies that any existing waivers currently in effect and authorized under the 1135 waiver authorization for the pandemic would remain in place until May 11. Guidance
  • Also on March 31, CMS released a notice regarding an application from a hospital that requested a waiver of requirements that would require the hospital to enter into an agreement with its designated organ procurement organization. Comments are due by June 3, 2023. Notice
  • Also on March 31, CMS released a notice regarding an application from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for Ambulatory Surgical Centers that wish to participate in Medicare or Medicaid. Comments are due May 4, 2023. Notice
Medicaid –
  • On March 28, CMS released the latest enrollment figures for Medicaid and CHIP. As of December 2022, 92,340,585 people are enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. Enrollment Figures
  • On March 29, the HHS OIG released a report which found that Missouri could improve oversight of individualized supported living providers to ensure the health and safety of Medicaid recipients. Report in Brief Report
  • On March 30, CMS approved New Jersey’s section 1115 demonstration waiver to provide housing and nutrition benefits to Medicaid recipients. The waiver is effective April 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028. Waiver 
  • On March 31, the HHS OIG released a report which found that Texas could not support the permissibility of the funds used as the state’s share of the Medicaid Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP). Report in Brief Report
Marketplaces –
  • On March 29, the Departments of HHS, Labor, and the Treasury issued updated guidance in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs Part 58) regarding the impact of the anticipated end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and the COVID-19 National Emergency on participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees of group health plans and group and individual health insurance coverage. The guidance includes updates on coverage and cost-sharing requirements for COVID-19 treatments, vaccines, and tests, an extension of certain timeframes, and a special enrollment period for individuals who lose Medicaid and/or CHIP coverage. Updated FAQ Press Release Medicaid/CHIP Fact Sheet DOL Blog General Information
  • On March 30, CMS published the 2024 Quality Rating System (QRS) Measure Technical Specifications, which includes the measure specifications and guidelines for data collection for the 2024 QRS measure set. Qualified Health Plan (QHP) issuers can reference this resource to collect and submit QRS measure data. QRS Measure Technical Specifications
  • Also on March 30, Sen. Warnock (D-GA) and Rep. McBath (D-GA) sent a letter to CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure raising concerns regarding Georgia’s plan to operate its own state-based health insurance exchange for plan year 2024. Press Release Letter 
  • Also on March 30, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, who presided over the Braidwood Management vs. Becerra case calling into question the ACA’s preventive health services coverage mandate, struck down this provision of the ACA that requires health plans to cover preventive services with no cost sharing for beneficiaries. Ruling
  • On March 31, the Biden Administration appealed the 5th Circuit Court ruling of Judge Reed O’Connor against the ACA’s preventive health services mandate. Notice of Appeal
Public Health Preparedness, Prevention, Surveillance, & Data – 
  • COVID-19 Data: To date, there are 104,137,196 total COVID-19 cases and 1,125,366 COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Also, 973,224,305 COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered and 674,024,493 individual COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. Data
  • FDA Action Update: To date, FDA has authorized 446 tests under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs), including 300 molecular tests, 84 antibody tests and 61 antigen tests. FDA also continues to update COVID-19 FAQs.
  • On March 27, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), along with Reps. Guthrie (R-KY) and Griffith (R-VA), sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Califf asking for information on all coronaviruses research and if any listed experiments involved certain activities associated with gain-of-function research. Press Release Letter
  • Also on March 27, Rep. Roy (R-TX) led 18 Republican colleagues in petitioning House Republican leadership to halt all funding for vaccine mandate enforcement under CMS in the upcoming FY2024 appropriations bill. Letter Press Release
  • On March 28, House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chair Wenstrup (R-OH) called on CDC, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and 14 other non-governmental groups to provide documents and information related to their role in the CDC’s COVID-19 school reopening guidance. Press Release
  • On March 30, HHS released a report on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among essential and non-essential workers. Report
  • Also on March 30, HHS renewed the public health emergency for the opioid crisis. Announcement
  • On March 31, CDC released a report on JYNNEOS vaccination coverage among persons at risk for mpox. The report found that one- and two-dose vaccination coverage reached an estimated 37 percent and 23 percent, respectively, among persons at risk, with wide variation among jurisdictions. Report
  • Also on March 31, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Health Chair Guthrie (R-KY), and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Griffith (R-VA) sent a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Acting Director Tabak regarding details about the NIH’s oversight of a mpox experiment. Letter Press Release
Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –
  • On March 27, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) published a blog on an interview conducted with three students at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) who were enrolled in the ONC Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) Workforce Development Program. Blog
  • Also on March 27, HHS and the CARIN Alliance released a report supporting a single-sign-on system to facilitate patients’ access to their medical records. Report
  • On March 29, CDC, CMS, and NIH published a study in JAMA Psychiatry that found the expanded availability of opioid use disorder-related telehealth services and medications during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a lowered likelihood of fatal drug overdose among Medicare beneficiaries. Press Release Study
  • Also on March 29, the White House released a fact sheet on the Biden Administration’s vision for the world’s technological and digital future including advancing Internet freedom, developing national technology frameworks that align with human rights, and supporting the development of technologies that embed democratic values at every stage of their design and use. Fact Sheet
  • On March 30, the FDA announced the availability of final guidance entitled “Cybersecurity in Medical Devices: Refuse to Accept Policy for Cyber Devices and Related Systems Under Section 524B of the FD&C Act of the FD&C Act.” The guidance communicates the FDA’s policy regarding refuse to accept (RTA) decisions for premarket submissions submitted for cyber devices. Notice of Availability Final Guidance
  • Also on March 30, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) launched a new Trustworthy & Responsible Artificial Intelligence Resource Center (AIRC) to serve as a repository for much of the current federal guidance on AI. Resource Center
  • Also on March 30, the FDA released draft guidance on marketing submission recommendations for a predetermined change control plan for artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)-enabled device software functions. Draft Guidance
  • On March 31, House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Pallone (D-NJ) sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Milgram, commenting on the Notices of Proposed Rulemaking related to the telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances. The letter notes his concerns on the proposals for an in-person evaluation within 30 days of an initial telemedicine prescription as well as additional documentation requirements. Letter Press Release
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –
  • On March 27, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced funding from the SAMHSA Emergency Response Grants (SERG) to the state of Ohio to support community wellness and resilience, following the Norfolk Southern freight train derailment and related chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio in February. Additional Information
  • Also on March 27, SAMHSA announced a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the American Indian and Alaska Native Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (CoE). The program aims to establish a CoE to advance the behavioral health equity of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Applications are due May 26. NOFO
  • Also on March 27, SAMHSA announced a request for public comment on a draft set of National Standards for Peer Support Certification. The standards aim to advance peer specialist efforts in serving people experiencing mental health and/or substance use conditions. Comments are due April 10. Notice Draft Standards Comment
  • Also on March 27, SAMHSA sent a Dear Colleague letter to providers and grantees about the risks of xylazine, a non-opioid agent increasingly being found in combination with opioids such as fentanyl. The letter provides information about the consequences of xylazine exposure, what practitioners can do to mitigate harm, and how SAMHSA is responding to this emerging public health challenge. Letter
  • On March 28, SAMHSA released a blog post on women migrants and their vulnerability to migration-related stressors and mental health distress. Blog
  • Also on March 28, SAMHSA announced a NOFO for the evidence-based programs supporting individuals in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery. Applications are due May 30. NOFO
  • Also on March 28, SAMHSA announced a NOFO for the Recovery Community Services Program-Statewide Network. The program aims to strengthen community-based recovery organizations for or with key recovery groups. Applications are due May 30. NOFO
  • Also on March 28, SAMHSA announced a NOFO for the Recovery Community Services program. The program aims to provide peer recovery support services to individuals with SUD or co-occurring substance use and mental disorders (COD), including those in recovery from these disorders. Applications are due May 30. NOFO
  • Also on March 28, Reps. Kuster (D-NH), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Trone (D-MD), and McClain (R-MI) published an op-ed on the need for bipartisan cooperation to address the addiction and mental health crisis and the path forward in a divided Congress. Op-Ed Press Release
  • On March 29, the FDA approved the first nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone nasal spray, Narcan, a medicine that can reverse an opioid-related overdose. FDA Press Release HHS Press Release
  • On March 30, the NIH published a study which found strong evidence that buprenorphine, a medication approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder, can be safely started in the emergency department without triggering withdrawal, even for people who use stronger opioids. Study Press Release
  • On March 31, the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force hosted a roundtable on the ongoing mental health and substance use disorder crises and what steps Congress can take to end this epidemic. Press Release
  • Also on March 31, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a notice on the revised information collection request (ICR) on the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) performance measures. Notice
  • Also on March 31, the CDC released data on the trends in stimulant prescription fills among commercially insured children and adults. Data
  • Also on March 31, SAMHSA released a report which provides behavioral health professionals, researchers, policymakers and other audiences with a comprehensive research overview and accurate information about effective and ineffective therapeutic practices related to youth of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. Report Press Release
Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices, & Biomedical Research & Health Innovation–
  • On March 27, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), along with Reps. Guthrie (R-KY) and Griffith (R-VA), sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Califf requesting information on how the Biden Administration is managing drug shortages. Press Release Letter
  • Also on March 27, Sen. Duckworth (D-IL) sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting investigative actions against AmerisourceBergen following reports that the company developed business plans refusing to distribute Mifepristone to retail pharmacies in certain states while continuing to provide it to health care providers in the same state. Press Release Letter
  • On March 28, Reps. Carter (R-GA), Slotkin (D-MI), Houlahan (D-PA) and Bilirakis (R-FL) launched the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus for the 118th Congress. The caucus will focus on advancing legislation that incentivizes more domestic production for essential medicines to reduce American reliance on foreign adversaries, head off potential supply chain disruptions, and ensure a steady supply of pharmaceuticals in the event of public health emergencies or natural disasters. Press Release
  • On March 31, HHS released an issue brief on FDA user fees. The brief presents findings of how user fees affect the cost of medical product development, and summarizes the research literature on user fees, most notably in expediting medical product development and approval. Issue Brief
Veterans Health and Military Health –
  • On March 27, Sens. Shaheen (D-NH), Hirono (D-HI), and Bennet (D-CO) sent a letter, on behalf of a group of 35 Senators, to Secretary of Defense Austin citing multiple national security imperatives tied to providing active U.S. service members access to protected leave for abortion and reproductive health care services. Press Release Letter
  • On March 29, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) OIG released a report regarding allegations that staff at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center provided inadequate alcohol withdrawal management for a patient. VA OIG identified concerns related to discharge coordination, failure to consider an institutional disclosure, and adequacy of care assessments regarding the patient’s alcohol use and transport. Report in Brief Report
  • Also on March 29, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chair Tester (D-MT), along with Sens. Murray (D-WA) and Brown (D-OH), announced they would be introducing legislation that would require VA to implement a series of Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) reforms to better serve veterans, medical personnel, and taxpayers. Press Release
  • Also on March 29, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chair Bost (R-IL) sent a letter to VA Secretary McDonough requesting information on how the VA spent the supplemental funding it was given throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Press Release Letter
  • On March 30, VA OIG released a report on the results of an evaluation of the outpatient care provided at the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. VA OIG did not issue any recommendations. Report in Brief Report
  • Also on March 30, VA OIG released a report on a health care inspection at the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System to assess allegations related to a patient’s cancer care coordination. VA OIG made three recommendations related to communicating test results, appropriate scheduling, and chiropractic review of community care notes. Report in Brief Report
  • Also on March 30, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on its review of VA’s information technology (IT) management to determine the extent to which VA’s IT and IT-related assets and activities are being procured with approval from VA’s Chief Information Officer (CIO). GAO’s review of 26 IT contract awards from 2021 showed that 14 didn’t have CIO approval. Report in Brief Report
Population Health, Public Health & Health Equity –
  • On March 27, FDA released a blog, “Improving Health through Nutrition Requires Continued Progress,” highlighting FDA’s efforts to improve nutrition in recognition of National Nutrition Month. Blog
  • Also on March 27, NIH announced that a NIH-funded study confirmed a white blood cell subtype as a HIV reservoir, suggesting a new target for cure efforts. Press Release
  • On March 28, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $2.8 billion in Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition Awards for local homeless service and housing programs across the United States. Press Release
  • Also on March 28, CMS released a notice announcing that the Center for Medicare Office of Minority Health Business Operations Services and Engagement Group has modified its organizational structure. Notice
  • Also on March 28, HHS and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a joint letter to encourage state and local governments to use federal funding to take action to reduce and remove lead in drinking water in early care and education settings. Press Release
  • On March 29, HHS released a notice announcing that the Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages has been rechartered. Notice
  • On March 30, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service released a notice announcing the surplus and purchased foods that it expects to make available for donation to states under The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in 2023. Notice
  • Also on March 30, HHS released a notice announcing the exemption of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) from all NIH policies and requirements. Notice
  • Also on March 30, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service issued a notice to prevent a lapse in approval of data collection for Food Distribution Programs, such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), to run effectively. Notice
  • Also on March 30, CMS announced the Connecting Kids to Coverage (CKC) Healthy Kids American Indian/Alaska Native 2023 Outreach and Enrollment Cooperative Agreements grantees. Grantees
  • On March 31, CDC released a report on trends in emergency department visits for firearm injuries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Report
  • Also on March 31, FDA released a blog “National Minority Health Month: Better Health Through Better Understanding,” highlighting the FDA Office of Minority Health and Health Equity’s (OMHHE) 2023 theme to promote and protect the health of diverse populations through research and communication of science that addresses health disparities. Blog
  • Also on March 31, the HRSA National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services released a policy brief, which examines the use of the Programs of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in rural areas. Brief
Health Systems & Health Care Workforce –
  • On March 30, NIH released a notice on the application process for clinical research training and medical education for the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Notice
  • On March 31, HRSA awarded nearly $23 million to 46 grantees to plan and develop Teaching Health Center primary care residency programs in community-based settings. Award Recipients Press Release
Reproductive, Maternal, & Infant Health  –
  • On March 28, FDA released a national strategy outlining actions the agency will take to ensure access to safe, nutritious infant formula and to increase resiliency of the U.S. infant formula market and supply. Press Release
Misc. –

  • On March 28, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released a request for nominations for the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality. Seven new members will be appointed to replace current members whose terms will expire in November 2023. Nominations are due by May 27, 2023. Notice
  • On March 29, AHRQ requested comments on its proposed information collection project “AHRQ Research Reporting System (ARRS).” Comments are due May 30, 2023. Notice

Legislative Activity –

Votes and Committee Activity –

  • On March 27, the House passed the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023 (H.R. 1154) by a vote of 413-2. The bill would combat forced organ harvesting and trafficking in persons for purposes of the removal of organs. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Bill text Press release
  • On March 29, the Senate passed a resolution relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020 (H. J. Res. 7) by a vote of 68-23. The legislation now heads to the President to be signed into law. Bill text Press release
Introduced Legislation –
  • On March 27, Sens. Scott (R-FL) and Welch (D-VT) introduced the Overcoming Prevalent Inadequacies in Overdose Information Data Sets (OPIOIDS) Act (S. 983), which would permit the Attorney General to award grants for accurate data on opioid-related overdoses. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 27, Sens. Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marshall (R-KS) introduced the More Options to Develop and Enhance Remote Nutrition in WIC (MODERN WIC) Act (S. 984), which would permit video or telephone certifications under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. On March 30, Reps. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Bonamici (D-OR) introduced the companion legislation in the House (H.R. 2424). Bill text Press release
  • On March 28, Reps. Blumenauer (D-OR), Mace (R-SC), Dean (D-PA), Biggs (R-AZ), and Correa (D-CA) introduced the Right to Try Clarification Act (H.R. 1825), which would clarify that the Federal Right to Try law applies to schedule I substances for which a phase I clinical trial has been completed and provide access for eligible patients to such substances pursuant to the Federal Right to Try law. Press release
  • Also on March 28, Reps. Buschon (R-IN), Clarke (D-NY), Dunn (R-FL), and Carter (D-LA) introduced the Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act (H.R. 1826), which would require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to provide coverage for prostate cancer screenings without the imposition of cost-sharing requirements. Press release
  • Also on March 28, Reps. Carter (R-GA), Cuellar (D-TX), and Gallagher (R-WI) introduced the Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act (H.R. 1827), which would prohibit the National Institutes of Health from conducting or supporting certain gain-of-function research. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 28, Reps. Hudson (R-NC) and Bucshon (R-IN) introduced the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA) (H.R. 1835), which would improve the accuracy of market-based Medicare payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory services, and reduce administrative burdens in the collection of data. Sens. Brown (D-OH) and Tillis (R-NC) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1000). Press release
  • Also on March 28, Rep. Panetta (D-CA) and nine bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act (H.R. 1839), which would prohibit certain uses of xylazine. Sen. Cortez Masto (D-NV) and seven bipartisan cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 993). Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 28, Rep. Scott (R-GA) and 25 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act (H.R. 1841), which would establish a disability benefit offset for Purple Heart recipients. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 28, Rep. Steel (R-CA) and 11 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Telehealth Expansion Act (H.R. 1843), which would permanently extend the exemption for telehealth services from certain high deductible health plan rules. Sens. Daines (R-MT) and Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1001). Press release
  • Also on March 28, Sens. Cassidy (R-LA) and Merkley (D-OR) introduced the No Unreasonable Payments, Coding, or Diagnoses for the Elderly (No UPCODE) Act (S. 1002), which would improve risk adjustment under Medicare Advantage. Bill text Press release
  • On March 29, Rep. Bilirakis (R-FL) and nine bipartisan cosponsors introduced the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act (H.R. 2365), which would direct the Secretary of HHS to carry out a national project to prevent and cure Parkinson’s, to be known as the National Parkinson’s Project. Sen. Capito (R-WV) and seven bipartisan cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1064). Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 29, Reps. Bucshon (R-IN) and DeGette (D-CO) introduced the Verifying Accurate, Leading-edge IVCT Development (VALID) Act (H.R. 2369), which would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to in vitro clinical tests. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 29, Reps. Sewell (D-AL) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 (H.R. 2389), which would provide for the distribution of additional residency positions. Press release
  • Also on March 29, Sen. Duckworth (D-IL) and 31 cosponsors introduced the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act (S. 1031), which would ensure affordable abortion coverage and care for every person. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 29, Sen. Moran (R-KS) and 12 cosponsors introduced the VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization Program (S. 1037), which would prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from carrying out certain activities under the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program until certification of system stability improvements. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 29, Sen. Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the Jobs and Opportunities for SNAP Act (S.1062), which would restore and standardize work requirements for able-bodied adults enrolled in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 29, Sen. Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act (S. 1063), which would implement a minimum work requirement for able-bodied adults enrolled in State Medicaid programs. Bill text Press release
  • On March 30, Rep. Chu (D-CA) and 206 cosponsors introduced the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023 (H.R. 12), which would protect a person’s ability to determine whether to continue or end a pregnancy, and to protect a health care provider’s ability to provide abortion services. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 30, Rep. Tonko (D-NY) and 13 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Reentry Act (H.R. 2400), which would allow States to make medical assistance available to inmates during the 30-day period preceding their release. Press release One pager
  • Also on March 30, Reps. Arrington (R-TX), Sewell (D-AL), Hudson (R-NC), and Ruiz (D-CA) introduced the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 2407), which would provide for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 30, Reps. Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Kim (R-CA) introduced the National Nursing Workforce Center Act (H.R. 2411), which would support and stabilize the existing nursing workforce and establish programs to increase the number of nurses. Sens. Merkley (D-OR), Tillis (R-NC), Kelly (D-AZ), and Wicker (R-MS) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1150). Press release One pager
  • Also on March 30, Rep. Brownley (D-CA) introduced the CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act (H.R. 2414), which would increase the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program. Sen. Brown (D-OH) and 10 cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1119). Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 30, Reps. Burgess (R-TX) and Castor (D-FL) introduced the MISSION Zero Act (H.R. 2416), which would reauthorize a military and civilian partnership for trauma readiness grant program. Press release
  • Also on March 30, Reps. Neguse (D-CO), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Thompson (D-CA) introduced the Ally’s Act (H.R. 2439), which would require coverage of hearing devices and systems in certain private health insurance plans. Sens. Capito (R-WV), Warren (D-MA), and Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1135). Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 30, Sen. Brown (D-OH) and six cosponsors introduced the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act (S. 1113), which would establish direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratio requirements in hospitals. Press release
  • Also on March 30, Sens. Smith (D-MN) and Braun (R-IN) introduced the Expanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Act (S. 1114), which would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the 180-day exclusivity period. Press release One pager
  • Also on March 30, Sens. Hassan (D-NH) and Braun (R-IN) introduced the Improved Access to Affordable Medications Act (S. 1120), which would improve the actions available to eligible product developers in the event of delays in receiving covered product for purposes of generic drug or biosimilar biological product development.  Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 30, Sens. Tester (D-MT), Murray (D-WA), and Brown (D-OH) introduced legislation (S. 1125), which would authorize an electronic health record modernization program of the Department of Veterans Affairs and increase oversight and accountability of the program to better serve veterans, medical professionals of the Department, and taxpayers. Press release
  • Also on March 30, Sens. Hassan (D-NH) and Braun (R-IN) introduced the Ensuring Access to Generic Medications Act (S. 1128), which would establish special rules relating to information provided with respect to drug applications concerning method of use patents. Bill text Press release
  • Also on March 30, Sen. Cortez Masto (D-NV) and eight cosponsors introduced the Lower Drug Costs for Families Act (S. 1139), which would apply prescription drug inflation rebates to drugs furnished in the commercial market and to change the base year for rebate calculations. Bill text Press release One pager
  • Also on March 30, Sens. Cassidy (R-LA), Marshall (R-KS), and Young (R-IN) introduced the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act (S. 1141), which would amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances. Press release