Health Care Policy Update – Weekly Wrap-Up and What’s Ahead – September 19, 2022

What’s Ahead: This Week

Hearings and Markups –

• Tuesday, September 20
  • House Education & Labor Committee, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee, “Back to School: Meeting Students’ Academic, Social, and Emotional Needs.” Additional information
• Wednesday, September 21
  • Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, “VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization: An Update on Rollout, Cost, and Schedule.” Additional information
  • Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, “Ensuring Veterans’ Timely Access to Care in VA and the Community.” Additional information
• Thursday, September 22
  • Senate Special Committee on Aging, “Stopping Senior Scams: Empowering Communities to Fight Fraud.” Additional information

Notable Policy Events –

• Monday, September 19 – Tuesday, September 20
  • Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), “PTAC September Public Meeting.” Additional information
• Monday, September 19
  • Center for Strategic & International Studies, “Winter Outlook with Dr. Anthony Fauci.” Additional information
• Tuesday, September 20 – Wednesday, September 21
  • CMS, “5^th Annual CMS Data Summit 2022.” Additional information
• Tuesday, September 20
  • CMS Innovation Center, “The CMS Innovation Center’s Approach to Person-Centered Care: Engaging with Beneficiaries, Measuring What Matters.” Additional information
  • The Hill, “Unlocking Access to Oral Health.” Additional information
  • STAT News, “Leading JAMA Through Turmoil with Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo.” Additional information
• Wednesday September 21
  • The Hill, “The Cost of Mental Health Inequities.” Additional information
  • American Enterprise Institute, “US Health Policy and Market Reforms: A Book Event with James Capretta.” Additional information
• Wednesday, September 21 – Friday, September 23
  • The Atlantic, “The Atlantic Festival.” Additional information
• Thursday, September 22
  • Health Affairs, “Physician Burnout, Workforce Strain, and Lessons From COVID-19.” Additional information
  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Assessing Patient Experience for Insights into Enhancing Equity in Healthcare.” Additional Information
• Friday, September 23
  • Health Affairs, “Policy Spotlight: One-on-One with Jonathan Blum.” Additional information
  • Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), “2022 ONC Virtual Tech Forum: How Health IT Certification is Modernizing Healthcare & Public Health.” Additional information

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

Sirona Strategies 2022 Health Policy Summer Recap Webinar –

• Thank you to those who were able to join us for our 2022 Health Policy Summer Recap webinar on September 14. The slides, recording, and related materials can be found on our website. Slides and Recording

Medicare, Medicaid & Marketplaces

• On September 12, CMS released a slide deck providing states with information on opportunities to support Medicaid unwinding efforts for states with integrated eligibility systems or workforces, as well as relevant policy guidance released by CMS and real-world examples states can use to understand the strategies and information being provided. Slide Deck
• Also on September 12, CMS approved the Oregon Health Authority’s proposal to cover community-based mobile crisis intervention services in Medicaid, which will allow Oregon to provide community-based stabilization services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises by connecting them to a behavioral health specialist. Press Release
• Also on September 12, Sen. Bennet (D-CO) sent a letter to CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure, urging CMS to swiftly update Medicaid guidance on providing health care, including mental and behavioral health services, in school-based settings. Press Release Letter
• Also on September 12, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report with findings from an audit of New York’s oversight of its nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) program to determine whether claims for Medicaid reimbursement for NEMT payments to transportation providers in New York City complied with federal and state requirements. Report in Brief Report
• On September 13, HHS OIG released a report with audit findings from one Medicare Advantage organization and focused on seven groups of high-risk diagnosis codes. OIG found most of the selected diagnosis codes submitted to CMS for use in CMS’ risk adjustment program did not comply with Federal requirements. Report in Brief Report
• Also on September 13, the U.S. Census Bureau released a report on health insurance coverage in 2021, finding that 8.3 percent of people, or 27.2 million, did not have health insurance at any point during the year, representing a decrease in the uninsured rate and number of uninsured from 2020 (8.6 percent or 28.3 million). Highlights Report
• Also on September 13, Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Casey (D-PA) sent a letter to survey agencies in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico pushing for information from state nursing home inspectors on how staffing shortages are affecting their ability to ensure the health and safety of residents in long-term care facilities. Press release Letter
• On September 14, the Congressional Research Service issued a report on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow health plans to limit dialysis benefits. The report concludes that Congress may consider legislation that further addresses the coordination of Medicare and employer-based coverage with respect to benefits for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Report
• Also on September 14, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on COVID-19 in Nursing Homes. GAO identified ways CMS could strengthen infection prevention and control guidance, as well as CMS’ oversight of the infection preventionist role. Report
• On September 15, CMS released a new data highlight on the utilization of dental, vision, and hearing services and products by Medicare beneficiaries. The data highlight shows patterns in uptake of dental exams and procedures, vision exams, corrective vision products, hearing exams, and hearing aids.  Data Highlight

Payment & Delivery System Models

• On September 15, CMS released the Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Connects newsletter, which provides news from the MLN. CMS highlighted the new Enhancing Oncology Model, which aims to improve cancer care for Medicare patients and lower health care costs. MLN Connects

Public Health Prevention, Surveillance, & Data

• On September 12, CMS announced that people with Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, private insurance, or no health coverage can get COVID-19 vaccines, including the updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, at no cost for as long as the federal government continues purchasing and distributing these vaccines. Press Release
• Also on September 12, Rep. Eshoo (D-CA) sent a letter to CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure urging CMS to ensure at-home COVID-19 tests are covered for Medicare beneficiaries after the public health emergency (PHE) ends. Letter Press Release
• On September 13, CDC announced that polioviruses found in New York meet the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) – meaning that poliovirus continues to be transmitted in Rockland County, NY, and surrounding areas. Press Release
• Also on September 13, Sens. Thune (R-SD) and Burr (R-NC) spearheaded a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra requesting that HHS rescind its one-size-fits-all federal mask mandate on Head Start programs. Letter Press Release
• On September 15, CDC announced a Monkeypox Vaccine Equity Pilot Program, providing the opportunity for local, state, and territorial health departments, as well as tribal governments and local non-governmental organizations, to partner together and begin submitting requests to access monkeypox vaccines. This new pilot program is intended to reach populations that may face various barriers in accessing monkeypox vaccination. Press Release

Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health

• On September 13, GAO released a report on common business practices to collect, use, and sell consumer data for commercial benefit and the privacy risks this poses to consumers. Report in Brief Report
• On September 14, HHS announced its Strategic Plan for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund (PCORTF) for 2020–2029. HHS has prioritized four goals that reflect high-priority opportunities to address critical data challenges for patient-centered outcomes research: data capacity for national health priorities; data standards and linkages for longitudinal research; technology solutions to advance research; and person-centeredness, inclusion, and equity. Report
• Also on September 14, HHS Secretary Becerra formally swore in Melanie Fontes Rainer as Director of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Director Fontes Rainer previously served as the Acting Director and was officially appointed to the role last month. Press Release
• On September 15, CMS updated the Medicare Telehealth Trends dataset, which provides information about Medicare beneficiaries who used telehealth services between January 1, 2020 and March 31, 2022. Dataset
• On September 16, the Sequoia Project, selected by ONC as the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) to support the implementation of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), released an additional standard operating procedure (SOP) pertaining to the Individual Access Services (IAS) Exchange Purpose, updated versions of the QHIN Onboarding & Designation SOP, and RCE Communications Protocols. IAS SOP QHIN Onboarding & Designation SOP RCE Communications Protocol

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –

• On September 12, Rep. Mullin (R-OK) led seven House Republicans in a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra urging HHS to release the 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 2 proposed rule to modernize substance use disorder privacy regulations as required by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Letter Press Release
• On September 13, HHS OIG released a data brief on opioid overdoses and the limited treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) that continues to be a concern for Medicare beneficiaries. OIG continues to call attention to the importance that CMS take steps to improve access to medications for the treatment of OUD and other support services. Report in Brief Report

• On September 14, HHS released a report on federal and state flexibilities related to controlled substance prescribing and dispensing implemented in response to the COVID-19 PHE between March 2020 and July 2021. Report

• On September 15, Reps. Trone (D-MD), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Kuster (D-NH), and Dean (D-PA) of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force hosted a press conference to discuss the Task Force’s updated legislative agenda and efforts to increase resources for prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Press Release

• On September 16, Sens. Hassan (D-NH) and Braun (R-IN) sent a letter to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) urging ACGME to update its specialty requirements to ensure that physicians-in-training gain the skills needed to address the current substance use disorder crisis. Letter Press Release
• Also on September 16, HHS released the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Integration, which details policy solutions that would help to better integrate mental health and substance use care into the larger health care system and other systems. HHS also released an issue brief providing an overview of the Roadmap. Press Release Issue Brief
• Also on September 16, HHS awarded more than $3.6 million in competitive grants to seven organizations working to bolster support for individuals experiencing substance use disorder during pregnancy and postpartum. Press Release

Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices, and Biomedical Research

• On September 12, President Biden announced his intent to appoint Dr. Renee Wegrzyn as the first director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a new agency established to drive biomedical innovation that supports the health of all Americans. Press Release
• Also on September 12, President Biden announced new actions the Administration is taking to advance the Cancer Moonshot initiative and the Cancer Cabinet’s progress toward delivering game-changing cancer detection technologies. Fact Sheet Remarks
• Also on September 12, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy to launch a National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative. Executive Order Fact Sheet Press Call
• On September 14, HHS announced actions it will take to launch a National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative to drive research and development, achieve medical breakthroughs, reduce the overall burden of disease, and improve health outcomes. Additionally, the White House announced new investments to support this initiative. HHS Fact Sheet White House Fact Sheet
• Also on September 14, Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure expressing concerns with the establishment of a permanent government price-setting program for prescription drugs. Press Release Letter
• Also on September 14, HHS OIG released a report with audit findings from Tennessee Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) physician-administered drug claims between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019, which totaled $359.9 million. OIG found Tennessee did not always comply with Federal Medicaid requirements for invoicing manufacturers for rebates for physician-administered drugs dispensed to MCO enrollees. Report in Brief Report
• Also on September 14, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the launch of the Critical Path for Rare Neurodegenerative Diseases (CP-RND) – a public-private partnership aimed at advancing the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and fostering the development of treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other rare neurodegenerative diseases. Press Release

Veterans Health and Military Health

• On September 13, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded $137 million in grants through VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program to help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and their families. Press Release
• On September 14, GAO released a report on the potential benefits of the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health-Veterans Enhanced Treatment (REACH VET) program that helps identify veterans receiving Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care who are potentially at increased risk for suicide. Report in Brief Report 
• On September 15, the VA OIG released a report on findings from health care inspections performed at VHA medical facilities during fiscal year 2021. The VA OIG found general compliance with some of the selected care coordination requirements as well as a number of weaknesses. Report in Brief Report
• Also on September 15, the VA announced it will extend Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) eligibility for certain veterans and their family caregivers through September 30, 2025. Press Release

Health Systems, Public Health & Health Equity

• On September 13, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a final recommendation statement on screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. The Task Force determined there is not enough evidence to make a recommendation for or against screening. Bulletin
• On September 15, AHRQ released a request for information (RFI) seeking comment on comprehensive, longitudinal, person-centered care planning for people with Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCC) across settings of care, including existing models of person-centered care planning, their current scale, and barriers and facilitators to implementation. RFI
• Also on September 15, the CMS Office of Minority Health (OMH) spotlighted the observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, noting that OMH will be focusing on the nation’s 60.5 million Hispanics by highlighting some common health disparities facing Hispanic populations and sharing resources to further health equity.  Press Release

Reproductive & Maternal Health

• On September 12, Vice President Harris convened civil rights and reproductive rights leaders at the White House to discuss coalition building between their organizations to protect reproductive health care and abortion access in response to the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. Press Release
• Also on September 13, Senate HELP Committee Chair Murray (D-WA) led 29 Democratic Senators in a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra, urging HHS to take immediate action to strengthen federal privacy protections under the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to broadly restrict providers from sharing patients’ reproductive health information without their explicit consent. Letter Press Release
• On September 14, HHS Secretary Becerra released a statement following legislation introduced by House Republicans which would limit access to contraception and abortion medication. The statement summarizes actions HHS has taken to ensure access to reproductive health care following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision. Statement

Misc. –

• On September 12, President Biden announced the 23^rd Operation Fly Formula Mission to transport Bellamy’s Organic baby formula from Australia to Dallas, TX via flights on September 7 and 16. Press Release
• On September 13, the HHS Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced $300 million in new early childhood funds. The funds will support early childhood workforce initiatives and other strategies to improve the quality of early childhood programs and service delivery for young children. Press Release Fact Sheet
• Also on September 13, Rep. Pascrell (D-NJ) wrote a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra requesting that HHS launch an investigation into the allegations of alleged fraud and staffing issues at HCA Healthcare facilities. Letter Press Release

• On September 15, the House Ways & Means Committee released a report detailing the role the U.S. health system plays in the climate crisis. This report analyzes how health care stakeholders are addressing the climate crisis and how climate-related extreme weather events have affected their operations. Press Release Report
• On September 16, HHS, CMS, and the Departments of the Treasury and Labor collectively released a RFI to help inform rulemaking on provisions of the No Surprises Act. The RFI seeks information and recommendations on transferring data from providers and facilities to plans, issuers, and carriers; other policy approaches; and the economic impacts of implementing these requirements. RFI

Legislative Activity

Votes and Committee Activity –

• On September 14, the Improve Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2021 (H.R. 3173) passed the House as amended by voice vote. The bill would establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. The bill heads to the Senate for consideration. Bill text Press releaseCBO score
• Also on September 14, the Fiscal Year 2022 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act (H.R. 7500) passed the Senate by voice vote. The bill would authorize major medical facility projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2022. The bill now heads to the President to sign into law.  Bill text

• Also on September 14, the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Health Subcommittee marked up five bills. Press release Ranking Member Press release
  • The Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization of 2021 (H.R. 3655) was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee for consideration by a voice vote. Bill text
  • The Maximizing Outcomes Through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment (MOBILE) for Health Care Act (H.R. 5141) was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee for consideration by a vote of 29-0. Bill text
  • The Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act (H.R. 8163) was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee for consideration by a voice vote. Bill text

• The Flint Registry Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6737) was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee for consideration by a vote of 16-12. Bill text

• On September 16, President Biden signed the Patient Advocate Tracker Act (H.R. 5754) into law. The legislation improves the ability of veterans to electronically submit and follow complaints about the delivery of VA health care services. Bill text Presidential action

Introduced Legislation

• On September 12, Sen. Cruz (R-TX) and eight cosponsors introduced legislation (S. 4818), 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 
• On September 13, Reps. Bera (D-CA) and Buschon (R-IN) introduced the Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022 (H.R. 8800), which would extend certain increases in payments for physician services under the Medicare program through 2023. Bill textPress release
• Also on September 13, Reps. Connolly (D-VA) and Estes (R-KS) introduced the Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 8805), which would allow nursing homes that have been forced to suspend in-house Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) education programs after receiving a certain level of penalties to resume those programs once quality standards are met. On July 13, Sens. Warner (D-VA) and Scott (R-SC) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S.4381). Press release
• Also on September 13, Reps. Crow (D-CO) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Healthcare Cybersecurity Act (H.R. 8806), which would enhance the cybersecurity of the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. On March 24, Sens. Rosen (D-NV) and Cassidy (R-LA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 3904). Press release
• Also on September 13, Reps. Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Joyce (R-OH), Blumenauer (D-OR), and Smith (R-NE) introduced the Increasing Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act (H.R. 8812), which would increase access to services provided by advanced practice registered nurses under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Press release
• Also on September 13, Rep. Smith (R-NJ) and 86 cosponsors introduced the Protecting Pain-Capable Unborn Children from Late-Term Abortions Act (H.R. 8814), which would protect pain-capable unborn children. Sens. Graham (R-SC), Daines (R-MT), Rubio (R-FL), and Cramer (R-ND) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 4840). Bill text Press release
• Also on September 13, Rep. Smith (D-WA) introduced the Grant Assistance and Technical Education (GATE) Act (H.R. 8815), which would establish within the Office of Minority Health, the position of Outreach Coordinator. Bill text Press release Fact sheet
• Also on September 13, Sens. Cassidy (R-LA) and Casey (D-PA) introduced the Sepsis Data Trust, Outcomes, and Innovation Act (S. 4827), which would establish a national sepsis data trust and fund State-based pilots and programs to establish interoperable State-based sepsis data trusts. Rep. Sherill (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the House (H.R. 8865). Press release
• Also on September 13, Sens. Baldwin (D-WI) and Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act (S. 4839), which would expand a grant program for State and Tribal response to opioid and stimulant use and misuse. Bill text Press release
• On September 14, Reps. Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Kim (R-CA) introduced the National Nursing Workforce Center Act (H.R. 8817), which would support and stabilize the existing nursing workforce and establish programs to increase the number of nurses. Sens. Merkley (D-OR) and Tillis (R-NC) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 4844). Press release One pager
• Also on September 14, Rep. Bush (D-MO) and eight cosponsors introduced the Wind Safety Standard Act (H.R. 8818), which would issue an occupational safety and health standard to protect workers from wind-related injuries. Bill text Press releaseOne pager
• Also on September 14, Rep. Carter (R-GA) and 25 cosponsors introduced the Pharmacist Conscience Protection Act (H.R. 8820), which would prohibit governmental discrimination against certain health care providers with certain objections to abortion. Bill text Press release
• Also on September 14, Reps. Meng (D-NY) and Lesko (R-AZ) introduced the Menstrual Products Right To Know Act of 2022 (H.R. 8829), which would treat certain menstrual products as misbranded if their labeling does not list each component of the product. Bill text Press release
• Also on September 14, Reps. Speier (D-CA) and DeSaulnier (D-CA) introduced the Seaman Danyelle Luckey Military Medical Accountability Amendment Act of 2022 (H.R. 8831), which would authorize certain claims for personal injury or death caused by medical malpractice onboard certain naval vessels. Bill text Press release
• Also on September 14, Sens. Cruz (R-TX) and Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the Securing Our Schools Act (S. 4845), which would improve school security and access to student mental health resources. Bill text Press release
• Also on September 14, Sens. Capito (R-WV), Murphy (D-CT), Smith (D-MN), and Marshall (R-KS) introduced the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act (S. 4851), which would carry out a national project to prevent and cure Parkinson’s.  Bill text Press release
• On September 15, Reps. Levin (D-CA) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Nursing Home Disclosure Act (H.R. 8832), which would ensure nursing facilities report information on medical directors of such facilities. Press release
• Also on September 15, Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) and 13 cosponsors introduced the Enhancing Questions to Understand Intentions for Pregnancy (EQUIP) Act (H.R. 8834), which would provide for a demonstration program to facilitate the clinical adoption of pregnancy intention screening initiatives by health care and social service providers. Bill text Press release Bill summary
• Also on September 15, Rep. Clyde (R-GA) and 90 cosponsors introduced the Protect the UNBORN (Undo the Negligent Biden Orders Right Now) Act (H.R. 8835), which would prohibit the use of Federal funds to implement an Executive Order relating to reproductive health services. Bill text Press release
• Also on September 15, Reps. Jackson Lee (D-TX), Lee (D-CA), and Kahele (D-HI) introduced the Saving Abortion Facilities from Extremists (SAFE) for Patients Act (H.R. 8838), which would protect health care providers and people seeking reproductive health care services. Bill text Press release
• Also on September 15, Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced the Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act (H.R. 8840), which would waive cost-sharing for advance care planning services. Sens. Warner (D-VA), Collins (R-ME), Baldwin (D-WI), and Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 4873). Bill text Press release
• Also on September 15, Reps. Carter (R-GA), Cardenas (D-CA), and Bishop (D-GA) introduced the Access to Critical Non-Emergency Transportation Services Act (H.R. 8841), which would require the HHS Secretary, in coordination with single State agencies, to assist certain dual eligible individuals participating in the RSNAT model with accessing non-emergency medical assistance benefits under the Medicaid program. Bill text Press release
• Also on September 15, Reps. Harshbarger (R-TN), Pingree (D-ME), and Graves (R-MO) introduced the Fair Access in Residency (FAIR) Act (H.R. 8850), 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. Press release
• Also on September 15, Rep. Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Providing for Life Act (H.R. 8851), which would provide support and assistance to unborn children, pregnant women, parents, and families. Sen. Rubio (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 4868). Bill text Press release
• Also on September 15, Reps. Matsui (D-CA), Grijalva (D-AZ), Eshoo (D-CA), and Smith (D-WA) introduced the Digital Equity Foundation Act (H.R. 8858), which would establish the Foundation for Digital Equity. Sens. Lujan (D-NM), Merkley (D-OR), Heinrich (D-NM), Markey (D-MA), Blumenthal (D-CT), and Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 4865). Bill text Press release
• Also on September 15, Rep. Phillips (D-MN) and 28 cosponsors introduced the Providing Real Opportunities and Lifelong Investments For Everyone (PRO-LIFE) Act (H.R. 8862), which would invest in real pro-life policies that support the American family. Press release One pager
• Also on September 15, Reps. Pocan (D-WI), Sessions (R-TX), McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Words Matter Act (H.R. 8863), which would remove the terms “mentally retarded” and “mental retardation”. Bill text Press release
• Also on September 15, Rep. Speier (D-CA) and eight cosponsors introduced the Saving Abortion Facilities from Extremists (SAFE) for Patients Act (H.R. 8867), which would establish a cause of action with respect to reproductive health services. Bill text Press release
• Also on September 15, Sens. Rosen (D-NV) and Boozman (R-AR) introduced the Supporting Our Seniors Act (S. 4862), which would establish a commission on long-term care. Press release
• Also on September 15, Sens. Baldwin (D-WI) and Collins (R-ME) introduced the 988 Coordination and Improvement Act (S. 4871), which would establish an office to coordinate work relating to behavioral health crisis care and to improve the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program. Press release One pager
• Also on September 15, Sen. Rubio (R-FL) and 12 cosponsors introduced the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act (S. 4876), which would punish the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death as felony murder. Bill text Press release