What’s Ahead: This Week
Hearings and Markups –
- Tuesday, September 27
- House Committee on Rules, “Meeting to Discuss H.R. 7780—Mental Health Matters Act; H.R. 3843—Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2021; S. 3969—PAVA Program Inclusion Act.” Additional information
- Wednesday, September 28
- Senate HELP Committee, “Hearing on the Nominations of Karla Ann Gilbride to be general counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Jessica Looman to be administrator of the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division; Moshe Z. Marvit to be a member of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.” Additional information
- Thursday, September 29
- House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, “Veteran Suicide Prevention: Capitalizing on What Works and Increasing Innovative Approaches.” Additional information
- Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, “Hearing on the Nominations of Robert H. Shriver III to be Deputy Director, Office of Personnel Management, and Richard L. Revesz to be Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget.” Additional information
Notable Policy Events –
- Monday, September 26
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Integrating Social Determinants and Structural Influence Measures in Biomedical Research.” Additional information
- Tuesday, September 27
- CMS, “Virtual Listening Session – Gathering Information from Individual Health Care Staff on Emergency Preparedness.” Additional information
- S. News & World Report, “Battling Burnout While Building the Health Workforce of the Future.” Additional information
- Primary Care Collaborative, “Comprehensive, Equitable Primary Care Enabled with Risk Adjustment.” Additional information
- Social Interventions Research & Evaluation Network (SIREN), “Racial Health Equity in Social Care National Research Meeting.” Additional information
- HIMSS, “How to measure SDOH effectiveness?” Additional information
- Wednesday, September 28
- White House, “Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.” Additional information
- CMS, “Medicaid and CHIP Continuous Enrollment Unwinding: What to Know and How to Prepare, A Partner Education Monthly Series.” Additional information
- CMS, “How CMS Uses Quality Measures.” Additional information
- Johns Hopkins University, “A Conversation with Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.” Additional information
- S. News & World Report, “Charting a Path Forward for Pediatric Health Equity.” Additional information
- STAT News, “When the Barrier to a Breakthrough Drug is you Can’t Make It.” Additional information
- Thursday, September 29 – Friday, September 30
- Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), “October Public Meeting.” Additional information
- Thursday, September 29
- Aligning for Health, “Coordinating Funding and Data to Address Social Determinants of Health.” Additional information
- Friday, September 30
- The National Press Club, “From Newsrooms to Boardrooms: The Mental Health Revolution Arrives.” Additional information
- Mostly Medicaid, “Medicaid Never Ending Conference 10.” Additional information
Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week
House Republicans Release Commitment to America Policy Platform –
- On September 22, House Republicans released their “Commitment to America” policy platform. Health care priorities include: improving health outcomes and ensuring better care by personalizing care to provide affordable options and better quality, delivered by trusted doctors and hospitals; lowering prices through transparency, choice, and competition; investing in lifesaving cures; and improving access to telemedicine. Press Release Policy Platform Health Agenda
Medicare, Medicaid & Marketplaces –
- On September 19, CMS announced that the federal comment period for New York’s section 1115 demonstration waiver amendment is open through October 19, 2022. The amendment seeks to integrate social, physical health, and behavioral health into the state’s Medicaid program and to advance health equity. Proposal Comment Form
- Also on September 19, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report with findings from an audit examining 2019 Medicare Part B claims to critical access hospitals (CAHs) and health care practitioners for the same professional services provided to the same beneficiaries. OIG found that CMS overpaid providers by $907,438 and beneficiaries were held responsible for $281,321 more than they should have been. Report in Brief Report
- Also on September 19, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Crapo (R-ID) led Committee Republicans in a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting the agency monitor the Managing Trustee’s delay in issuing the Medicare and Social Security Trustees Reports by the statutory deadlines. Press Release Letter
- Also on September 19, Rep. Burgess (R-TX) published an op-ed about the GOLD Card Act of 2022, which would exempt providers who received approval for 90 percent of their requests in the last 12 months from prior authorization delays for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. Op-ed
- Also on September 19, House Ways & Means Chairman Neal (D-MA) published an op-ed noting that because of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Special Enrollment Period for health insurance, more than 35 million Americans are enrolled in coverage made possible by the ACA. Op-ed
- On September 20, CMS released a post-event Q&A document for the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) and Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Updated Guidance Virtual Training Program. IRF QRP Training LTCH QRP Training
- Also on September 20, CMS released a bulletin on quality measurement resources and opportunities. CMS also announced the Measures Management System (MMS) Hub is now available and provides information on upcoming technical expert panels, public comments, latest news and events. MMS Hub CMIT Environmental Scan
- On September 21, CMS released a state Medicaid director letter (SMDL) that provides states with guidance on nursing facility state plan payment and upper payment limit (UPL) approaches in Medicaid that rely on the Medicare Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM). Letter
- Also on September 21, CMS announced a notice for public comment on a summary of the use and burden associated with the Medicare Registration Information (CMS-8550) and the Medicare Enrollment Application for Physician and Non-Physician Practitioners (CMS-8551). Comments close on November 21, 2022. Notice
- Also on September 21, HHS OIG released a report with findings from an audit examining Medicaid managed care capitation payments for August 2019 and August 2020, and found that nearly all states made capitation payments for beneficiaries who were concurrently enrolled in a Medicaid managed care program in two states. Report in Brief Report
- On September 22, HHS OIG released a report with findings from an online survey sent to states with Medicaid managed care plans subject to Federal medical loss ratio (MLR) requirements as of September 1, 2020. Forty-three states submitted survey responses and plans’ annual MLR reports, but 49 percent of the MLR reports reviewed were incomplete. Report in Brief Report
- Also on September 22, CMS announced a notice for public comment on information provided to enrollees when prescription drug coverage has been denied, in whole or in part, by their Part D plans. Comments close on November 22, 2022. Notice
- Also on September 22, CMS announced a notice for public comment on the Hospice Survey and Deficiencies Report Form and Supporting Regulations. CMS will use information collected as the basis for certification decisions for hospices that wish to obtain or retain participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Comments close on November 22, 2022. Notice
- Also on September 22, HHS OIG released a report with findings that Medicare inappropriately paid acute-care hospitals $39.3 million for outpatient services provided to beneficiaries who were inpatients of other facilities. Report in Brief Report
- On September 23, CMS reopened the comment period on a November 2020 interim final rule with comment, seeking to modify previous policy established from that rule that held States could, under limited circumstances, adjust the amount, duration, and scope of benefits and beneficiary cost-sharing for enrolled Medicaid beneficiaries and continue to receive a temporary 6.2 percentage point enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). Notice
Payment & Delivery System Models –
- On September 19, Rep. DelBene (D-WA) published an op-ed promoting value-based care through the Value in Health Care Act and asking Congress to extend incentive payments to participate in accountable care organizations (ACOs). Op-ed
- On September 20, CMS announced the Measurement Year (MY) Two ESRD Treatment Choices (ETC) Model Participation Reports and requested that MY2 ETC Participants fill out the survey by October 4, 2022. Survey
Public Health Prevention, Surveillance & Data –
- On September 19, Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member Burr (R-NC) sent a letter to President Biden regarding the Administration’s continuing COVID-19 policies after the President’s announcement that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Press Release Letter
- Also on September 19, House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released a statement requesting that President Biden begin the unwinding process for the public health emergency (PHE) after declaring that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Press Release
- On September 20, CDC announced $90 in five-year awards to five state public health departments to establish the Pathogen Genomics Centers of Excellence (PGCoE) network. Press Release
- Also on September 20, CDC released an updated operational planning guide for the Fall Vaccine Campaign, including upcoming pediatric bivalent COVID-19 vaccine as boosters for children aged five-11 years of age. Planning Guide
- On September 21, HHS Secretary Becerra declared a PHE for Puerto Rico following Hurricane Fiona. Press Release
- Also on September 21, HHS OIG released a report detailing how the FDA’s work with the CDC and CMS to establish the Tri-Agency Task Force for Emergency Diagnostics helped labs implement COVID-19 tests in response to the PHE. Press Release Report
- Also on September 21, CMS announced that additional resources and flexibilities would be available for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in response to Hurricane Fiona to ensure those affected by the hurricane have access to the care they need. Press Release
- Also on September 21, HHS OIG released a report on surveys conducted with ESRD Network Organizations focused on responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surveys provided information about the actions ESRD Network Organizations took to aid dialysis clinics and patients and keep CMS informed about quality-of-care issues that arose during this time. Report in Brief Report
- Also on September 21, HHS OIG released a report assessing how FDA used its emergency use authorization (EUA) authority to authorize COVID-19 tests during the first months of the pandemic. OIG found that FDA repeatedly adapted its approach to how it used EUA to address testing challenges and expedite access to tests, which sometimes came at a cost to test quality. Report in Brief Report
- On September 23, HHS announced a new effort to help uninsured and underinsured Americans access the COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment bebtelovimab, even after the product became available on the commercial market last month. Press Release
- Also on September 23, CDC released a report highlighting findings from an epidemiologic investigation and describing the public health actions taken regarding a case of monkeypox in Florida in an infant aged less than two months, the youngest patient with confirmed monkeypox infection in Florida to date. Report
Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –
- On September 19, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) released a blog on the use of synthetic health data as a no-risk data source to complement research and support testing needs until real clinical health data are available. Blog
- Also on September 19, HHS OIG released a report on if the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has adequate requirements in place to ensure grant awards have risk-based cybersecurity provisions to protect sensitive and confidential data and NIH’s intellectual property. Report in Brief Report
- On September 20, HHS announced the resolution of three investigations of Dental Practices concerning potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule’s patient right of access provision. Press Release
- On September 22, GAO released a report on public health data management and the challenges faced by public health agencies to share data in real-time. The report identifies three broad challenges to public health data management and recommends actions for improvement. Report in Brief Report
- Also on September 22, the Senate confirmed Dr. Arati Prabhakar to be the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director and Chief Advisor to the President for Science and technology. Press Release
- On September 23, Reps. Steel (R-CA) and Lee (D-NV) published an op-ed urging Congress to ensure continued access to pre-deductible coverage of telehealth services for individuals with high-deductible health plans coupled with health savings accounts (HDHP-HSAs). Blog
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –
- On September 19, HHS announced more than $3 million in grants to eight organizations for a new initiative to demonstrate policy effectiveness to promote Black youth mental health (BYMH). The three-year initiative will help identify health and wellness policies that are successful in improving BYMH, including suicide prevention. Press Release
- On September 20, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted draft recommendations on screening for depression, anxiety, and suicide risks in adults. Draft Reports Press Release
- On September 23, the White House announced new actions and funding to address the overdose epidemic and support recovery. Funds will support states and territories, rural communities, law enforcement, and communities for opioid crisis resources. Press Release Blog
- Also on September 23, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced more than $1.6 billion in investments for communities throughout the country addressing the addiction and overdose crises. Awards will support opioid response and technical assistance for prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports. Press Release
- Also on September 23, HRSA announced investments of over $104 million to expand treatment and prevention services for substance use in rural communities nationwide as part of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP), a multi-year initiative aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality of rural Americans from substance use. Press Release
- Also on September 23, FDA issued guidance clarifying the applicability of a public health emergency exclusion and exemption from certain requirements under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), in terms of the distribution of FDA-approved naloxone products to harm reduction programs, and includes a related compliance policy. Press Release Guidance
Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices, and Biomedical Research –
- On September 19, Sen. Baldwin (D-WI) published an op-ed about her work in passing reforms to empower Medicare to negotiate directly over the price of prescription drugs. Op-ed
- On September 20, the FDA alerted medical device users about a potential cybersecurity risk for the Medtronic MiniMed 600 Series Insulin Pump System that could result in the delivery of too much or too little insulin. Alert
- On September 22, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released an issue brief recognizing nurses for their role in diagnosis as critical to achieving diagnostic safety improvements and advancements, with recommendations from diagnostic safety literature highlighting actions nurse leaders and educators can take to improve diagnostic safety. Issue Brief
- On September 23, the FDA released draft guidance that, when finalized, will provide the agency’s perspective on the ethical considerations for including and protecting children in clinical trials. Press Release Draft Guidance
Veterans Health and Military Health –
- On September 19, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which shows that Veteran suicides decreased in 2020 for the second year in a row, and that fewer Veterans died by suicide in 2020 than in any year since 2006. Press Release Report
- Also on September 19, VA OIG released a report on batch cancellations involving medical reexaminations that were required by law, potentially causing veterans to receive monthly compensation benefits that are not consistent with their current levels of disability. Report in Brief Report
- Also on September 19, Sen. Tester (D-MT) announced $2.15 million in federal funding, through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, for Montana organizations to support efforts to end veteran suicide. Press Release
- On September 20, VA OIG released a report summarizing Fiscal Year 2021 pre-award reviews of health care resource proposals from affiliated institutions such as colleges and schools of medicine. Report in Brief Report
- Also on September 20, House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Bost (R-IL), Appropriations Ranking Member Granger (R-TX), and Budget Ranking Member Smith (R-MO) sent a letter to VA Secretary McDonough regarding the VA’s plan to provide abortions and abortion counseling to certain veterans and VA beneficiaries. Press Release Letter
- On September 22, VA OIG released a report on the VA’s compliance with the VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021. To comply, the VA must provide a detailed plan to Congress outlining its intent and justification for obligating and expending COVID-19 related emergency relief funding covered by the Act. Report in Brief Report
- Also on September 22, VA OIG released a report on its inspection of information technology security at the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Louisiana. These inspections are conducted at facilities that have not been assessed for the annual audit required by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA). Report in Brief Report
Health Systems, Public Health & Health Equity –
- On September 20, CDC released a report noting that less than half of children aged two to 16 years old with sickle cell anemia received the recommended screening for stroke, a common complication of the disease. Press Release Report
- On September 21, AHRQ issued a notice to nominate individuals from populations underrepresented in medicine to serve as scientific peer reviewers on scientific peer review groups. Nominations are due by December 31, 2022. Notice
- Also on September 21, Reps. Thompson (R-PA), Foxx (R-NC), McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Comer (R-KY), and Harris (R-MD) sent a letter to White House Director of Domestic Policy Council Susan Rice regarding the second national White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health. The letter notes their intent to take an active oversight role, given their seats on committees of jurisdiction over the recommendations likely to stem from the conference. Press Release Letter
- Also on September 21, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) released the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, which highlights nearly 350 actions the federal government will take to support family caregivers and more than 150 actions that can be adopted at other levels of government and across the private sector to build a system to support family caregivers. Press Release Strategy
- Also on September 21, the White House announced the Administration’s actions to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Press Release
- On September 23, HRSA awarded over $5 million to 11 HRSA-funded community health centers to facilitate access to life-saving cancer screenings and early detection services for underserved populations to improve equity in cancer screenings. Press Release
Reproductive, Maternal & Infant Health –
- On September 19, CDC released new data, showing that more than four in five pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. could have been avoided, with mental health conditions listed as the most frequent underlying cause of pregnancy-related death. Report
- On September 20, the FDA concluded an internal review of agency actions related to the U.S. infant formula supply around reports of Cronobacter illness in infants, the Abbott’s infant formula manufacturing plant in Sturgis, MI, and confounding issues that led to a shortage of infant formulas. Press Release Report Commissioner Califf Statement
- Also on September 20, Director of the White House Gender Policy Council Jen Klein and Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (OIA) Julie Chavez Rodriguez chaired a meeting with state legislative leaders on efforts to advance access to reproductive health. Meeting Readout
- On September 21, Sen. Marshall (R-KS) led Republican colleagues in a letter to the FDA regarding the agency’s strategy to replenish baby formula supply across the U.S. The letter expressed concerns that the FDA has not approved enough formula applications to restore national baby formula supplies or prevent another shortage from occurring. Press Release Letter
- On September 22, CMS approved the extension of Medicaid and CHIP coverage for 12 months after pregnancy in North Carolina. Press Release
- Also on September 22, Sen. Warren (D-MA) opened an investigation into how Senate Republicans’ proposal to ban abortion nationwide after 15 weeks would impact women’s access to critical pregnancy care, reproductive care, and other types of essential health care. Sen. Warren also sent a letter to five leading health care organizations to gather more information about how this proposal would affect access to health care. Press Release Letters
- On September 23, President Biden announced the 25th Operation Fly Formula Mission to transport Nutricia/Danone Aptamil Gold Plus formula from New Zealand to Chicago, IL via a flight on September 23. Press Release
Misc. –
- On September 20, HHS awarded nearly $1 million in grants to improve early detection and prevention of eating disorders in adolescent girls. The grants will support development of evidenced-based interventions that target COVID-19-related stressors and potential barriers to early diagnosis. Press Release
- On September 22, Comptroller General of the United States Gene Dodaro announced the appointment of six new members to the Governing Board of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Dodaro also reappointed two members and designated the Governing Board’s new chair and vice chair. Press Release
- Also on September 22, AHRQ released a primer to help health care organizations reduce their carbon footprint and protect communities from climate threats, featuring a prioritized set of measures and potential interventions to reduce health care’s greenhouse gas emissions. Press Release Primer
Legislative Activity –
Votes and Committee Activity –
- On September 21, the House Ways & Means Committee held a markup and advanced 14 home visiting and mental health bills. The bills now head to the full House for consideration. Press release GOP Press release
- The Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2021 (H.R. 432) passed unanimously. The bill would provide for the coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under part B of the Medicare program. Bill text
- The Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 (H.R. 8876) passed by a vote of 41-0. The bill would reauthorize the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program. Bill text Bill summary Section by section
- The Intensive Outpatient Policy Act (H.R. 8878) passed unanimously. The bill would ensure adequate coverage of outpatient mental health services under the Medicare program. Bill text Press release
- The Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Improvement Act (H.R. 8879) passed unanimously. The bill would provide for improvements to the Medicare prospective payment system for psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units. Bill text
- The Mental Health Transparency Act (H.R. 8881) passed unanimously. The bill would require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to disclose the percentage of in-network participation for certain provider types. Bill text
- The Medicare Opioid Use Disorder Outreach Act (H.R. 8884) passed unanimously. The bill would provide outreach and reporting on opioid use disorder treatment services furnished by opioid treatment programs under the Medicare program. Bill text Press release
- The Better Health Care Directories Act (H.R. 8885) passed unanimously. The bill would provide for provider directory improvements to enhance enrollee, participant, and beneficiary access to care. Bill text
- The Promoting Clarity in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Act (H.R. 8886) passed unanimously. The bill would ensure mental health and substance use disorder benefits are defined pursuant to external benchmarks based on nationally recognized standards. Bill text
- The Readable Insurance Coverage Enhancement (RICE) Act (H.R. 8889) passed unanimously. The bill would provide for improved access to group health plan and health insurance coverage summary of benefits and coverage explanation, and require a joint report by the Secretaries of HHS, Treasury, and Labor relating to summaries of benefits and coverage. Bill text
- The Physician Wellness Program Act (H.R. 8890) passed unanimously. The bill would establish exceptions for certain physician wellness programs. Bill text Press release
- The No Surprises for Survivors Act (H.R. 8891) passed unanimously. The bill would require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to provide coverage for forensic medical exams with no cost sharing. Bill text
- The Access to Mental Health Services Act (H.R. 8892) passed unanimously. The bill would conduct a public outreach campaign to inform individuals covered under a group health plan or group or individual health insurance coverage of Federal requirements relating to mental health and substance use disorder crisis services. Bill text
- The Fighting Stimulant and other Substance Use Disorders Act (H.R. 8908) passed unanimously. The bill would require the Inspector General of HHS to review a safe harbor under the anti-kickback statute for certain contingency management interventions. Bill text
- The Behavioral Health Integration Awareness Act (H.R. 8910) passed unanimously. The bill would provide outreach and reporting on certain behavioral health integration services furnished under the Medicare program. Bill text
- Also on September 21, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a markup of six bills, including three health care bills that advanced out of Committee. The bills now go to the full House for consideration. Press Release
- The Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act of 2021 (H.R. 3655) was passed by voice vote. The bill would make updates to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Bill text
- The Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act (H.R. 5141) passed by a vote of 51-0. The bill would expand the allowable use criteria for new access points grants for community health centers. Bill text
- The Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act (H.R. 8163) passed, as amended, by a vote of 55-1. The bill would reauthorize through FY2027 and modify activities of HHS related to trauma care. Bill text
- Also on September 21, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a markup and voted to advance 13 bills to the full House for consideration, including a number of health care bills. Press release
- The VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act (H.R. 6273) passed by voice vote. The bill would direct the Secretary of the VA to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program of the VA. Bill text
- The Food Security for All Veterans Act (H.R. 8888) passed by voice vote. The bill would establish in the VA an Office of Food Security. Bill text
- The End Veteran Hunger Act of 2022 (H.R. 8852) passed by voice vote. The bill would direct the Secretary of the VA to carry out a pilot program on food insecurity. Bill text
- The Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021 (H.R. 1957) passed, as amended, by a vote of 16-10. The bill would direct the Secretary of the VA to provide coverage for infertility treatment and standard fertility preservation services. Bill text
- The DOULA for VA Act of 2021 (H.R. 2521) passed, as amended, by voice vote. The bill would require the Secretary of VA to establish a pilot program to furnish doula services to veterans. Bill text
- The REMOVE Copays Act (H.R. 7589) passed, as amended, by voice vote. The bill would prohibit the VA from imposing or collecting any co-payments for the first three mental health outpatient care visits in a calendar year for a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system. Bill text
- On September 22, the Senate Finance Committee released a discussion draft of legislation aimed at expanding the mental health workforce, the Committee’s third bipartisan discussion draft on mental health. Discussion draft Press release Summary of provisions
- Also on September 22, the Mental Health Justice Act of 2022 (H.R. 8542) passed the House by a vote of 223-206. The bill would hire, employ, train, and dispatch mental health professionals to respond in lieu of law enforcement officers in emergencies involving one or more persons with a mental illness or an intellectual or developmental disability. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Bill text Press release
Introduced Legislation –
- On September 19, Reps. Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Murphy (R-NC), Barragan (D-CA), and Kuster (D-NH) introduced the Biologics Competition Act (H.R. 8877), which would evaluate the extent to which the substitution of interchangeable biological products may be impeded by differences between the system for determining a biological product to be interchangeable and the system for assigning therapeutic equivalence ratings to drugs. Bill text Press release
- On September 20, Reps. Arrington (R-TX) and Hern (R-OK) introduced the Access to Future Cures Act (H.R. 8912), which would clarify that expenses for blood storage qualify as expenses for medical care. Press release
- Also on September 20, Rep. Smith (R-NJ) and 29 cosponsors introduced the Protect Pregnancy Care Centers Act of 2022 (H.R. 8926), which would require an Inspector General report on domestic violent extremism against pregnancy centers. Bill text Press release
- On September 21, Reps. Carter (R-GA) and Ross (D-NC) introduced the Improving Access to Safe Medicines Act (H.R. 8931), which would require the Attorney General to remove a drug from scheduling within 180 days of a certain date pursuant to the recommendation of the Secretary of HHS. Bill text Press release
- Also on September 21, Rep. Johnson (R-SD) introduced the Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2022 (H.R. 8937), which would improve the recruitment and retention of employees in the Indian Health Service, restore accountability in the Indian Health Service, and improve health services. Sens. Barrasso (R-WY), Thune (R-SD), Lummis (R-WY), Rounds (R-SD), Daines (R-MT), and Hoeven (R-ND) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 4915). Bill text Press release
- Also on September 21, Sens. Murphy (D-CT), Van Hollen (D-MD), and Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System Reauthorization Act of 2022 (S. 4906), which would reauthorize the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System. Bill text Press release
- On September 22, Reps. Grijalva (D-AZ) and McGovern (D-MA) introduced the Education and Training (EAT) for Health Act (H.R. 8964), which would issue to Federal agencies guidelines for developing procedures and requirements relating to certain primary care Federal health professionals completing continuing medical education on nutrition and require Federal agencies to submit annual reports relating to such guidelines. Bill text Press release
- Also on September 22, Rep. Ryan (D-NY) introduced the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act (H.R. 8976), which would preempt State restrictions on dispensing mifepristone or misoprostol. Press release
- Also on September 22, Rep. Smith (D-WA) introduced the Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act (H.R. 8979), which would award grants for the purpose of establishing, operating, or expanding one-stop crisis facilities. Bill text Press release
- Also on September 22, Sens. Blackburn (R-TN), Cotton (R-AR), Braun (R-IN), Hoeven (R-ND), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS) introduced the Preserving the Readiness of our Armed Forces Act (S. 4925), which would preserve the readiness of the Armed Forces by limiting separations based on COVID-19 vaccination status and continuing pay and benefits for members while religious and health accommodations are pending. Bill text Press release
- Also on September 22, Sens. Murphy (D-CT) and Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act (S. 4929), which would ensure the consensual donation and respectful disposition of human bodies and human body parts donated or transferred for education, research, or the advancement of medical, dental, or mortuary science and not for use in human transplantation. Bill text Press release