Health Care Policy Update – Weekly Wrap-Up And What’s Ahead – February 6, 2023

• COVID-19 Data: To date, there are 102,447,438 total COVID-19 cases and 1,106,824 COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Also, 956,124,455 COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered and 669,600,840 individual COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. Data
• FDA Action Update: To date, FDA has authorized 443 tests under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs), including 298 molecular tests, 85 antibody tests, 59 antigen tests, and one antibody authorization that can be used with home-collected samples. FDA also continues to update COVID-19 FAQs.
• On January 30, the Biden Administration announced that the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency will be extended to May 11, and both emergencies will end on that date. Statement
• Also on January 30, the Biden Administration released a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) opposing the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act (H.R. 497), which would eliminate the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on health care providers furnishing items and services under certain federal health care programs. SAP
• On January 31, the FDA issued warning letters to five companies illegally selling products that claim to cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent human mpox infection. Press Release Dr. Green Mom, LLC Letter Monkeypoxtreatment.com Letter Noble Elements LLC Letter Old Tiles Wallpaper LLC Letter Organic Heirloom Plants Letter
• Also on January 31, the FDA announced the issuance of Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) in response to an outbreak of mpox. Notice
• Also on January 31, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report finding that state and local immunization programs distributing COVID-19 vaccines faced numerous challenges, including: (1) achieving logistical efficiency; (2) obtaining complete vaccine data from providers; (3) combating vaccine hesitancy with public health messaging; and (4) overseeing vaccine providers. Report in Brief Report
• Also on January 31, HHS OIG released a report finding that many state and local immunization programs reported having incomplete individual-level data for COVID-19 vaccine doses administered by federal agencies and retail pharmacies that receive vaccines from the CDC. Report in Brief Report
• On February 1, GAO published a report outlining technologies, challenges, and policy options to support investigations of pandemic origins. Report in Brief Report
• Also on February 1, CMS released a resource, “Physicians and Other Clinicians: CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19.” Resource
• Also on February 1, GAO published a report finding that widespread fraud, improper payments, and accountability deficiencies in COVID-19 relief programs will continue to grow as cases take time to develop. Report in Brief Report
• Also on February 1, GAO published a report on pandemic origins, examining technologies and challenges for biological investigations. GAO identified five policy options to address challenges for biological investigations, such as expanding the pandemic origin investigator workforce. Report in Brief Report
• Also on February 1, FDA revised the Letters of Authorization (LOA) for two EUAs, Paxlovid and Lagevrio, to remove the requirement for positive test results to prescribe these products. Paxlovid LOA Lagevrio LOA
• On February 2, GAO published a report on public health preparedness, recommending that HHS incorporate into the development of its new program model an approach to assess, and respond to, known challenges and risks associated with advanced development and manufacturing of medical countermeasures. Report in Brief Report
• Also on February 2, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Griffith (R-VA), and Subcommittee on Health Chair Guthrie (R-KY) launched the committee’s investigation into the origins of COVID-19. The Members sent letters to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and EcoHealth Alliance for information and documents as well as formally noticing a preservation of documents related to research done at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Press Release NIH Letter EcoHealth Alliance Letter
• On February 3, CDC released a report finding that bivalent mRNA booster dose provided additional protection against symptomatic XBB/XBB.1.5 infection for at least the first three months after vaccination in persons who had previously received two to four monovalent vaccine doses. Report in Brief Report
• Also on February 3, CDC released a report finding that efforts are needed to increase COVID-19 primary series and periodic booster dose coverage among older adults as recommended by World Health Organization and national health authorities. Report in Brief Report

• On January 31, GAO published the second report in a series of four on cybersecurity. This report focused on improving the implementation of government-wide cybersecurity initiatives, addressing weaknesses in federal agency information security programs, and enhancing the federal response to cyber incidents. Report in Brief Report 
• On February 1, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed an enforcement action under its Health Breach Notification Rule against GoodRx Holdings Inc., for failing to notify consumers and others of its unauthorized disclosures of consumers’ personal health information to Facebook, Google, and other companies. The Commission voted to refer the complaint and stipulated final order to the Department of Justice for filing. Complaint Health Breach Notification Rule Concurring Statement Press Release
• On February 3, CDC released a report on the percentage of persons who used telemedicine during the past 12 months by age group. Report
• Also on February 3, CMS launched a new webpage for telehealth content to make it easier for users to find information about how telehealth can be utilized under Medicaid and resources for states and territories as they consider telehealth for the delivery of Medicaid-covered services. Webpage

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –

• On January 31, MACPAC commented on the notice of proposed rulemaking on the confidentiality of substance use disorder (SUD) patient records. The proposed rule implements the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES, P.L. 116-136), which aligns certain 42 CFR Part 2 (Part 2) requirements with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA, P.L. 104-191) rules for protected health information. Comment Letter Press Release
• On February 1, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notified federal agencies of the laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities (IITFs) currently certified to meet the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Urine or Oral Fluid (Mandatory Guidelines). Notice
• Also on February 1, SAMHSA released a blog on the role of alcohol for cancer and heart disease, in honor of Cancer Prevention Month and Heart Health Month. Blog
• Also on February 1, SAMHSA released an improved webpage of FindTreatment.gov. The site serves as a comprehensive resource for persons seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. Website
• On February 2, SAMHSA published a notice for public comment on the proposed project, National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). NSDUH will help to identify the extent of substance use and mental illness among different subgroups, estimate trends over time, and determine the need for treatment services. Comments are due by April 3, 2023. Notice
• Also on February 2, Rep. Trone (D-MD) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Biden urging him to reinstate the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to a Cabinet-level position given the current opioid epidemic facing the country. Press Release Letter

Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices, & Biomedical Research –

• On January 30, the FDA announced the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against LGM Pharma LLC, an importer and distributor of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Press Release
• On January 31, the FDA issued a final rule classifying the software for optical camera-based measurement of pulse rate, heart rate, breathing rate, and/or respiratory rate into class II (special controls). Final Rule
• Also on January 31, the FDA announced an opportunity for public comment on the recordkeeping requirements for the collection of information regarding Type A Medicated Articles. Comments are due by April 3, 2023. Notice
• Also on January 31, HHS released a notice inviting comments on available medical countermeasures in development, with a particular interest in products, technologies, and capabilities that have progressed into or beyond clinical trials, have established large-scale cGMP manufacturing capability, or utilize an approved platform. Comments are due by April 3, 2023. Notice
• Also on January 31, GAO released a report on pediatric cancer studies and the Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity for Children Act (RACE Act), which aims to yield clinically meaningful pediatric study data about the safety, dosing, and preliminary efficacy of certain adult cancer drugs. Report
• On February 1, the FDA approved Jesduvroq tablets (daprodustat) as the first oral treatment for anemia caused by chronic kidney disease for adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least four months. Press Release
• Also on February 1, the FDA published draft guidance on conducting externally controlled clinical trials for new therapies, drug and biological products. Comments are due by May 2, 2023. Notice Draft Guidance
• On February 2, HHS announced the launch of Phase 2 of the LymeX Diagnostics Prize. The goal of the competition is to nurture the development of diagnostics toward FDA review. Press Release
• Also on February 2, the FDA announced the availability of an annual report entitled “Report on the Performance of Drug and Biologics Firms in Conducting Postmarketing Requirements and Commitments.” Notice

Veterans Health and Military Health –

• On January 31, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) OIG released a report evaluating noncompliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requirements for community care referrals for substance abuse residential treatment at the VA North Texas Health Care System. Report in Brief Report
• On February 1, the VA OIG released a report which identified delayed cancer diagnosis and concerns related to care coordination, resident supervision, communication of abnormal results, surrogate provider coverage, and patient safety event reporting. Report in Brief Report
• Also on February 1, the VA OIG released a report on a national review to assess elements of the VHA’s Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery programs. Report in Brief Report
• On February 2, the VA OIG announced that a medical supply company will pay over $9.75 million to settle an illegal kickback scheme. Press Release
• Also on February 2, the VA announced $30 million in grant funding for organizations to help formerly homeless veterans maintain their independence and housing stability. Press Release

Health Systems & Health Care Workforce –

• On February 1, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a notice with proposed changes to Health Center Program-specific forms necessary for award processes and oversight. Comments are due by March 2, 2023. Notice
• On February 2, HHS announced the launch of the new National Early Care and Education Workforce Center which will support research and technical assistance to improve the recruitment and retention of a diverse and qualified workforce across early care and education programs. Press Release
• Also on February 2, the HHS Office for Civil Rights announced a settlement regarding a HIPAA investigation with an Arizona hospital system following a cybersecurity hacking. Press Release
• On February 3, the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division announced the withdrawal of three outdated antitrust policy statements related to enforcement in health care markets from 1993, 1996, and 2011 with the intent of promoting competition and transparency. Press Release

Population Health, Public Health & Health Equity –

• On January 30, Reps. DelBene (D-WA) and Bucshon (R-IN) and Sens. Cardin (D-MD) and Young (R-IN) sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Young urging investments in kidney innovation and research. Press Release Letter
• On January 31, a bipartisan group of 13 Senators sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra urging action to address the youth vaping epidemic and improve the FDA’s tobacco and e-cigarette regulation. Letter Press Release
• Also on January 31, the White House held a meeting with stakeholders to discuss efforts to combat cervical cancer. Press Release
• Also on January 31, FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) Director Brian King published a perspective looking back on the Center’s progress on tobacco regulation in 2022, and a look ahead into 2023. Perspective
• On February 1, HRSA released a notice proposing revisions to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Data Report Recipient and Client Reports. Comments are due by March 2, 2023. Notice
• On February 2, the White House released a fact sheet announcing several new initiatives on the one year anniversary of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative. This includes launching CancerX, a public-private partnership to boost innovation, and awarding $10 million in HRSA grants to support partnerships between community health centers and cancer centers. Fact Sheet
• Also on February 2, HRSA awarded nearly $11 million to 22 HRSA-funded health centers to improve access to life-saving cancer screenings and early detection services for undeserved communities, in coordination with the anniversary of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative. Press Release
• Also on February 2, President Biden announced the appointment of six members to the National Cancer Advisory Board. Press Release
• Also on February 2, HHS released a brief entitled “Snapshot: How HHS is Building a Healthier America,” which highlights work in 2022 related to the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing health care costs, expanding access to care, strengthening behavioral health care, and reducing health disparities. Press Release Snapshot

Reproductive & Maternal Health  –

• On January 30, HHS and the Departments of Labor and Treasury issued a proposed rule to strengthen access to birth control coverage under the ACA. Press Release Fact Sheet Proposed Rule
• On January 31, the White House released a statement in support of Minnesota being the first state legislature to codify the right to abortion into law in 2023. Press Release
• Also on January 31, the HRSA Panel on Treatment of HIV in Pregnancy and Prevention of Perinatal Transmission updated its recommendations for the use of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and interventions to reduce perinatal transmission. Recommendations
• On February 1, Missouri Attorney General Bailey led a coalition of 20 state attorneys general to CVS and Walgreens, informing them that their announced plan to use the mail to distribute abortion pills is both unsafe and illegal. Press Release Letter to Walgreens Letter to CVS
• On February 2, Sens. Durbin (D-IL) and Duckworth (D-IL) sent a letter to Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid requesting information about how the pharmacies plan to safely offer mifepristone. Letter Press Release
• Also on February 2, Sens. Hirono (D-HI), Hassan (D-NH), and Warren (D-MA) led five other Senators in a letter to drug manufacturer Danco Laboratories, requesting them to submit an application to the FDA to add miscarriage management to mifepristone’s medication label. Press Release Letter
• On February 3, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chair Bost (R-IL) and Rep. Miller-Meeks (R-IA) sent a letter to VA Secretary McDonough expressing concern over the VA’s decision to begin offering abortion services to veterans. Press Release Letter

Misc. –

• On January 30, Senate Majority Whip Durbin (D-IL) and Rep. DeLauro (D-CT) sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Califf urging him to make reforms within FDA’s Human Foods Program. Press Release Letter
• On January 31, the FDA announced a proposed redesign of the Human Foods Program to enhance coordinated prevention and response activities. Press Release

Legislative Activity –

Votes and Committee Activity –

• On January 30, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chair Bost (R-IL) announced the committee’s five Subcommittee chairs for the 118th Congress. Press release
• On January 31, the House passed the Pandemic is Over Act (H.R. 382) by a vote of 220-210. The bill would terminate the public health emergency declared with respect to COVID-19. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Bill text Press release House Energy & Commerce Chair remarks House Energy & Commerce Ranking Member remarks
• Also on January 31, the House passed the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act (H.R. 497) by a vote of 227-203. The bill would eliminate the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on health care providers furnishing items and services under certain Federal health care programs. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Bill text Press release House Energy & Commerce Chair remarks House Energy & Commerce Ranking Member remarks
• Also on January 31, House Ways & Means Committee Chair Smith (R-MO) announced the full committee membership for the 118th Congress. Press release
• On February 1, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Crapo (R-ID) announced new Republican Members to the Committee for the 118th Congress: Sens. Johnson (R-WI), Tillis (R-NC) and Blackburn (R-TN). Press release
• Also on February 1, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Takano (D-CA) announced the Vice Ranking Member, Rep. Deluzio (D-PA), and subcommittee assignments for the 118th Congress. Press release
• Also on February 1, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chair Comer (R-KY) announced the subcommittee chairs and committee membership for the 118th Congress. Rep. McClain (R-MI) was named as Chair of the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services. Press release
• On February 2, Sen. Cassidy (R-LA) was officially named as the Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee. Press release
• On February 3, Sen. Paul (R-KY) was officially named the Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Press release

Introduced Legislation –

• On January 30, Reps. Walberg (R-MI) and Courtney (D-CT) introduced the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act (H.R. 618), which would cover, for purposes of workers’ compensation, services by physician assistants and nurse practitioners provided to injured Federal workers. Sens. Brown (D-OH) and Collins (R-ME) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 131). Press release
• Also on January 30, Reps. Tonko (D-NY), Smith (R-NJ), and Waters (D-CA) introduced the National Alzheimer’s Project Act Reauthorization Act (H.R. 619), which would extend the National Alzheimer’s Project. Sen. Collins (R-ME) and seven bipartisan cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 133). Press release
• Also on January 30, Reps. Smith (R-NJ), Tonko (D-NY), and Waters (D-CA) introduced the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (H.R. 620), which would require an annual budget estimate for the initiatives of the National Institutes of Health pursuant to reports and recommendations made under the National Alzheimer’s Project Act. Sen. Collins (R-ME) and seven bipartisan cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 134). Press release
• Also on January 30, Reps. Green (R-TN) and Brecheen (R-OK) introduced the Medicaid Improvement and State Flexibility Act (H.R. 629), which would provide for State approval and implementation of specified waivers under the Medicaid program. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 30, Rep. Norman (R-SC) and 29 cosponsors introduced the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023 (H.R. 632), which would improve the reporting of abortion data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Press release
• Also on January 30, Sens. Thune (R-SD), Lujan (D-NM), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Fischer (R-NE) introduced the Rural Internet Improvement Act (S. 130), which would reauthorize and improve the ReConnect loan and grant program. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 30, Sens. Moran (R-KS), Tester (D-MT), and Hassan (D-NH) introduced the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (S. 141), which would improve certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs for home and community based services for veterans. Press release
• Also on January 30, Sen. Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Cap Insulin Prices Act (S. 146), which would reduce the price of insulin for patients. Bill text Press release
• On January 31, Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and nine cosponsors introduced the Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act (H.R. 645), which would permanently authorize the use of certain funds to improve flexibility in the provision of assistance to homeless veterans. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Reps. Molinaro (R-NY) and Sherrill (D-NJ) introduced the Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act (H.R. 670), which would establish a clearinghouse on intellectual disabilities. Press release
• Also on January 31, Reps. Moore (D-WI) and Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced the Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act (H.R. 671), which would make various reforms to Social Security. Press release
• Also on January 31, Rep. Womack (R-AR) introduced the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Absence and Notification Timeline (VACANT) Act (H.R. 693), which would limit the detailing of directors of medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs to different positions within the Department. Sen. Boozman (R-AR) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 55) on January 24. Press release
• Also on January 31, Sen. Cruz (R-TX) introduced the GIVE LIFE Act (S. 164), which would prohibit the consideration of COVID-19 vaccination status in determining eligibility for organ donation or transplantation, and in providing services to Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Sen. Cruz (R-TX) and seven cosponsors introduced the Let Them Learn Act (S. 165), which would prohibit the use of Federal and local funds to impose or enforce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in District of Columbia schools, and repeal the Coronavirus Immunization of School Students and Early Childhood Workers Regulation Amendment Act of 2021 enacted by the District of Columbia Council. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Sen. Cotton (R-AR) and nine cosponsors introduced the Helping with Equal Access to Leave and Investing in Needs for Grieving (HEALING) for Mothers and Fathers Act (S. 166), which would provide leave for the spontaneous loss of an unborn child. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Sen. Cruz (R-TX) introduced the No Vaccine Mandates Act (S. 167), which would prohibit vaccination mandates for COVID-19. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Sen. Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Parental Rights Protection Act (S. 169), which would prohibit certain COVID-19 vaccination mandates for minors, and require parental consent for COVID-19 vaccination of minors. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Sen. Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Ending Discrimination in COVID-19 Treatments Act (S. 171), which would prohibit the consideration of patients’ race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, vaccination status, veteran status, or political ideology or speech in determining eligibility for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines distributed by the Federal Government. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Sen. Cruz (R-TX) introduced the No Mask Mandates Act (S. 172), which would terminate any existing mask mandates imposed by the Federal Government, prevent the implementation of new mask mandates, and preserve individual liberty. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Sen. Cruz (R-TX) introduced the No Vaccine Passports Act (S. 181), which would protect individual liberty, ensure privacy, and prohibit discrimination with respect to the vaccination status of individuals. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Reps. McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Smith (R-MO), Wenstrup (R-OH), and Burgess (R-TX) introduced the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act (H.R. 485) which would ban the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) in all federal programs. Press release
• Also on January 31, Sens. Rubio (R-FL) and Daines (R-MT) introduced the No Tax Breaks for Radical Corporate Activism Act (S. 187), which would deny trade or business expense deduction for the reimbursement of employee costs of child gender transition procedure or travel to obtain an abortion. Bill text Press release
• Also on January 31, Sen. Rubio (R-FL) and ten cosponsors introduced the Prohibiting Federal Emergencies for Abortion Act (S. 196), which would prohibit the declaration of a Federal emergency relating to abortion. Bill text Press release
• On February 1, Rep. Underwood (D-IL) and 57 cosponsors introduced the Job Protection Act (H.R. 694), which would expand employees eligible for leave and employers subject to leave requirements. Sen. Smith (D-MN) and seven cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 210). Press release One pager
• Also on February 1, Reps. Brown (D-OH), Kaptur (D-OH), Hayes (D-CT), and Bishop (D-GA) introduced the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Access for Medically Vulnerable Children Act (H.R. 706), which would allow households with children with chronic medical conditions to deduct allowable medical expenses incurred by such household member that exceeds $35 per month. Press release
• Also on February 1, Rep. Castor (D-FL) introduced the Throw Away Junk Plans Act (H.R. 711), which would eliminate the short-term limited duration insurance exemption with respect to individual health insurance coverage. Press release
• Also on February 1, Rep. Pocan (D-WI) and 19 cosponsors introduced the Save Medicare Act (H.R. 732), which would rename the program under part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 1, Rep. Sherrill (D-NJ) and 12 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act (H.R. 733), which would improve mental health care for veterans through the establishment of a minimum requirement for the number of Vet Centers per State. Press release
• Also on February 1, Sens. Barrasso (R-WY), Bennet (D-CO), Blackburn (R-TN), and Smith (D-MN) introduced the Rural Health Clinic Burden Reduction Act (S. 198), which would modernize provisions relating to rural health clinics under Medicare. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 1, Sen. Thune (R-SD) and 10 cosponsors introduced the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (S. 204), which would prohibit a health care practitioner from failing to exercise the proper degree of care in the case of a child who survives an abortion or attempted abortion. The House passed the companion legislation (H.R. 26) on January 11, by a vote of 220-210. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 1, Sens. Scott (R-FL), Braun (R-IN), Hassan (D-NH), Feinstein (D-CA), and Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Eradicating Narcotic Drugs and Formulating Effective New Tools to Address National Yearly Losses of Life (END FENTANYL) Act (S. 206), which would require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to regularly review and update policies and manuals related to inspections at ports of entry. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 1, Sen. Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Keep Our Promises Act (S. 213), which would issue obligations to make Medicare and Social Security payments, despite the debt limit being reached. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 1, Sen. Moran (R-KS) introduced the Reinforcing Enhanced Support through Promoting Equity for Caregivers Today (RESPECT) Act (S. 216), which would modify the family caregiver program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include services related to mental health and neurological disorders. Press release
• Also on February 1, Sens. Grassley (R-IA) and Coons (D-DE) introduced legislation (S. 223), which would amend the Controlled Substances Act to fix a technical error in the definitions. Bill text
• On February 2, Reps. Bonamici (D-OR), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Wild (D-PA) introduced the Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act (H.R. 744), which would address behavioral health and well-being among education professionals and other school staff. Bill text Press release One pager
• Also on February 2, Reps. Owen (R-UT) and Edwards (R-NC) introduced the Raising Expectations with Child Opportunity Vouchers for Educational Recovery (RECOVER) Act (H.R. 745), which would allow the use of unspent educational funds under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to address pandemic learning loss through Child Opportunity Scholarships. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 2, Reps. Harshbarger (R-TN), Pingree (D-ME), Graves (R-MO), and Golden (D-ME) introduced the Fair Access in Residency (FAIR) Act (H.R. 751), which would require as a condition of satisfying the definition of an approved medical residency training program for purposes of payments under Medicare for costs related to graduate medical education for hospitals operating such a program to submit information to encourage more equitable treatment of osteopathic and allopathic candidates in the residency application and review process. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 2, Rep. Fletcher (D-TX) and 155 cosponsors introduced the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act (H.R. 782), which would prohibit the interference, under color of State law, with the provision of interstate abortion services. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 2, Rep. Bush (D-MO) and seven cosponsors introduced the Protecting Access to Medication Abortion Act (H.R. 767), which would preserve access to abortion medications. Sen. Smith (D-MN) and nine cosponsors introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 237). Press release One pager
• Also on February 2, Reps. Dean (D-PA) and Garcia (D-TX) introduced the Homelessness and Behavioral Health Care Coordination Act (H.R. 773), which would help persons in the United States experiencing homelessness and significant behavioral health issues, including substance use disorders, by authorizing a grant program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist State and local governments, Continuums of Care, community-based organizations that administer both health and homelessness services, and providers of services to people experiencing homelessness, better coordinate health care and homelessness services.  Press release
• Also on February 2, Rep. Hayes (D-CT) and nine cosponsors introduced the Caring for All Families Act (H.R. 789), which would permit leave to care for a domestic partner, parent-in-law, or adult child, or another related individual, who has a serious health condition, and allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement and family wellness leave to participate in or attend their children’s and grandchildren’s educational and extracurricular activities or meet family care needs. Sen. Durbin (D-IL) and seven cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 242). Press release
• Also on February 2, Rep. Johnson (R-LA) and 16 cosponsors introduced the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (H.R. 792), which would prohibit taking minors across State lines in circumvention of laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 2, Rep. Joyce (R-OH) and seven bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act (H.R. 795), which would authorize the use of grant amounts for providing training and resources for first responders on the use of containment devices to prevent secondary exposure to fentanyl and other potentially lethal substances, and purchasing such containment devices for use by first responders. Sens. Brown (R-OH) and Grassley (R-IA) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 261). Press release
• Also on February 2, Reps. Lesko (R-AZ) and Miller-Meeks (R-IA) introduced the Securing the Border for Public Health (H.R. 801), which would provide for suspension of entries and imports from designated countries to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and import into the United States of certain controlled substances. Press release
• Also on February 2, Rep. Moolenaar (R-MI) and nine bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act (H.R. 808), which would improve the assignment of patient advocates at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Press release
• Also on February 2, Reps. Pocan (D-WI), Doggett (D-TX), and Frost (D-FL) introduced the Protect Social Security and Medicare Act (H.R. 814), which would protect benefits provided under Social Security, Medicare, and any other program of benefits administered by the Social Security Administration or CMS. Press release
• Also on February 2, Reps. McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Bergman (R-MI), and Pappas (D-NH) introduced the Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency (RELIEVE) Act (H.R. 815), which would make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program. Press release
• Also on February 2, Reps. Stewart (R-UT) and Bonamici (D-OR) introduced the Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act (H.R. 822), which would award grants to eligible entities to establish or maintain a student mental health and safety helpline. Press release
• Also on February 2, Reps. Walberg (R-MI), DelBene (D-WA), Craig (D-MN), Estes (R-KS), Sherrill (D-NJ), and Allen (R-GA) introduced the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act (H.R. 824), which would treat benefits for telehealth services offered under a group health plan or group health insurance coverage as excepted benefits. Bill text Press release