Health Care Policy Update – Weekly Wrap-up and What’s Ahead – March 6, 2023

What’s Ahead: This Week

Hearings and Markups –

• Wednesday, March 8
  • House Appropriations Committee, “Budget Hearing – Fiscal Year 2024 Request for the Congressional Budget Office.” Additional information
  • House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, “Investigating the Origins of COVID-19.” Additional information
• Thursday, March 9
  • Senate Special Committee on Aging, “Uplifting Families, Workers, and Older Adults: Supporting Communities of Care.” Additional information

Notable Policy Events –

• Monday, March 6
  • Center for Health Care Strategies, “Sustaining Statewide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Programs.” Additional information
• Tuesday, March 7 to Friday, March 10
  • HIPAA Summit, “The Virtual Fortieth HIPAA Summit.” Additional information
• Tuesday, March 7 to Wednesday, March 8
  • CMS, “ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee Meeting.” Additional information
• Tuesday, March 7
  • CMS, “The Path Forward: Improving Data to Advance Health Equity Solutions Webinar.” Additional information
  • Hospital at Home Users Groups, “What’s Needed Next? Hospital at Home During the Extended Waiver and Beyond.” Additional information
  • Stat News, “The Politics of Health Care.” Additional information
•  Wednesday, March 8
  • CMS, “From Data to Action: How CMS and its Stakeholders Are Addressing Inequities in Healthcare.” Additional information
  • Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS), “1915(i) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) State Plan Option: Requirements for Needs-Based Criteria and State Option to Target Benefit.” Additional information
  • Health Affairs, “Briefing: Public Health During COVID-19.” Additional information
  • Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), “Interoperability Standards Workgroup.” Additional information
  • University of Michigan Center for Value-Based Insurance Design, “Virtual V-BID Summit 2023: Accelerating Health Equity.” Additional information
• Thursday, March 9
  • Harvard Law School, “Achieving Telehealth’s Potential: The Federal Policy Landscape for Interstate Telehealth Practices,” featuring Sirona Strategies’ Krista Drobac. Additional information
  • American Medical Association, “Recovery Plan Webinar on Addressing Physician Burnout.” Additional information
  • New England Journal of Medicine, “Social Needs and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): Impact on Patients & Communities.” Additional information
  • ONC, “Health IT Advisory Committee (HITAC).” Additional information
  • The Hill, “Prescription for Change: Improving Competition to Lower Drug Prices.” Additional information
• Friday, March 10
  • CATO Institute, “Overdose Prevention Centers: The Next Logical Step in Harm Reduction.” Additional information

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

Medicare & Medicaid –

• On February 27, CMS released a fact sheet on the impact of the end of the public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatments; telehealth services; continuing flexibilities for health care professionals; and inpatient hospital care at home. Fact Sheet
• On February 28, CMS released a notice on the revision of the Applicable Integrated Plan Coverage Decision Letter, which is required for the unified grievance and appeals processes for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). Comments are due May 1, 2023.  Notice 
• Also on February 28, CMS released the latest enrollment figures for Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. As of November 2022, 65,372,781 people are enrolled in Medicare and 91,786,257 people are enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. Enrollment Figures 
• On March 1, CMS released a blog post highlighting the annual update to the Drug Spending Dashboards with data for 2021, including Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D and Medicaid programs. Blog Post
• Also on March 1, Sen. Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure and National Association of Insurance Commissioners CEO Michael Consedine, notifying them of a report which found that, in 2021, over six million seniors purchased their Medigap plans from companies that offer agents special, secretive rewards for steering customers to targeted plans. Press Release Report Letter to CMS
• Also on March 1, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report which found that, over five years, Medicare paid $704.2 million for definitive drug testing services that were at risk for noncompliance with Medicare requirements. Report in Brief Report
• On March 2, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) released a notice requesting approval to collect data for the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) programs, which recruit and train staff and volunteers to help prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Comments are due by April 1, 2023. Notice
• Also on March 2, HHS OIG released a report which found that adjustment codes are not a definitive method for identifying denied claims in the Medicare Advantage encounter data and recommends CMS require Medicare Advantage Organizations to definitively indicate on encounter data records when they have denied payment for a service on a claim. Report in Brief Report
• Also on March 2, HHS OIG released a report which found that plan sponsors and CMS did not ensure that all transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF) drugs were dispensed in accordance with Medicare requirements. Report in Brief Report
• Also on March 2, CMS posted the anticipated state timelines for initiating unwinding-related renewals for Medicaid, which details the expected first month for each state or territory’s unwinding-related renewals and the anticipated effective date for the first procedural terminations. Timeline
• Also on March 2, CMS announced that, starting in April, Medicare will expand its coverage of continuous glucose monitors to include a broader group of patients. Coverage Determination
• On March 3, CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure and CMS leadership met with senior leadership of health insurance plans and associations to discuss access to and delivery of care, including unwinding of the Medicaid and CHIP continuous enrollment requirement and the impact of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage. Press Release

Marketplaces & Health Coverage –

• On February 28, the White House released a fact sheet stating that the Congressional Republican agenda to balance the budget threatens to repeal ACA provisions and make cuts to Medicaid, which would have implications for health care costs and coverage. Fact Sheet
• Also on February 28, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Rodgers (R-WA) and Reps. Guthrie (R-KY) and Griffith (R-VA) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra raising concerns regarding guidelines for Marketplace plans in the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2024 proposed rule. Press Release Letter
• On March 2, HHS released a report which examines children’s health coverage trends using the National Health Interview Survey from 2010 through the third quarter of 2022 and reviews recent research findings from the National Survey of Children’s Health on children’s access to and utilization of health care services during this period, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Report

Payment & Delivery System Models – 

• On March 3, CMS released the March 2023 Interim Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program. Reports
• Also on March 3, CMS released the fourth annual report of the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced (BPCI Advanced) model. Report Report Appendices BPCI Landing Page

Public Health Preparedness, Prevention, Surveillance, & Data – 

• COVID-19 Data: To date, there are 103,499,382 total COVID-19 cases and 1,117,856 COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Also, 965,128,255 COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered and 672,076,105 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 299 molecular tests, 84 antibody tests and 60 antigen tests. FDA also continues to update COVID-19 FAQs.
• On February 26, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair McCaul (R-TX) released a statement in response to the Department of Energy (DOE) classified intelligence report that concluded the COVID-19 pandemic was most likely caused by a lab leak in China. Press Release
• On February 27, CDC released the expanded version of its April 2020 report on Guidance for Certifying Deaths Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019. Report
• Also on February 27, House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chair Wenstrup (R-OH) and House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chair Comer (R-KY) called on the Department of Energy, the Department of State, and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to provide information necessary to the Committees’ investigation into COVID origins. Press Release Letter to Department of Energy Letter to Department of State Letter to FBI
• On February 28, Reps. Hudson (R-NC) and Eshoo (D-CA) released a Request for Information (RFI) in preparation of the upcoming Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) reauthorization. Comments are due September 30, 2023. RFI Press Release
• Also on February 28, FDA advisers voted seven to four, with one abstention, that data from Pfizer showed its bivalent RSV vaccine is safe and effective. Briefing Document Presentation
• Also on February 28, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on COVID-19 relief funding and spending as of January 31, 2023. Report
• On March 1, an FDA panel discussed GKS’ monovalent RSV candidate. The panel voted 10 to two that the vaccine was effective at preventing lower-respiratory infections against RSV. Briefing Document Presentation
• Also on March 1, FDA officials published a report in the New England Journal of Medicine, which counters vaccine expert Paul Offit’s contention that updated COVID-19 booster shots are best reserved for older adults and those with conditions that put them at high risk for serious illness rather than for young, healthy people. Report
• On March 3, CDC issued a final rule, which requires regulated entities to obtain prior approval from CDC to conduct deliberate manipulation of SARS-CoV-2 to incorporate nucleic acids coding for SARS-CoV virulence factors due to its potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety. Final Rule
• Also on March 3, CDC released a report on the interim clinical treatment considerations for severe manifestations of mpox. Until data from controlled studies are available, these interim clinical considerations facilitate strategic decision-making about the use of medical countermeasures (MCMs) to manage specific severe manifestations of mpox. Report
• Also on March 3, CDC released a report which found possible undetected mpox among persons experiencing homelessness during the 2022 mpox outbreak. The report findings highlight the need for tailored outreach strategies that ensure interventions such as prevention messaging and vaccination reach persons experiencing homelessness. Report

Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –

• On February 27, Vice President Harris visited South Carolina to highlight the impact of the investments made in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand “Internet for All.” Vice President Harris also announced over $175 million for Minority Serving institutions to connect more young Americans with affordable, high-speed internet. Fact Sheet
• Also on February 27, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced the formation of a new Enforcement Division, Policy Division, and Strategic Planning Division as part of its reorganization efforts. HHS OCR also announced it will rename the Health Information Privacy Division (HIP) to the Health Information Privacy, Data, and Cybersecurity Division (HIPDC) to be more reflective of its work and role in cybersecurity. Press Release Notice
• Also on February 27, ONC published a blog on two proposed rules put out by CMS in December 2022 that seek to advance electronic health information exchange and streamline health care processes by establishing standardized requirements across the industry. Blog
• On March 1, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register to expand the circumstances under which individual practitioners are authorized to prescribe schedule III-V narcotic drugs or combinations of such drugs via a telemedicine encounter, including an audio-only telemedicine encounter. Comments are due March 31, 2023. NPRM
• Also on March 1, the DEA published a NPRM in the Federal Register to update the seven “practice of telemedicine” exceptions, included in the Ryan Haight Act, to allow for telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances despite the practitioner never having examined the patient in person. Comments are due March 31, 2023. NPRM
• Also on March 1, Sen. Warner (D-VA) released a statement on the DEA proposed rules on the use of telemedicine to prescribe controlled substances, expressing disappointment that the proposed rules neglect to set up a special registration for telehealth. Statement 
• On March 2, ONC published a blog on a system being developed at University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School to manage patients’ access, consent, and navigation using a mobile digital platform and non-proprietary standards for implementation with a person-centric design approach. Blog
• Also on March 2, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a proposed order banning online counseling service BetterHelp, Inc. from sharing consumers’ sensitive health data for advertising. The proposed order requires the company to pay $7.8 million to consumers to settle charges that it revealed consumers’ sensitive data with third parties such as Facebook and Snapchat. The FTC also published a blog on its decision. Press Release Blog 
• Also on March 2, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announced an information collection project, “The AHRQ Safety Program for Telemedicine: Improving the Diagnostic Process and Improving Antibiotic Use.” Comments are due April 3, 2023. Notice 
• Also on March 2, the Biden Administration released the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which outlines fundamental shifts in the digital ecosystem. Notably, the plan highlights privacy and the security of personal data. Strategy Fact Sheet
• On March 3, CDC released data on the percentage of adults who used telemedicine by sex and health insurance coverage in 2021. Data
• Also on March 3, Reps. Manning (D-NC), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Matsui (D-CA) led a bipartisan group of 28 Members of Congress in a letter urging the Department of Labor to issue guidance to support insurers and facilitate health plans that maintain access to telehealth appointments for mental health and substance use disorder, in compliance with federal parity law. Letter Press Release

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –

• On February 27, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a fact sheet on the impact of climate change and hot weather on people who use medication to manage mental health and other health conditions. Fact Sheet
• Also on February 27, SAMHSA released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Center for Excellence. The program aims to provide training, recruit, and prepare students for obtaining advanced degrees in the behavioral health field to address mental and substance use disorders. Grant applications are due April 28, 2023. NOFO
• Also on February 27, SAMHSA released a NOFO for Project Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE). The program aims to develop a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health programs and services. Grant applications are due April 28, 2023. NOFO
• On February 28, SAMHSA announced a NOFO for the Transforming Lives Through Supported Employment Program. The program aims to support state and community efforts to refine, implement, and sustain evidence-based supported employment programs and mutually compatible and supportive evidence-based practices (e.g., supported education) for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) or co-occurring mental and substance use disorders (COD). NOFO
• On March 1, CDC released data on emergency department visits related to mental health disorders among adults, by race and Hispanic ethnicity from 2018 and 2020. Report
• Also on March 1, SAMHSA released a report which discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral health, specifically the psychiatric symptoms associated with Long COVID, potential long-term implications, and suggestions for future directions for recovery. Report
• Also on March 1, SAMHSA released the current list of HHS-certified laboratories and instrumented initial testing facilities which meet minimum standards to engage in urine and oral fluid drug testing for federal agencies. Notice
• Also on March 1, Rep. Green (R-TN) sent a letter to CDC Director Walensky demanding updated data on drug overdose deaths. Letter Press Release
• On March 2, SAMHSA released a NOFO for rural emergency medical services training. The program aims to recruit and train EMS personnel in rural areas with a particular focus on addressing substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders (COD) substance use and mental disorders. Applications are due by May 1, 2023. NOFO
• Also on March 2, SAMHSA released a NOFO for mental health awareness training. The program aims to train individuals to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental disorders and how to safely de-escalate crisis situations involving individuals with a mental illness, and provide education on resources available in the community for such individuals. Applications are due by May 1, 2023. NOFO
• On March 3, Sen. Markey (D-MA) and 13 bipartisan, bicameral Members of Congress sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and Assistant Secretary for SAMHSA Delphin-Rittmon, expressing support for regulations that would expand access to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) medication treatment, including methadone. Press Release Letter

Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices, & Biomedical Research –

• On February 27, the FDA issued a Letter to Health Care Providers to inform health care providers about the potential risk of early structural valve deterioration (SVD) with Abbott Trifecta valves. Letter
• On February 28, the FDA announced actions to restrict the entry of xylazine active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage form drug products into the country. The chemical xylazine has been found in illicit drugs and has been increasingly detected in overdose deaths. Press Release Actions
• On March 1, the FDA announced the publication of a discussion paper that provides information for stakeholders and solicits public comments on a specific area of emerging and advanced manufacturing technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), for the pharmaceutical industry. Notice Discussion Paper
• Also on March 1, President Biden, Senate Special Committee on Aging Chair Casey (D-PA), and HHS Secretary Becerra released statements on the decision by Eli Lilly to cap what patients pay out of pocket for insulin products at $35. President Biden Statement Sen. Casey Statement HHS Secretary Becerra Statement
• Also on March 1, the FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs (OGD) in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research published a blog on its work to evaluate generic drugs, which helps ensure high-quality, affordable drugs are available to the public. Blog
• Also on March 1, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chair Comer (R-KY) launched an investigation into pharmacy benefit managers’ (PBM) tactics that are harming patient care and increasing costs for consumers. Press Release
• On March 2, the Biden Administration published information on how many adults are living with diabetes in each state, highlighting the cumulative number of adults that could experience lower insulin costs from the Inflation Reduction Act’s insulin cost cap for seniors, and industry’s follow-on actions. Fact Sheet
• Also on March 2, the FDA published a blog on its collaboration with the FTC to support the appropriate adoption of biosimilars, address false or misleading statements about these medications, and deter anti-competitive behaviors in the biological product marketplace. Blog
• Also on March 2, the FDA released draft guidance to provide recommendations to sponsors that assist in the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and other therapeutic proteins that directly target viral proteins or host cell proteins mediating pathogenic mechanisms of infection. Press Release Notice Draft Guidance

Veterans Health and Military Health –

• On February 27, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) OIG released a report on concerns related to the Patient Safety Program at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and programmatic oversight provided by facility leaders. In their report, the VA OIG substantiated these concerns. Report in Brief Report
• On March 1, the VA announced an increase in the maximum amount of life insurance coverage available to Veterans and service members from $400,000 to $500,000 for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Press Release
• On March 2, the VA announced the availability of $52.5 million in grants to community-based organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for Veterans and their families. Press Release
• Also on March 2, Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Chair Tester (D-MT) was awarded the 2023 Veterans’ Champion Award by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Press Release
• Also on March 2, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published a cost estimate for the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023 (S. 326) that would require the VA to conduct research on the use of medical cannabis to treat veterans with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBO estimated that satisfying the reporting requirements would cost less than $500,000 over the 2023-2028 period. Cost Estimate
• On March 3, the VA announced it has relaxed the masking requirement at VA medical facilities. This update ensures the safety of Veterans while accommodating individual masking preferences and aligning with CDC guidelines. Press Release

Population Health, Public Health & Health Equity –

• On February 27, the White House released a fact sheet on the Administration’s efforts to advance equity and opportunity for Black Americans and communities. Fact Sheet
• Also on February 27, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that a NIH-funded clinical trial found that eliminating animal milk alone from the diet of adults with eosinophilic esophagitis is as effective at treating the disease as eliminating animal milk plus five other common foods. Press Release
• Also on February 27, CDC released a study which found that modern coal miners have higher death rates from lung diseases than their predecessors. Press Release
• Also on February 27, HHS and the Department of Labor announced new efforts to combat exploitive child labor, including an inter-agency task force and a national strategic enforcement initiative. Press Release
• Also on February 27, the GAO released a report on the health care reentry policies of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), including policies and procedures to facilitate inmates’ enrollment in Medicaid or other health coverage and continuity of care upon release. Report 
• On February 28, President Biden issued a proclamation on National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, March 2023. Proclamation 
• Also on February 28, Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member Cassidy (R-LA) and Sens. Marshall (R-KS), Collins (R-ME), Braun (R-IN), and Budd (R-NC) sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Califf requesting clarity on the purpose and structure of the FDA’s newly-formed Human Foods Program. Press Release Letter
• Also on February 28, Reps. Cárdenas (D-CA) and Hayes (D-CT) led an introduction of a House Resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. Press Release
• On March 1, Senate Finance Committee Republicans sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure expressing concern regarding the use of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in federal health care programs. Letter Press Release
• On March 3, HHS OIG released a report which found that state agencies did not always ensure that children missing from foster care were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as required by Federal statute. Report in Brief Report
• Also on March 3, CDC released a notice inviting comment on the proposed data collection of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) asthma call-back survey (ACBS). Notice

Health Systems & Health Care Workforce –

• On February 28, Rep. Burgess (R-TX) wrote an op-ed in The Hill, “A prescription to reform our health care system,” calling for the repeal of the ACA’s Stark Law, which bans physician-owned hospitals. Op-Ed
• On March 1, Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member Cassidy (R-LA) requested that GAO provide updated information on the Community Health Center Fund (CHCF), including revenue streams and federal funding for community health centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Press Release
• On March 2, Senate HELP Committee Chair Sanders (D-VT) and Ranking Member Cassidy (R-LA) issued a request for information to health care stakeholders requesting information on the root causes of the current health care workforce shortage and potential ways to address it. Responses are due by March 20, 2023. Press Release RFI
• Also on March 2, the GAO released a report, submitted as testimony before the Senate HELP Committee, on the trends in revenue and grants supported by the Community Health Center Program. Report in Brief Report
• On March 3, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a notice seeking nominations of qualified candidates to consider for appointment as members of the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry. Nominations are due by April 30, 2023. Notice

Reproductive, Maternal, & Infant Health  –

• On March 1, HRSA released a notice requesting reinstatement of the Biographical Sketch Form for use with applications to the Maternal and Child Health Bureau Research Grants (Biographical Sketch) for HRSA’s SF424 Research and Related (R&R) application package. Notice
• Also on March 1, HRSA released a notice which requests an extension of approval and revision to the burden estimates for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program Home Visiting Budget Assistance Tool (HV-BAT). The tool collects information on standardized cost metrics from programs that deliver home visiting services. Notice
• On March 3, CDC released a report on potential infections caused by Cronobacter sakazakii linked to powdered infant formula and breast pump equipment. Report

Misc. –

• On February 27, CBO released a presentation that provides an overview of CBO’s most recent budget and economic projections, which were published on February 15, 2023. The presentation also discusses health care, energy, and telecommunications in the federal budget. Press Release Presentation
• On February 28, FDA announced it has begun a national search for a new Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods and provided an update on last month’s proposed restructuring of the agency’s Human Foods Program and Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) to enhance coordination, prevention and response activities. Press Release
• On March 1, the National Intelligence Council released an updated assessment of anomalous health incidents. Assessment
• On March 2, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Rodgers (R-WA) and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Griffith (R-VA), along with the chairs of the subcommittees of jurisdiction, wrote letters to HHS, Department of Energy (DOE), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), requesting a full accounting of how they have spent taxpayer dollars. Press Release
• On March 3, Congressional Democrats released a report on the impact of proposed Republican tax cuts. Report

Legislative Activity –

Votes and Committee Activity –

• On March 1, the Senate passed the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 (S. 619) without amendment by unanimous consent. The bill would require the Director of National Intelligence to declassify information relating to the origin of COVID-19. The bill now heads to the House for consideration. Bill text Press release
• On March 2, the Senate passed the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2023 (S. 645) by voice vote. The bill would propose a program for making treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder available to public safety officers. The bill now heads to the House for consideration. Bill text Press release

Introduced Legislation –

• On February 27, Rep. Gosar (R-AZ) introduced the Death Penalty for Dealing Fentanyl Act (H.R. 1212), which would provide for punishment for the knowing distribution of fentanyl, if death results. Press release
• Also on February 27, Rep. Trahan (D-MA) and nine cosponsors introduced the Informing New Factors and Options (INFO) for Reproductive Care Act (H.R. 1224), which would provide for a national public awareness campaign to inform health care professionals and health care professional students on how to help patients navigate the legal landscape in the United States with respect to abortion and other reproductive health care services following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Bill text Press release
• On February 28, Sens. Lujan (D-NM) and Heinrich (D-NM) introduced the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research and Education Act (S. 543), which would increase research, education, and treatment for cerebral cavernous malformations. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 28, Sens. Rubio (R-FL) and Scott (R-FL) introduced the HUD Inspection Reform and Capital Improvement Act (S. 553), which would reform policies and issue guidance related to health and safety accountability. Bill text Press release
• Also on February 28, Sens. Cotton (R-AR), Lankford (R-OK), and Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Stop Critical Race Theory Act (S. 558), which would codify Executive Order 13950 (relating to combatting race and sex stereotyping). Bill text Press release
• Also on February 28, Sens. Risch (R-ID), Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Crapo (R-ID), Cruz (R-TX), Rubio (R-FL), and Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Pregnancy Center Security Act (S. 565), which would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to pregnancy-help organizations. Press release
• Also on February 28, Sens. Gillibrand (D-NY), Schumer (D-NY), Booker (D-NJ), Menendez (D-NJ), and Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023 (S. 569), which would amend title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act with respect to flexibility and funding for the World Trade Center Health Program. Bill text Press release
• On March 1, Rep. Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity (DRIVE) Act (H.R. 1278), which would improve the rate of payments provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for beneficiary travel. Sens. Stabenow (D-MI) and Welch (D-VT) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 592). Bill text Press release
• Also on March 1, Reps. Cohen (D-TN), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Cleaver (D-MO) introduced the Cerebral Palsy Research Program Authorization Act (H.R. 1280), which would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a program of research related to cerebral palsy. Press release
• Also on March 1, Reps. Fitzgerald (R-WI), Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Tiffany (R-WI), Malliotakis (R-NY), Millis (R-FL), and Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues (SOFA) Act (H.R. 1291), which would list fentanyl-related substances as schedule I controlled substances. Sens. Johnson (R-WI), Braun (R-IN), Cotton (R-AR), and McConnell (R-KY) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 600). Press release
• Also on March 1, Rep. Jackson (R-TX) and 39 cosponsors introduced legislation (H.R. 1297), which would prohibit the Secretary of Defense from paying or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services. Bill text Press release
• Also on March 1, Reps. Levin (D-CA), Ferguson (R-GA), McGovern (D-MA), and Amodei (R-NV) introduced the Saving Us from Pandemic Era Resistance by Building a Unified Global Strategy (SUPER BUGS) Act (H.R. 1305), which would formulate a strategy for the Federal Government to secure support from foreign countries, multilateral organizations, and other appropriate entities to facilitate the development and commercialization of qualified pandemic or epidemic products. Bill text Press release  
• Also on March 1, Rep. Murphy (R-NC) introduced the Prostate Cancer Community Assistance, Research and Education (PC-CARE) Act (H.R. 1315), which would establish a Prostate Cancer Coordinating Committee. Bill text Press release
• Also on March 1, Rep. Porter (D-CA) introduced the Supporting Americans with Lower Taxes (SALT) Act (H.R. 1326), which would modify the limitation on the deduction by individuals of certain State and local taxes and to provide coverage for hearing and vision care under the Medicare program. Press release
• Also on March 1, Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL) and 32 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328), which would establish nonvisual accessibility standards for certain devices with digital interfaces. Press release
• Also on March 1, Sens. Hassan (D-NH) and Braun (R-IN) introduced the Prescription Drug Competition Act (S. 574), which would prevent the use of patents, trade secrets, or other intellectual property to inhibit competition. Press release
• Also on March 1, Sen. Lujan (D-NM) and seven cosponsors introduced the Digital Equity Foundation Act (S. 599), which would establish the Foundation for Digital Equity. Bill text Press release
• Also on March 1, Sens. Manchin (D-WV), Braun (R-IN), and King (I-ME) introduced the FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act (S. 603), which would establish procedures regarding the approval of opioid drugs by the Food and Drug Administration. Bill text Press release One pager
• Also on March 1, Sens. Manchin (D-WV) and Braun (R-IN) introduced the Changing the Culture of the FDA Act (S. 604), which would amend the mission statement of the Food and Drug Administration. Bill text Press release One pager
• Also on March 1, Sens. Manchin (D-WV) and Braun (R-IN) introduced the Protecting Americans from Dangerous Opioids Act (S. 606), which would revoke the approval of one opioid pain medication for each new opioid medication approved. Bill text Press release One pager
• Also on March 1, Sens. Manchin (D-WV) and Braun (R-IN) introduced the Ensuring the FDA Fully Examines Clinical Trial Impact and Vitalness before Endorsement (EFFECTIVE) Act (S. 607), which would deny approval of a new drug application for an opioid analgesic drug on the basis of such drug not being clinically superior to other commercially available drugs. Bill text Press release One pager
• Also on March 1, Sen. Cotton (R-AR) and eight cosponsors introduced the Protecting Americans from Fentanyl Trafficking Act (S. 614), which would codify the temporary scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances by adding fentanyl-related substances to schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Bill text Press release
• On March 2, Sen. Murray (D-WA) and eight bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Helping Heroes Act of 2023 (S. 622), which would improve services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for veteran families. Bill text Press release
• Also on March 2, Sen. Blackburn (R-TN) and 26 cosponsors introduced the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act (S. 624), which would prohibit family planning grants from being awarded to any entity that performs abortions. Bill text Press release
• Also on March 2, Sens. Stabenow (D-MI) and Capito (R-WV) introduced the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act (S. 626), which would recommend that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation test the effect of a dementia care management model. Press release 
• Also on March 2, Sens. Cassidy (R-LA), Shaheen (D-NH), Scott (R-SC), and Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Primary Care Enhancement Act (S. 628), which would provide for the treatment of direct primary care service arrangements as medical care, to provide that such arrangements do not disqualify deductible health savings account contributions. Press release
• Also on March 2, Sens. Klobuchar (D-MN), Warren (D-MA), and Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Upholding Protections for Health and Online Location Data (UPHOLD) Privacy Act (S. 631), which would protect the privacy of personally-identifiable health and location data.  Press release
• Also on March 2, Sen. Cotton (R-AR) and seven cosponsors introduced the Protecting Minors from Medical Malpractice Act (S. 635), which would protect children from medical malpractice in the form of gender transition procedures. Bill text Press release
• Also on March 2, Sen. Lee (R-UT) and six cosponsors introduced the Fair Removal of Existing and Enforced Bans on Immunization Relating to Destination (FREEBIRD) Act (S. 641), 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 One pager
• On March 3, Rep. Gallagher (R-WI) and eight cosponsors introduced the COVID–19 Origin Act of 2023 (H.R. 1346), which would require the Director of National Intelligence to declassify information relating to the origin of COVID–19. The Senate companion legislation (S. 619) passed the Senate on March 1, 2023. Bill text Press release
• Also on March 3, Reps. Tenney (R-NY), LaMalfa (R-CA), and Lamborn (R-CO) introduced the Ending COVID Vaccine Mandates for Colleges and Universities Act (H.R. 1374), which would prohibit the imposition of COVID-19 vaccine mandates by institutions of higher education. Bill text Press release

Also on March 3, Reps. Trone (D-MD) and Meuser (R-PA) introduced the Ensuring the FDA Fully Examines Clinical Trial Impact and Vitalness before Endorsement (EFFECTIVE) Act (H.R. 1375), which would deny approval of a new drug application for an opioid analgesic drug on the basis of such drug not being clinically superior to other commercially available drugs. Bill text Press release One pager