Health Care Policy Update – Weekly Wrap-up and What’s Ahead – February 21, 2023


What’s Ahead: This Week

Hearings and Markups –

  • Congress is not in session this week.

Notable Policy Events –

  • Tuesday, February 21
    • American Enterprise Institute, “Preserving Worker-Firm Attachments: Perspectives from the Pandemic.” Additional information
    • CMS, “2023 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Call for Quality and Cost Measures Overview Webinar.” Additional information
    • CMS, “Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Settings Regulation: Fitting the Pieces Together.” Additional information
    • The Sequoia Project, “2023 Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) Monthly Informational Call.” Additional information
  • Wednesday, February 22 to Friday, February 24
  • Wednesday, February 22
  • Thursday, February 23 to Friday, February 24
  • Thursday, February 23
    • Axios Pro, “Health Care and Congress.” Additional information
    • Center for Health Care Strategies, “The Impact of Youth Voices in Transforming Pediatric Care.” Additional information
    • CMS, “Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model Request for Applications (RFA) Webinar.” Additional information
    • CMS, “Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System Q&A Session.” Additional information
    • Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), “Social Determinants of Health Information Exchange Learning Forum.” Additional information

Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week

Medicare & Medicaid –

  • On February 13, CMS announced that the Measures Under Consideration (MUC) Entry/Review Information Tool (CMS MERIT) is open for the 2023 quality and efficiency measure submissions. Submissions are due May 19, 2023. CMS MERIT
  • Also on February 13, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) submitted comments on the Contract Year (CY) 2024 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs proposed rule. MACPAC raised concerns about language access and plan marketing, among other issues. Comment Letter
  • On February 13 and 14, CMS convened a panel of the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) to examine the requirements for clinical studies submitted for CMS coverage under Coverage with Evidence Development. Announcement
  • On February 14, CMS published an article in Health Affairs, “Hospital Price Transparency: Progress and Commitment to Achieving Its Potential,” which discusses hospital compliance with price transparency requirements. Article
  • Also on February 14, Senate Finance Committee Chair Wyden (D-OR) submitted comments to CMS on the CY 2024 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs proposed rule. Chair Wyden raised concerns regarding marketing standards and oversight, provider directories, and network adequacy requirements, and expressed support for efforts to improve health equity. Comment Letter Press Release
  • Also on February 14, CMS announced the availability of a public use file on the usual source of care and telemedicine use by community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries in Spring 2021. Public Use File
  • Also on February 14, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report on the comparison of average sales prices and average manufacturing prices for Medicare Part B drugs for the third quarter of 2022. Report in Brief Report
  • On February 15, CMS issued a proposed rule establishing requirements for the disclosure of information about the owners and operators of Medicare skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and Medicaid nursing facilities. Comments are due April 14, 2023. Proposed Rule Press Release
  • Also on February 15, CMS released four rapid cycle reports which provide insight into implementation and early outcomes of section 1115 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) demonstrations. Reports
  • Also on February 15, CMS released a proposed National Coverage Determination (NCD) decision that would expand coverage for power seat elevation equipment on certain power wheelchairs to Medicare individuals. Comments are due March 17, 2023. NCD Determination Press Release
  • On February 16, Reps. Schakowsky (D-IL), Jayapal (D-WA), and DeLauro (D-CT) led a letter signed by 70 Members of Congress to President Biden, HHS Secretary Becerra, and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure urging reforms to the Medicare Advantage program. Press Release Letter
  • Also on February 16, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) released a notice requesting comments on the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)-Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Survey of One-on-One Assistance. SHIP and SMP services help Medicare beneficiaries understand their Medicare benefits and options. Comments are due by April 17, 2023. Notice
  • On February 17, HHS released a press release, “Fact v. Fiction: Biden-Harris Administration is Strengthening Medicare,” which states that, despite industry claims, the Administration is not proposing cuts to Medicare Advantage. Press Release
  • Also on February 17, CMS announced a one-year extension for the publication of the Medicare Secondary Payer and Certain Civil Money Penalties final rule. CMS notes that the extension is needed due to the agency’s focus on the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and to review data analysis from public inquiry to confirm the intent and economic impact of the final rule. Notice
  • Also on February 17, CMS issued an informational bulletin to states reiterating certain federal requirements that pertain to health care-related taxes and hold harmless arrangements involving the redistribution of Medicaid payments. Bulletin
  • Also on February 17, Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure regarding the overprescribing of psychotropic medications in nursing homes. Letter Press Release

Marketplaces –

  • On February 15, CMS announced an engagement opportunity to support implementation of marketplace quality initiatives. Nominations are open for a new, joint Quality Rating System (QRS) and Quality Improvement Strategy (QIS) Technical Expert Panel (TEP), which will advise on the continued implementation and refinement of the QRS and QIS. Nominations are due March 1, 2023. Announcement Charter Nomination Form

Payment & Delivery System Models – 

  • On February 14, CMS released a report, which was required by President Biden’s Executive Order “Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Americans,” announcing three new models for testing by the CMS Innovation Center: the Medicare High-Value Drug List Model, the Cell & Gene Therapy Access Model, and the Accelerating Clinical Evidence Model. Report HHS Secretary Statement FAQs Press Release

Public Health Preparedness, Prevention, Surveillance, & Data – 

  • COVID-19 Data: To date, there are 102,998,014 total COVID-19 cases and 1,113,254 COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Also, 961,155,285 COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered and 670,987,625 individual COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. Data
  • FDA Action Update: To date, FDA has authorized 444 tests under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs), including 300 molecular tests, 85 antibody tests and 58 antigen tests. FDA also continues to update COVID-19 FAQs.
  • On February 13, House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chair Wenstrup (R-OH) and House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chair Comer (R-KY) requested senior Biden Administration officials, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and the president of EcoHealth Alliance to provide information necessary to the committees’ investigation into the COVID-19 origins. Press Release
  • Also on February 13, Reps. Pascrell (D-NJ) and Peters (D-CA) led 32 House Members in a letter to CMS asking for the continued coverage of costs for at-home COVID-19 tests for Medicare beneficiaries. Press Release Letter
  • On February 14, President Biden declared a continuation of the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, and its anticipated termination on May 11, 2023. Notice
  • Also on February 14, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office extended the modified COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program for the sixth time, which provides prioritized examination of certain patent applications. Notice
  • Also on February 14, a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported study found that about half of adults treated at hospitals for COVID-19 have experienced lingering symptoms, financial difficulties, or physical limitations months after being discharged. Press Release Study
  • Also on February 14, NIH scientists announced the development of a mouse model of mpox, which demonstrated clear differences in virulence among the major genetic groups (clades) of mpox virus. Press Release
  • On February 15, NIH announced the initiative of a multi-site clinical trial to evaluate an investigational antiviral for the treatment of COVID-19. Press Release
  • Also on February 15, Senate HELP Committee Chair Sanders (I-VT) announced that Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel will testify at the hearing on the price of COVID-19 vaccines on March 22, 2023. Announcement
  • Also on February 15, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a notice with the list of petitions received under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, which provides compensation to people found to be injured by certain vaccines. Notice
  • On February 16, HHS announced the reorganization of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), establishing a structure accounting for its expanded mission, new capabilities, program accountability, and clarity in naming conventions. Notice Blog
  • On February 17, CDC released a report on the effectiveness of monovalent mRNA vaccines in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection among children ages three to five. Report
  • Also on February 17, CDC released a report on COVID-19 vaccination coverage and demographic characteristics of infants and children. Report
  • Also on February 17, CDC released a report on COVID-19 booster vaccination coverage and intent to receive booster vaccination among adolescents and adults. Report
  • Also on February 17, Sens. Markey (D-MA), Warren (D-MA), and Heinrich (D-NM) sent a letter to America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) President & CEO Matt Eyles, calling on the association’s membership to maintain coverage of free, at-home COVID-19 tests once the federal PHE ends. Letter Press Release
  • Also on February 17, CDC released a report on typhoid fever surveillance, incidence estimates, and progress toward typhoid conjugate vaccine introduction worldwide. Report

Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –

  • On February 13, ONC published a blog on the recognition of the first set of networks approved to implement the TEFCA as prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs). The approved QHIN applicants include CommonWell Health Alliance, eHealth Exchange, Epic, Health Gorilla, Kno2, and KONZA. Blog
  • Also on February 13, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Ranking Member Cruz (R-TX) sent a letter to social media companies Meta, Google, Twitter, and TikTok launching an oversight investigation into these companies’ use of recommendation algorithms and their reported use of “blacklists.” Press Release Letter
  • On February 14, Sens. Capito (R-WV), Manchin (D-WV), Merkley (D-OR), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Collins (R-ME) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra with recommended bipartisan improvements on implementing the proposed rule on Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records. Letter Press Release
  • On February 15, ONC published a blog on a brief titled, “The Feasibility of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Clinical Decision Support.” The brief explores how clinical practice guidelines that include SDOH factors present an opportunity to advance health equity and improve health outcomes. Blog Brief
  • On February 17, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched a new Office of Technology to strengthen the FTC’s capacity to protect Americans in the digital economy. The Office will be led by FTC Chief Technology Officer Stephanie Nguyen and will have dedicated staff and resources to support investigations, advance policy and research initiatives, and engage with the public. Press Release
  • Also on February 17, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released the 2021 Annual Report to Congress on HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rule Compliance, which identifies the number of complaints received, the method by which those complaints were resolved, the number of compliance reviews initiated by OCR, and the outcome of each review. Report Press Release
  • Also on February 17, HHS OCR released the 2021 Annual Report to Congress on Breaches of Unsecured Protected Health Information, which identifies the number and nature of breaches and unsecured protected health information (PHI) that were reported to the Secretary of HHS in 2021 and actions taken in response to those breaches. Report Press Release

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –

  • On February 13, CDC released the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, which provides data on behaviors and experiences among high school students in the United States related to health and well-being. Press Release Data Teen Girl Mental Health Data
  • Also on February 13, the HHS OIG released a report which found that the Michigan Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System did not comply with requirements for documenting psychotropic and opioid medications prescribed to children in foster care. Report in Brief Report
  • On February 15, Rep. Spanberger (D-VA) sent a letter to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Milgram on concerns about the Adderall shortage. The letter also presses the DEA to make clear its plans on prescribing controlled substances via telehealth once the PHE ends. Letter Press Release
  • Also on February 15, the CDC released provisional data on drug overdose deaths, which showed a steady decline in the number of drug overdose deaths since the middle of last year. Provisional Data
  • Also on February 15, the FDA Joint Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee and Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee voted 19-0 and recommended that the FDA approve a non-prescription version of naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote. Briefing Document Meeting Information
  • On February 16, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a notice on start of applications for cooperative agreement for the IHS Zero Suicide Initiative Coordinating Center (ZSICC). Notice
  • Also on February 16, FDA Commissioner Califf released a report on an external review of the agency’s opioid-related activities. The report recognizes the work being done at the FDA to prevent drug overdoses and reduce deaths from opioids, as well as makes recommendations on further actions for the agency to take. Announcement Report
  • Also on February 16, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published its annual report, which presents findings on the general profile of substance use and mental health facilities, use of pharmacotherapies/medications, language assistance provided, and suicide prevention services. Press Release Report

Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices, & Biomedical Research –

  • On February 14, the FDA updated the drug label for Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm to include more safety warnings around potential side effects, including brain bleeds. Announcement
  • On February 15, Senate HELP Committee Chair Sanders (I-VT) released a majority staff report on the compensation practices of pharmaceutical companies and the publicly available reported income for top executives at large pharmaceutical companies. Report Press Release
  • On February 17, Sens. Collins (R-ME) and Capito (R-WV) led 20 bipartisan Senators in a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure, urging CMS to reconsider the Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) requirements for FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Letter Press Release

Veterans Health and Military Health –

  • On February 14, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) OIG released a report on the results of a focused evaluation on the inpatient and outpatient care provided at the Memphis VA Medical Center in Tennessee. Report in Brief Report
  • On February 15, the VA announced three agreements that were reached this month with the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) that will help VA better serve Veterans, support VA’s employees, and help execute President Biden’s Executive Order on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. Press Release
  • Also on February 15, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chair Tester (D-MT) and Ranking Member Moran (R-KS) sent a letter to VA Secretary McDonough calling on the VA to delay an upcoming proposed rule change for air ambulance and other special mode transportation services rates. Press Release Letter
  • On February 16, the VA announced the 10 winners of Mission Daybreak, a $20 million challenge aimed at developing innovations to reduce Veteran suicides. Press Release
  • Also on February 16, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) hiring trends to meet the health care needs of veterans in the U.S. Pacific territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Report in Brief Report
  • Also on February 16, the VA released a notice for comment on programs to help address health care workforce needs and allow VA to provide services to the public by awarding scholarships to non-VA employees who will be required to become VA employees in the professions for which they were educated under these programs. Notice

Population Health, Public Health & Health Equity –

  • On February 13, the HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) announced that a draft of the Physical Activity Guidelines Midcourse Report on Older Adults will soon be available for public comment. Press Release
  • On February 14, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a final recommendation against routine serologic screening for genital herpes simplex virus infection in asymptomatic adolescents and adults. Recommendation
  • Also on February 14, NIH released a press release highlighting a new screening tool helping primary care physicians identify adults with undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Press Release
  • On February 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is providing $262 million to improve access to jobs, health care and infrastructure for people in historically underserved communities across the Rural Partners Network. Press Release
  • On February 16, HRSA released a notice announcing reorganization functions within the HIV/AIDS Bureau. Notice
  • Also on February 16, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government. The Executive Order included several actions, such as launching a new annual process to strengthen racial equity and support for underserved communities and directing agencies to produce annual public Equity Action Plans. Executive Order Fact Sheet
  • On February 17, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released a notice seeking scientific information, supplemental evidence and data submissions to inform its review of the Behavioral Interventions for Migraine Prevention, which is currently being conducted by the AHRQ’s Evidence-based Practice Centers Program. Comments are due by March 19, 2023. Notice
  • Also on February 17, HRSA released a notice proposing changes to the Healthy Start Evaluation to improve the quality of the instruments and make it easier for the respondents to complete the forms. Comments are due by March 19, 2023. Notice
  • Also on February 17, CDC released a report on fruit, vegetable, and sugar-sweetened beverage intake among children in 2021. Report
  • Also on February 17, CDC released a report on the percentage of women aged 50-74 who had a mammogram within the preceding two years. Report
  • Also on February 17, CDC issued a notice with comment on the proposed information collection project: the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Rapid Surveys System (RSS). The RSS will use survey data from probability-based online panels to produce time-sensitive estimates of new and emerging public health topics, attitudes, and behaviors. Comments are due April 18, 2023. Notice
  • Also on February 17, the White House released a statement in celebration of the reestablishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (Partnerships Office). The Partnerships Office works with agencies to advance shared priorities such as helping people struggling with mental health and substance use problems, improving maternal and child health, addressing hunger and nutrition, and assisting with preparedness, response, and recovery from COVID-19, among others. Fact Sheet HHS Partnership Center

Health Systems & Health Care Workforce –

  • On February 13, Sen. Baldwin (D-WI) sent a letter to Ascension CEO Joseph Impicciche, raising concerns that Ascension Health System was operating like a private equity fund to advance its investment activities and therefore putting patients and providers at risk. Press Release Letter
  • On February 14, the HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce released a notice on the applications, forms, and supporting documentation for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program (SP), the NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program (S2S LRP), and the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP). Comments are due by April 17, 2023. Notice
  • On February 17, HRSA announced the availability of approximately $30 million for HRSA-funded health centers to expand early childhood development care through increased screenings and follow-up services. Grant applications are due March 17, 2023. Application Press Release

Reproductive & Maternal Health  –

  • On February 13, Sens. Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Bennet (D-CO) sent a letter to CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure, urging CMS to ensure fertility services are covered for all benchmark health plans. Press Release Letter
  • On February 14, Sen. Hirono (D-HI) and 11 Senate Democrats sent a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to take new steps to protect reproductive freedom amidst increasing efforts to restrict access to abortion. Press Release Letter
  • Also on February 14, NIH announced a potential non-hormonal contraceptive that men could take shortly before sexual activity and have fertility restored the next day. Study Press Release

Misc. –

  • On February 14, the White House released a report on medical debt, which found declines in medical debt due to actions from the Biden Administration. Report Fact Sheet
  • Also on February 14, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) published a blog on a new proposed rule that would allow a child welfare agency to adopt different licensing standards for all relative and kinship foster family homes to lessen delays and barriers in the kinship foster family licensing process and open up financial resources for those family caregivers. Blog
  • Also on February 14, Sens. Cardin (D-MD), Van Hollen (D-MD), Shaheen (D-NH) and 34 other Senators sent a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to include funding in the upcoming budget request to more comprehensively address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. Press Release Letter
  • On February 15, HHS OIG added four new items to the OIG Work Plan, which are set for publication later in 2023 or 2024. The work plan items address Medicare enrollment race and ethnicity data, nursing home citations related to use of antipsychotic drugs, securing Medicaid and Medicare payments to providers, and audit of SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. Work Plan Items
  • On February 17, FDA Commissioner Califf released a reflection blog one year into his tenure, which highlights major cross-cutting issues that are critical for the FDA across the agency. Such issues include infant formula recalls, user fees for medical products, and the COVID-19 pandemic, among others. Blog

Legislative Activity –
Votes and Committee Activity –

  • On February 15, Senate Committee on Appropriations Chair Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Collins (R-ME) announced the Appropriations Subcommittee rosters for the 118th Congress. Sens. Baldwin (D-WI) and Capito (R-WV) were named Chair and Ranking Member, respectively, for the Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies subcommittee. Announcement
  • On February 16, Senate HELP Committee Chair Sanders (I-VT) and Ranking Member Cassidy (R-LA) announced Senate HELP Committee subcommittee rosters for the 118th Congress. Announcement
  • Also on February 16, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee advanced nine bills to better serve veterans. The bills now move to the full Senate for consideration. Press release
    • The VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023 (S. 10) would improve the workforce of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Bill text
    • The Fiscal Year 2023 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act (S. 30) would authorize major medical facility projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2023. Bill text
    • The Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act (S. 106) would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award grants to States to improve outreach to veterans. Bill text
    • S. 112 would strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida. Bill text
    • The Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act (S. 132) would require a pilot program on activities under the pre-separation transition process of members of the Armed Forces for a reduction in suicide among veterans. Bill text
    • The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (S. 141) would improve certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs for home- and community-based services for veterans. Bill text
    • The Native American Direct Loan Improvement Act of 2023 (S. 185) would improve the program for direct housing loans made to Native American veterans. Bill text
    • The RESPECT Act of 2023 (S. 216) would modify the family caregiver program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include services related to mental health and neurological disorders. Bill text
    • The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023 (S. 326) would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a study and clinical trials on the effects of cannabis on certain health outcomes of veterans with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. Bill text

Introduced Legislation –

  • On February 13, Sen. Sanders (I-VT) and nine cosponsors introduced the Social Security Expansion Act (S. 393), which would enhance Social Security benefits and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program. Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL) and 26 cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the House (H.R. 1046) on February 14, 2023. Bill text Press release
  • On February 14, Rep. Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the State Accountability, Flexibility, and Equity (SAFE) Hospitals Act (H.R. 990), which would establish a methodology for determining State allotments for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments that is based on State poverty levels, and require States to prioritize DSH payments on the basis of Medicaid inpatient utilization and low-income utilization rates. Sen. Rubio (R-FL) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 407). Press release
  • Also on February 14, Rep. Bishop (R-NC) and 11 cosponsors introduced the COVID-19 Vaccination Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 991), which would prohibit Federal funds from being made available to entities that refuse to provide treatment based on COVID-19 vaccination status. Sen. Paul (R-KY) and eight cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 420). Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 14, Reps. Cardenas (D-CA) and Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2023 (H.R. 994), which would authorize a public education campaign across all relevant programs of the Health Resources and Services Administration to increase oral health literacy and awareness. Sens. Lujan (D-NM), Collins (R-ME), and Cardin (D-MD) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 403). Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 14, Reps. Correa (D-CA) and Bergman (R-MI) introduced the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act (H.R. 1003), which would carry out a study and clinical trials on the effects of cannabis on certain health outcomes of veterans with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. Sens. Tester (D-MT) and Sullivan (R-AK) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 326) on February 9, 2023. Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 14, Reps. DeGette (D-CO) and Castor (D-FL) introduced the Promoting Public Health Information Act (H.R. 1004), which would establish the Public Health Information and Communications Advisory Committee for purposes of providing recommendations and reports, and support educational initiatives on communication and dissemination of information during public health emergencies. Sens. Murphy (D-CT) and Lujan (D-NM) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 406). Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 14, Rep. Finstad (R-MN) and 11 cosponsors introduced the Audit and Return It Act (H.R. 1011), which would require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to conduct an audit of any unobligated coronavirus-related funding and to rescind all such funding. Press release
  • Also on February 14, Rep. Franklin (R-FL) and 11 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (H.R. 1012), which would clarify liability protections regarding emergency use of automated external defibrillators. Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 14, Rep. Perry (R-PA) and 11 cosponsors introduced the Defund the Wuhan Institute of Virology Act (H.R. 1025), which would prohibit Federal funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology and to require a GAO study regarding Federal funds previously provided to such institute or to entities affiliated with the Chinese Government. Sen. Ernst (R-IA) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 421). Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 14, Rep. Ryan (D-NY) and 49 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act (H.R. 1045), which would improve dependent coverage under the TRICARE Young Adult Program. Press release
  • Also on February 14, Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act (S. 423), which would streamline enrollment in health insurance affordability programs and minimum essential coverage. Bill text Press release
  • On February 15, Sens. Rubio (R-FL), Blackburn (R-TN), Budd (R-NC), Tuberville (R-AL), and Braun (R-IN) introduced the Ensuring Military Readiness Act (S. 435), which would provide requirements related to the eligibility of individuals who identify as transgender from serving in the Armed Forces. Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 15, Sen. Johnson (R-WI) and 16 cosponsors introduced the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act (S. 444), which would require any convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response reached by the World Health Assembly to be subject to Senate ratification. Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 15, Sens. Marshall (R-KS), Cramer (R-ND), Lee (R-UT), and Braun (R-IN) introduced the Travel Freedom Act (S. 455), which would terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers. Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 15, Sen. Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Protecting Our Kids from Child Abuse Act (S. 457), which would establish a federal tort against pediatric gender clinics and other entities pushing gender-transition procedures that cause bodily injury to children or harm the mental health of children. Bill text Press release
  • On February 16, Sens. Shaheen (D-NH), Blumenthal (D-CT), Brown (D-OH), Merkley (D-OR), Reed (D-RI), and Durbin (D-IL) introduced the No Tax Subsidies for E-Cigarette and Tobacco Ads Act (S. 464), which would deny the deduction for advertising and promotional expenses for tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems. Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 16, Sen. Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the Hospital Transparency Compliance Enforcement Act (S. 468), which would enhance compliance with hospital price transparency requirements. Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 16, Sen. Lankford (R-OK) and 11 cosponsors introduced the Women’s Public Health and Safety Act (S. 471), which would allow for greater State flexibility with respect to excluding providers who are involved in abortions. Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 16, Sens. Rubio (R-FL) and Lee (R-UT) introduced the Conscience Objections to Negligent State COVID-19 Inoculation Edicts Need Constitutional Enforcement (CONSCIENCE) Act. (S. 492), which would prohibit the imposition of certain substantial burdens, relating to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, on religious exercise. Bill text Press release
  • Also on February 16, Sen. Duckworth (D-IL) and 14 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Military Family Nutrition Access Act (S. 497), which would exclude a basic allowance for housing from income for purposes of eligibility for the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Press release One pager
  • On February 17, Rep. Gaetz (R-FL) introduced the COVID-19 Federal Employee Reinstatement Act (H.R. 1080), which would provide for the reinstatement or compensation of Federal employees forced to resign their careers between September 9, 2021, and January 24, 2022, because of the Federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Bill text Press release