Medicaid Reentry Act

1. Advocated for S. 1534/H.R. 3141, sponsored by Senators Rob Portman and Gary Peters and Reps. Danny K. Davis and Bill Johnson respectively, to codify the Reentry Employment Opportunities program at the Department of Labor within the Employment & Training Administration. 2. Advocated for the "Medicaid Reentry Act", H.R. 1329, sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko along with a Senate companion bill sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Mike Braun, which would provide access to Medicaid coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals for 30 days before their release from incarceration and reentry into the community.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE, White House Office

1. Advocated for S. 1534/H.R. 3141, sponsored by Senators Rob Portman and Gary Peters and Reps. Danny K. Davis and Bill Johnson respectively, to codify the Reentry Employment Opportunities program at the Department of Labor within the Employment & Training Administration. 2. Advocated for the "Medicaid Reentry Act", H.R. 1329, sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko along with a Senate companion bill sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Mike Braun, which would provide access to Medicaid coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals for 30 days before their release from incarceration and reentry into the community.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Bureau of Justice Assistance, Employment & Training Administration, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Justice Program, SENATE, White House Office

1. Advocated for S. 1534/H.R. 3141, sponsored by Senators Rob Portman and Gary Peters and Reps. Danny K. Davis and Bill Johnson respectively, to codify the Reentry Employment Opportunities program at the Department of Labor within the Employment & Training Administration. 2. Advocated for the "Medicaid Reentry Act", H.R. 1329, sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko along with a Senate companion bill sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Mike Braun, which would provide access to Medicaid coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals for 30 days before their release from incarceration and reentry into the community.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Bureau of Justice Assistance, Employment & Training Administration, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, White House Office

1. Advocated for introduction of legislation sponsored by Senators Rob Portman and Gary Peters and Reps. Danny K. Davis and Bill Johnson to codify the Reentry Employment Opportunities program at the Department of Labor within the Employment & Training Administration. 2. Advocated for the "Medicaid Reentry Act", H.R. 1329, sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko along with a Senate companion bill sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Mike Braun, which would provide access to Medicaid coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals for 30 days before their release from incarceration and reentry into the community.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Lobbying Issues Description: Budget and appropriations for disease and injury prevention, including obesity and related diseases; pandemic influenza and emerging infectious diseases; physical activity; public health bioterrorism preparedness; food safety, environmental health; paid sick days; womens and childrens health; community-based public health interventions, and substance misuse/behavioral health issues. Specific Legislation: 1.Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) 2.Implementation of Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act and Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (Public Law 113-5, 116-22) 3.Implementation of Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-296) 4.Implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act (Public Law 114-95) 5.Implementation of the Comprehensive Addition and Recovery Act (Public Law 114-98) 6.Midnight Rules Relief Act (S.34/H.R. 21) 7.Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (S. 21/H.R. 26) 8.Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951/H.R. 5/H.R. 45/H.Res.33) 9.Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome (SCRUB) Act (H.R. 998) 10.Regulatory Integrity Act (H.R. 1004) 11.OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act (S. 676/H.R. 1009) 12.A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2017 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2018 through 2026 (S.Con.Res. 3) 13.American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628/H.Res. 228) 14.Ozone Standards Implementation Act (S. 263/H.R. 806) 15.Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation" (S.J. Res. 11/H.J.Res.36) 16.Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act (S. 261/H.R. 772) 17.Reinvigorating Antibiotic and Diagnostic Innovation (READI) Act (H.R. 1840) 18.Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (H.R. 1587) 19.Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act (S. 629) 20.Better Care Reconciliation Act (H.R. 1628) and related amendments 21.Public Health Emergency Response Act (S. 196) 22.Recognizing the importance of vaccinations and immunizations in the United States (H.Res.327) 23.Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (S. 830/H.R. 1953) 24.Community Health and Medical Professionals Improve Our Nation (CHAMPION) Act (H.R. 3922) 25.Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act of 2017 (S. 1899) 26.Tobacco Tax Equity Act (S. 1837) 27.Healthy Kids Act (S. 1821/H.R. 3921) 28.Implementation of the Drug Quality and Security Act (P.S. 113-54) 29.Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-56) 30.Friendly Airports for Mothers Act (S. 1110/H.R. 2375) 31.Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act (S. 1583/H.R. 8713) 32.Supporting Working Moms Act (S. 2122/H.R. 3255) 33.Championing Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 3922) 34.Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (Public Law 115-90) 35.An Act to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, and for other purposes (Public Law 115-96) 36.Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Public Law 115-97) 37.Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Advancing Innovation Act (P.L. 116-22) 38.Vaccine Access Improvement Act (H.R. 4993) 39.Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act (H.R. 453) 40.Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance (S. 2469) 41.Opioid Quota Reform Act (S. 2535) 42.Hospital Preparedness Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4776) 43.Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act (H.R. 1917) 44.Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 (S. 2680) 45.Agriculture and Nutrition Act (H.R. 2) 46.Agriculture Improvement Act (S. 3042) 47.SECURE Act (H.R. 5998) 48.Trauma-Informed Care for Children and Families Act (S. 774) 49.SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6) 50.Centers for Disease Control Emergency Response Act (S. 3161) 51.LABEL Opioids Act (S. 3428) 52.Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act (S. 1857) 53.Outdoors for All Act (S. 3499) 54.The MOMMA Act (H.R. 5977) 55.Preventing Maternal Deaths Act (H.R. 1318) 56.Medicare Access to Vaccines Equity Act (not yet introduced) 57.The Support Act (H.R. 6) 58.Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act (S. 529) 59.NURSE Act (H.R. 1597) 60.Investing for the People Act (H.R. 2021) 61.Child Care for Working Families Act (H.R. 365/S. 568) 62.FAMILY Act (H.R. 1185/S. 463) 63.Transportation Alternatives Enhancement Act (S. 1098) 64.Lower Health Care Costs Act (S. 1895) 65.LIFT America Act (H.R 2479) 66.Public Health Funding Restoration Act (H.R. 3447/S. 1944) 67.Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 (HR 4334) 68.Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act (H.R. 3591) 69.Healthier Students for Stronger Campuses Act (S. 1281) 70.Saving Lives Through Better Data Act (S. 1793) 71.VACCINES Act (H.R. 2862) 72.DISARM Act (H.R. 4100/S. 1712) 73.Community Access, Resources, and Education for Families Act (H.R. 3117) 74.Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act (S. 1872) 75.Tobacco-Free Youth Act (S. 1541) 76.Tobacco to 21 Act (H.R. 2411/S. 1258) 77.Investing for People Act (H.R. 2021) 78.School Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act (H.R.2075/S.1013) 79.Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (H.R. 2339) 80.Social Determinants Accelerator Act (H.R. 4004/S. 2986) 81.Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act (H.R. 2431) 82.The UNDERSTAND Act (S. 1323) 83.Americas Transportation Infrastructure Act (S. 2302) 84.Barriers to Suicide Act of 2019 (H.R. 4309) 85.Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act (S. 1608/H.R. 2891) 86.Public Health Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 5321) 87.Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act (H.R. 5249) 88.Lead-Free Future Act (H.R. 4416) 89.Home Visiting to Reduce Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Act (H.R. 4768) 90.Recognizing the anniversary of the eradication of smallpox and the importance of vaccination in the United States and worldwide (H. Res. 592) 91.Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) 92.Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) 93.Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) 94.Connecting Americas Transportation Infrastructure Act (H.R. 5696/S. 3391)) 95.Improving Access to Remote Behavioral Health Treatment Act (S. 2244/H.R. 4131) 96.National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S. 2661/H.R. 4194) 97.Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act (H.R. 4564) 98.Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act (H.R. 4585) 99.Medicaid Reentry Act (H.R. 1329) 100.Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act (S. 824/H.R. 1767) 101.Mental Health Services for Students Act (S. 1122/H.R. 1109) 102.Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act (S. 2492/H.R. 2599) 103.Mental Health Parity Compliance Act (S. 1737/H.R. 3165) 104.Behavioral Health Transparency Act (S. 1576/H.R. 2874) 105.Medicare Mental Health Access Act (S. 2772/H.R. 884) 106.Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act (S. 3309) 107.Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (H.R. 5041) 108.Protecting the Health of Americas Older Adults During COVID-19 and Beyond Act (H.R. 6935) 109.Improving Social Determinants Act (H.R. 6561/S. 4440) 110.Urging the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (H.Con.Res.100/S.Con.Res.50) 111.FY 2021 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations (TBD) 112.Better Tools for Healthy Living Act (S. 1805) 113.The WIC Act (H.R. 6811/S. 2358) 114.Health Equity and Accountability Act (H.R. 6637/S. 4819) 115.Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) 116.The HEROES Act (H.R.6800) 117.Community Solutions for COVID-19 Act (H.R.7077/S.3877) 118.The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 (H.R. 6142) 119.COVID-19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act (H.R. 7618/S. 4248) 120.Urging the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (H. Con. Res. 100) 121.Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act of 2020 (H.R. 8061) 122.Public Safety Officer Support Act (H.R. 7568) 123.COVID-19 Behavioral Health Support Act (S. 4059) 124.Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Act (H.R. 6578) 125.Strengthening the Public Health Workforce Act (S. 3737) 126.A resolution declaring racism a public health crisis (S. Res. 655) 127.Pandemic Child Hunger Prevention Act (H.R.7887) 128.Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (S. 4740) 129.CARE for Families Act (H.R. 3117/S. 3354) 130.Improving Data Collection for Adverse Childhood Experiences Act (H.R. 7689/S. 4980) 131.The STANDUP Act of 2020 (H.R. 7293) 132.The Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act (H.R. 4861) 133.The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 (H.R. 5469) 134.The Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department Act (H.R. 2519/S. 1334) 135.The Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 5619/S. 3198) 136.The Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act (H.R. 1646/S. 3244) 137.The Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act (H.R. 4585) 138.The Maternal Health Immunization Enhancement Act (S. 4690) 139.Pandemic Vaccine Access Improvement Act (Not yet introduced) 140.Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2) 141.Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (HR 8319) Coronavirus Response Additional Supplemental Appropriations Act (S. 4320). 142.ETHIC Act (H.R. 8205) 143.Safely Back to School and Work Act (S. 4322) 144.Supporting the goals and ideals of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month (H.Res. 1064) 145.COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act (S. 4262) 146.Protecting American Heroes Act of 2020 (S. 4368) 147.Health STATISTICS Act (H.R. 8080) 148.Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act (H.R. 4995) 149.Helping MOMS Act of 2020 (H.R. 4996) 150.Maternal Immunization Enhancement Act 151.FY2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief and Response Act (P.L. 116-260) 152.Helping Adults Protect Immunity (HAPI) Act (H.R. 4864) 153.Secure Affordable Vaccines Equally (SAVE) for Seniors Act (H.R. 8623) House(s) of Congress and Federal Agencies lobbied during the quarter: House, Senate, Exec Office of Pres, HHS, CDC, FDA, CMS, OMB, DOT, HUD, EPA, NIMH, Education, USDA, DHS, FEMA, and SAMHSA.

Client expense: $41,268 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT)

Lobbying Issues Description: Budget and appropriations for disease and injury prevention, including obesity and related diseases; pandemic influenza and emerging infectious diseases; physical activity; public health bioterrorism preparedness; food safety, environmental health; paid sick days; womens and childrens health; community-based public health interventions, and substance misuse/behavioral health issues. Specific Legislation: 1.Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) 2.Implementation of Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act and Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (Public Law 113-5, 116-22) 3.Implementation of Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-296) 4.Implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act (Public Law 114-95) 5.Implementation of the Comprehensive Addition and Recovery Act (Public Law 114-98) 6.Midnight Rules Relief Act (S.34/H.R. 21) 7.Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (S. 21/H.R. 26) 8.Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951/H.R. 5/H.R. 45/H.Res.33) 9.Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome (SCRUB) Act (H.R. 998) 10.Regulatory Integrity Act (H.R. 1004) 11.OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act (S. 676/H.R. 1009) 12.A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2017 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2018 through 2026 (S.Con.Res. 3) 13.American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628/H.Res. 228) 14.Ozone Standards Implementation Act (S. 263/H.R. 806) 15.Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation" (S.J. Res. 11/H.J.Res.36) 16.Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act (S. 261/H.R. 772) 17.Reinvigorating Antibiotic and Diagnostic Innovation (READI) Act (H.R. 1840) 18.Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (H.R. 1587) 19.Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act (S. 629) 20.Better Care Reconciliation Act (H.R. 1628) and related amendments 21.Public Health Emergency Response Act (S. 196) 22.Recognizing the importance of vaccinations and immunizations in the United States (H.Res.327) 23.Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (S. 830/H.R. 1953) 24.Community Health and Medical Professionals Improve Our Nation (CHAMPION) Act (H.R. 3922) 25.Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act of 2017 (S. 1899) 26.Tobacco Tax Equity Act (S. 1837) 27.Healthy Kids Act (S. 1821/H.R. 3921) 28.Implementation of the Drug Quality and Security Act (P.S. 113-54) 29.Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-56) 30.Friendly Airports for Mothers Act (S. 1110/H.R. 2375) 31.Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act (S. 1583/H.R. 8713) 32.Supporting Working Moms Act (S. 2122/H.R. 3255) 33.Championing Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 3922) 34.Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (Public Law 115-90) 35.An Act to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, and for other purposes (Public Law 115-96) 36.Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Public Law 115-97) 37.Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Advancing Innovation Act (P.L. 116-22) 38.Vaccine Access Improvement Act (H.R. 4993) 39.Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act (H.R. 453) 40.Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance (S. 2469) 41.Opioid Quota Reform Act (S. 2535) 42.Hospital Preparedness Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4776) 43.Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act (H.R. 1917) 44.Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 (S. 2680) 45.Agriculture and Nutrition Act (H.R. 2) 46.Agriculture Improvement Act (S. 3042) 47.SECURE Act (H.R. 5998) 48.Trauma-Informed Care for Children and Families Act (S. 774) 49.SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6) 50.Centers for Disease Control Emergency Response Act (S. 3161) 51.LABEL Opioids Act (S. 3428) 52.Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act (S. 1857) 53.Outdoors for All Act (S. 3499) 54.The MOMMA Act (H.R. 5977) 55.Preventing Maternal Deaths Act (H.R. 1318) 56.Medicare Access to Vaccines Equity Act (not yet introduced) 57.The Support Act (H.R. 6) 58.Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act (S. 529) 59.NURSE Act (H.R. 1597) 60.Investing for the People Act (H.R. 2021) 61.Child Care for Working Families Act (H.R. 365/S. 568) 62.FAMILY Act (H.R. 1185/S. 463) 63.Transportation Alternatives Enhancement Act (S. 1098) 64.Lower Health Care Costs Act (S. 1895) 65.LIFT America Act (H.R 2479) 66.Public Health Funding Restoration Act (H.R. 3447/S. 1944) 67.Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 (HR 4334) 68.Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act (H.R. 3591) 69.Healthier Students for Stronger Campuses Act (S. 1281) 70.Saving Lives Through Better Data Act (S. 1793) 71.VACCINES Act (H.R. 2862) 72.DISARM Act (H.R. 4100/S. 1712) 73.Community Access, Resources, and Education for Families Act (H.R. 3117) 74.Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act (S. 1872) 75.Tobacco-Free Youth Act (S. 1541) 76.Tobacco to 21 Act (H.R. 2411/S. 1258) 77.Investing for People Act (H.R. 2021) 78.School Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act (H.R.2075/S.1013) 79.Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (H.R. 2339) 80.Social Determinants Accelerator Act (H.R. 4004/S. 2986) 81.Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act (H.R. 2431) 82.The UNDERSTAND Act (S. 1323) 83.Americas Transportation Infrastructure Act (S. 2302) 84.Barriers to Suicide Act of 2019 (H.R. 4309) 85.Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act (S. 1608/H.R. 2891) 86.Public Health Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 5321) 87.Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act (H.R. 5249) 88.Lead-Free Future Act (H.R. 4416) 89.Home Visiting to Reduce Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Act (H.R. 4768) 90.Recognizing the anniversary of the eradication of smallpox and the importance of vaccination in the United States and worldwide (H. Res. 592) 91.Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) 92.Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) 93.Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) 94.Connecting Americas Transportation Infrastructure Act (H.R. 5696/S. 3391)) 95.Improving Access to Remote Behavioral Health Treatment Act (S. 2244/H.R. 4131) 96.National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S. 2661/H.R. 4194) 97.Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act (H.R. 4564) 98.Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act (H.R. 4585) 99.Medicaid Reentry Act (H.R. 1329) 100.Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act (S. 824/H.R. 1767) 101.Mental Health Services for Students Act (S. 1122/H.R. 1109) 102.Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act (S. 2492/H.R. 2599) 103.Mental Health Parity Compliance Act (S. 1737/H.R. 3165) 104.Behavioral Health Transparency Act (S. 1576/H.R. 2874) 105.Medicare Mental Health Access Act (S. 2772/H.R. 884) 106.Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act (S. 3309) 107.Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (H.R. 5041) 108.Protecting the Health of Americas Older Adults During COVID-19 and Beyond Act (H.R. 6935) 109.Improving Social Determinants Act (H.R. 6561/S. 4440) 110.Urging the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (H.Con.Res.100/S.Con.Res.50) 111.FY 2021 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations (TBD) 112.Better Tools for Healthy Living Act (S. 1805) 113.The WIC Act (H.R. 6811/S. 2358) 114.Health Equity and Accountability Act (H.R. 6637/S. 4819) 115.Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) 116.The HEROES Act (H.R.6800) 117.Community Solutions for COVID-19 Act (H.R.7077/S.3877) 118.The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 (H.R. 6142) 119.COVID-19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act (H.R. 7618/S. 4248) 120.Urging the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (H. Con. Res. 100) 121.Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act of 2020 (H.R. 8061) 122.Public Safety Officer Support Act (H.R. 7568) 123.COVID-19 Behavioral Health Support Act (S. 4059) 124.Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Act (H.R. 6578) 125.Strengthening the Public Health Workforce Act (S. 3737) 126.A resolution declaring racism a public health crisis (S. Res. 655) 127.Pandemic Child Hunger Prevention Act (H.R.7887) 128.Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (S. 4740) 129.CARE for Families Act (H.R. 3117/S. 3354) 130.Improving Data Collection for Adverse Childhood Experiences Act (H.R. 7689/S. 4980) 131.The STANDUP Act of 2020 (H.R. 7293) 132.The Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act (H.R. 4861) 133.The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 (H.R. 5469) 134.The Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department Act (H.R. 2519/S. 1334) 135.The Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 5619/S. 3198) 136.The Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act (H.R. 1646/S. 3244) 137.The Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act (H.R. 4585) 138.The Maternal Health Immunization Enhancement Act (S. 4690) 139.Pandemic Vaccine Access Improvement Act (Not yet introduced) 140.Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2) 141.Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (HR 8319) Coronavirus Response Additional Supplemental Appropriations Act (S. 4320). 142.ETHIC Act (H.R. 8205) 143.Safely Back to School and Work Act (S. 4322) 144.Supporting the goals and ideals of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month (H.Res. 1064) 145.COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act (S. 4262) 146.Protecting American Heroes Act of 2020 (S. 4368) 147.Health STATISTICS Act (H.R. 8080) 148.Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act (H.R. 4995) 149.Helping MOMS Act of 2020 (H.R. 4996) 150.Maternal Immunization Enhancement Act 151.FY2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief and Response Act (P.L. 116-260) 152.Helping Adults Protect Immunity (HAPI) Act (H.R. 4864) 153.Secure Affordable Vaccines Equally (SAVE) for Seniors Act (H.R. 8623) House(s) of Congress and Federal Agencies lobbied during the quarter: House, Senate, Exec Office of Pres, HHS, CDC, FDA, CMS, OMB, DOT, HUD, EPA, NIMH, Education, USDA, DHS, FEMA, and SAMHSA.

Client expense: $36,974 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT)

H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act H.R. 1839, the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act

Client expense: $238,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Vice President of the United States, SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Re-Entry Act S. 2746, the Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act H.R. 5909/S. 3312, the Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act of 2020 S. 4441, the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS) Act

Client expense: $238,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Vice President of the United States, SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

Bill # H.R. 652: Comprehensive Care for Seniors Act Bill # H.R. 1329: Medicaid Reentry Act. Partially lifts the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Bill # H.R. 1763 and S348: Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019. Create 15,000 new Medicare-supported residency slots by 2024 Bill # H.R. 2552: Protecting Local Access to Care for Everyone Act. Halts CMS' site neutrality policy Bill # H.R. 3022: Patient Access Protection Act.To protect hospitals from Medicaid DSH cuts Bill # H.R. 4932 and S2741: CONNECT for Health Act. Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act to expand access to telehealth services Bill #S. 296: Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2019.Revises conditions of and limitations on Medicare payment for home health care services Bill HR7791 Makes improvements to the ACO program, including modifying risk adjustment and ensuring fair benchmarks, removes barriers to participation for rural ACOs, and further incentivizes participation in advanced alternative payment models Bill HR 7663 Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act To authorize the HHS Secretary to waive or modify application of Medicare requirements with respect to telehealth services during any emergency period Bill HR 7292 The COVID-19 Hospital Forgiveness Act To provide for forgiveness of certain accelerated and advance payments under parts A and B of the Medicare program Supply chain coordination and transparency in response to COVID-19.

Client expense: $210,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Navy, Dept of, SENATE

Telehealth, reforming barriers to Medicare reimbursement and access to services. Medicare: 1) coverage of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists - the Mental Health Access Improvement Act, H.R.945 and S.286, and 2) coverage of peer support specialists services, H.R. 8206. Health Coverage for individuals released from jails and prisons, the Medicaid Reentry Act (HR1329) Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Exclusion, Meeting IMD Needs with Direction (MIND) Act, HR 6926

Client expense: $41,800 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Treasury, Dept of, White House Office

S. 518/H.R. 1948 - Lymphedema Treatment Act of 2019 S. 1037/H.R. 2788 - Rural Health Clinic Modernization Act of 2019 S. 296/H.R. 2150 - Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act S. 237/H.R. 808 - Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act H.R. 900 - ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2019 S. 1399/H.R. 728 - Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 S. 2842/H.R. 3911 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 S. 1895 - Lower Health Care Costs Act H.R. 3107 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019 H.R. 3630 - No Surprises Act H.R. 3925 - Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act S. 2074/H.R. 2482 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 3 - Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act H.R. 4974/S. 4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2019 Executive Order 13890 - Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nation's Seniors S. 2741/H.R. 4932 - Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2019 S. 2971 - CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2019 H.R. 19 - Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2019 S. 2543 - Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019 H.R. 647 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act H.R. 748 (P.L. 116-136) - CARES Act S. 3548 - CARES Act H.R. 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 6704 - Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act H.R. 6379 - Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act H.R. 6159 - Kids' Access to Primary Care Act of 2020 H.R. 6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2020 H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act H.R. 3436 - Chronic Care Management Improvement Act H.R. 5575 - Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act S. Res. 500/H. Res. 859 - A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the "International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife", as designated by the World Health Organization H.R. 6800 - The HEROES Act H.R. 6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020 H.R. 6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S. 4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R. 266 - Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act S. 3993 - A bill to permit a licensed health care provider to provide health care services to individuals in one or more States in which the provider is not licensed S. 4088 - The Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women & Children Act H.R. 1329 - the Medicaid Reentry Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S. 4775 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act S. 4103 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act H.R. 7663 - Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020 S. 4396/H.R. 7945 - Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act H.R. 6142 - Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 S. 5000 - CARA 2.0 Act of 2020 Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 Increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding to states Skilled nursing facility admitting examination and assessment requirements COVID-19 Pandemic relief: funding, removal of barriers, telehealth, mental health, personal protective equipment, and testing Telehealth pertaining to home health care COVID-19 Pandemic Reducing Regulatory Burdens, including those relating to home infusion therapy, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and hospice certification Medication-Assisted Therapies (MATs) Opioid Abuse Epidemic Documentation of medical records Rural Health Issues Provider Non-Discrimination Issues relating to Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training Demonstration implementation Medicare restrictions pertaining to telehealth

Client expense: $190,650 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

H.R. 1329 - the Medicaid Reentry Act Increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding to states

Client expense: $190,650 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

No bill: Support inclusion of occupational therapy services via telehealth under Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage and any demonstration programs such as telehealth within accountable care organizations. HR 3127/S 1725 - The Home Health Flexibility Act: Support the ability of occupational therapists to conduct the initial and comprehensive assessments for Medicare Home Health cases. No bill: Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 4932/S 2741 - CONNECT for Health Act of 2019: Support expanded coverage for services provided to Medicare patients via telehealth, including occupational therapy and other therapy services. HR 1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act (mental health and Medicaid policy): Support passage S 1754/HR 3215 - The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA): Support passage No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, that support caregivers for people with dementia. No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, to support aging in place. S 1202 - Independence At Home Act: support passage HR 7154 - Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act: Support passage. HR 6634 - Emergency COVID Telehealth Response Act: Support introduction and passage. S. 4375/HR 8727 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocate for provisions that would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to permanently add occupational therapy practitioners to the Medicare telehealth benefit. Support passage. Support various House and Senate proposals to extend and make permanent the Public Health Emergency provisions that enable occupational therapists to provide services to Medicare patients via telehealth. HR 8755-Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Support passage of bill that would allow occupational therapists and other therapists to provide services to Medicare Part B Patients via telehealth after public health emergency ends. S 4343/HR 8581-Triple A Study Bill: advocate to add occupational therapists to list of providers included in legislation mandating study of amputee healthcare. H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Division CC Section 115: Advocate to permit occupational therapists to conduct the initial assessment visit and complete the comprehensive assessment with respect to certain rehabilitation services for home health agencies under the Medicare Part B program. HR 8702/S. 5007 - Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020; Division CC Section 113 of HR 133-Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; and HR 8505-a bill to provide a one year waiver of budget neutrality under the Medicare physician fee schedule: Advocate for changes to evaluation and management coding redistribution in Revisions to Payment Policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Quality Payment Program and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2021 (CMS-1734-F). No bill: Advocated to pause Medicare sequestration for 2021.

Client expense: $160,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

The Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act (S. 3312/H.R. 5909), all provisions related to establishing a grant program for justice agencies and community-based behavioral health providers, as well as a technical assistance center. Medicaid Reentry Act (H.R. 1329), all provisions related to allowing Medicaid coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals to be re-established up to 30 days before their release from jail or prison. Restoring, Enhancing, Securing, and Promoting Our Nations Safety Efforts (RESPONSE) Act of 2019 (S. 2690), all provisions related to strengthening mental health collaboration in communities. The Human-services Emergency Logistics Program (HELP) Act, all provisions related to the diversion of non-criminal, non-fire, and non-emergency calls from 0-1-1 systems to state and regional 2-1-1- systems.

Client expense: $104,240 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act (S. 824/ H.R. 1767), all provisions related to expanding and extending the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid demonstration program. Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S. 286/H.R. 945), all provisions related to allowing marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to directly bill Medicare for their services. Medicaid Reentry Act (H.R. 1329), all provisions related to allowing Medicaid coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals to be re-established up to 30 days before their release from jail or prison. Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007 (H.R. 1663), all provisions related to eliminating the lifetime limit of inpatient mental health services, parity, and coverage of marriage and family therapist/counselor services under Medicare.

Client expense: $104,240 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

S. 2772, H.R. 884: Medicare Mental Health Access Act. H.R. 1301: The Mental Health Telemedicine Expansion Act H.R.1839: Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 H.R. 1530, S. 595: Treat & Reduce Obesity H.R. 1329: Medicaid Reentry Act H.R. 3417: Beneficiary Education Tools Telehealth Extender Reauthorization Act of 2019 H.R. 5575: Primary Care and Behavioral Health Access Act H/S bill is under HCR S.3999: Mental and Behavioral Health Connectivity Act H.R. 6644, S. 3741: Health Care at Home Act H.R. 5201: Telemental Health Expansion Act H.R. 7663: Protecting Access to Post Covid-19 Telehealth Act H.R.4996: Helping MOMS Act of 2020 SF H.R.7539: Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act H.R. 9035: Permanency for Audio-Only Telehealth Act H,R, 8702, S. 5007: Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act H.R. 8840: Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act S. 4013, H.R. 7593: TREATS Act

Client expense: $216,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Natl Science Foundation (NSF), SENATE

Expand access to treatment for persons with opioid use disorder. HR 4712 / S 3271, Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act. HR 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. HR 1865 / HR 2740, FY21 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act. HR 3055, FY21 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Act. HR 4378 / HR 3055, FY21 Continuing Resolution Appropriations Act. HR 133 Omnibus FY21 Appropriations and COVID Relief

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Advance the use and funding of FDA-approved medicines to treat addiction in criminal justice and public health settings HR 1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act S.1983, CREATE Opportunities Act, H.R. 3496 CREATE Opportunities Act H.R. 1158, FY20 Consolidated Appropriations Act (PL-116-93) H.R. 1865, FY20 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (PL 116-94) H.R. 133, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PL 116-260)

Client expense: $750,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

I Medicaid coverage for those transitioning out of incarceration; Increase in Federal Medical Assistance Percentages; H.R. 1329 Medicaid Reentry Act.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst

Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst

Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst

Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst

Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst

Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst

Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

COVID-19 impact on mental health and addiction Relief for SUD treatment facilities and providers Telehealth Access to Covid-19 Vaccine for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Providers and Consumers Medicaids Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) Public Health Workforce Addiction Professional Credentialing Mental Health Services for Students Act (H.R. 1109/ S. 1122) Heroes Act (H.R. 6800) H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act (H.R. 7539) Tele-Mental Health Improvement Act ( H.R. 8060/S. 3792) Coronavirus Mental Health and Addiction Assistance Act of 2020 (H.R. 6999/S. 3825) Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act ( S. 4702 / H.R. 8388 ) Marijuana Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act (H.R. 3884) Medicaid Reentry Act (H.R. 1329)

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $30,000

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), SENATE

Lobbying Issues Description: Budget and appropriations for disease and injury prevention, including obesity and related diseases; pandemic influenza and emerging infectious diseases; physical activity; public health bioterrorism preparedness; food safety, environmental health; paid sick days; womens and childrens health; community-based public health interventions, and substance misuse/behavioral health issues. Specific Legislation: 1.Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) 2.Implementation of Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act and Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (Public Law 113-5, 116-22) 3.Implementation of Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-296) 4.Implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act (Public Law 114-95) 5.Implementation of the Comprehensive Addition and Recovery Act (Public Law 114-98) 6.Midnight Rules Relief Act (S.34/H.R. 21) 7.Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (S. 21/H.R. 26) 8.Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951/H.R. 5/H.R. 45/H.Res.33) 9.Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome (SCRUB) Act (H.R. 998) 10.Regulatory Integrity Act (H.R. 1004) 11.OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act (S. 676/H.R. 1009) 12.A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2017 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2018 through 2026 (S.Con.Res. 3) 13.American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628/H.Res. 228) 14.Ozone Standards Implementation Act (S. 263/H.R. 806) 15.Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation" (S.J. Res. 11/H.J.Res.36) 16.Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act (S. 261/H.R. 772) 17.Reinvigorating Antibiotic and Diagnostic Innovation (READI) Act (H.R. 1840) 18.Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (H.R. 1587) 19.Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act (S. 629) 20.Better Care Reconciliation Act (H.R. 1628) and related amendments 21.Public Health Emergency Response Act (S. 196) 22.Recognizing the importance of vaccinations and immunizations in the United States (H.Res.327) 23.Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (S. 830/H.R. 1953) 24.Community Health and Medical Professionals Improve Our Nation (CHAMPION) Act (H.R. 3922) 25.Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act of 2017 (S. 1899) 26.Tobacco Tax Equity Act (S. 1837) 27.Healthy Kids Act (S. 1821/H.R. 3921) 28.Implementation of the Drug Quality and Security Act (P.S. 113-54) 29.Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-56) 30.Friendly Airports for Mothers Act (S. 1110/H.R. 2375) 31.Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act (S. 1845) 32.Supporting Working Moms Act (S. 2122/H.R. 3255) 33.Championing Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 3922) 34.Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (Public Law 115-90) 35.An Act to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, and for other purposes (Public Law 115-96) 36.Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Public Law 115-97) 37.Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Advancing Innovation Act (S. 2852/H.R. 6378/H.R. 7328/S. 1379/H.R. 269) 38.Vaccine Access Improvement Act (H.R. 4993) 39.Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act (H.R. 453) 40.Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance (S. 2469) 41.Opioid Quota Reform Act (S. 2535) 42.Hospital Preparedness Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4776) 43.Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act (H.R. 1917) 44.Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 (S. 2680) 45.Agriculture and Nutrition Act (H.R. 2) 46.Agriculture Improvement Act (S. 3042) 47.SECURE Act (H.R. 5998) 48.Trauma-Informed Care for Children and Families Act (S. 774) 49.SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6) 50.Centers for Disease Control Emergency Response Act (S. 3161) 51.LABEL Opioids Act (S. 3428) 52.Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act (S. 1857) 53.Outdoors for All Act (S. 3499) 54.The MOMMA Act (H.R. 5977) 55.Preventing Maternal Deaths Act (H.R. 1318) 56.Medicare Access to Vaccines Equity Act (not yet introduced) 57.The Support Act (H.R. 6) 58.Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act (S. 529) 59.NURSE Act (H.R. 1597) 60.Investing for the People Act (H.R. 2021) 61.Child Care for Working Families Act (H.R. 365/S. 568) 62.FAMILY Act (H.R. 1185/S. 463) 63.Transportation Alternatives Enhancement Act (S. 1098) 64.Lower Health Care Costs Act (S. 1895) 65.LIFT America Act (H.R 2479) 66.Public Health Funding Restoration Act (H.R. 3447/S. 1944) 67.Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 (HR 4334) 68.Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act (H.R. 3591) 69.Healthier Students for Stronger Campuses Act (S. 1281) 70.Saving Lives Through Better Data Act (S. 1793) 71.VACCINES Act (H.R. 2862) 72.DISARM Act (H.R. 4100/S. 1712) 73.Community Access, Resources, and Education for Families Act (H.R. 3117) 74.Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act (S. 1872) 75.Tobacco-Free Youth Act (S. 1541) 76.Tobacco to 21 Act (H.R. 2411/S. 1258) 77.Investing for People Act (H.R. 2021) 78.School Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act (H.R.2075/S.1013) 79.Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (H.R. 2339) 80.Social Determinants Accelerator Act (H.R. 4004/S. 2986) 81.Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act (H.R. 2431) 82.The UNDERSTAND Act (S. 1323) 83.Americas Transportation Infrastructure Act (S. 2302) 84.Barriers to Suicide Act of 2019 (H.R. 4309) 85.Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act (S. 1608/H.R. 2891) 86.Public Health Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 5321) 87.Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act (H.R. 5249) 88.Lead-Free Future Act (H.R. 4416) 89.Home Visiting to Reduce Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Act (H.R. 4768) 90.Recognizing the anniversary of the eradication of smallpox and the importance of vaccination in the United States and worldwide (H. Res. 592) 91.Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) 92.Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) 93.Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) 94.Connecting Americas Transportation Infrastructure Act (H.R. 5696/S. 3391)) 95.Improving Access to Remote Behavioral Health Treatment Act (S. 2244/H.R. 4131) 96.National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S. 2661/H.R. 4194) 97.Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act (H.R. 4564) 98.Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act (H.R. 4585) 99.Medicaid Reentry Act (H.R. 1329) 100.Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act (S. 824/H.R. 1767) 101.Mental Health Services for Students Act (S. 1122/H.R. 1109) 102.Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act (S. 2492/H.R. 2599) 103.Mental Health Parity Compliance Act (S. 1737/H.R. 3165) 104.Behavioral Health Transparency Act (S. 1576/H.R. 2874) 105.Medicare Mental Health Access Act (S. 2772/H.R. 884) 106.Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act (S. 3309) 107.Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (H.R. 5041) 108.Protecting the Health of Americas Older Adults During COVID-19 and Beyond Act (H.R. 6935) 109.Improving Social Determinants Act (H.R. 6561/S. 4440) 110.Urging the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (H.Con.Res.100) 111.FY 2021 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations (TBD) 112.Better Tools for Healthy Living Act (S. 1805) 113.The WIC Act (H.R. 6811/S. 2358) 114.Health Equity and Accountability Act (H.R. 6637) 115.Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) 116.The HEROES Act (H.R.6800) 117.Community Solutions for COVID-19 Act (H.R.7077/S.3877) 118.The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 (H.R. 6142) 119.COVID-19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act (H.R. 7618/S. 4248) 120.Urging the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (H. Con. Res. 100) 121.Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act of 2020 (H.R. 8061) 122.Public Safety Officer Support Act (H.R. 7568) 123.COVID-19 Behavioral Health Support Act (S. 4059) 124.Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Act (H.R. 6578) 125.Strengthening the Public Health Workforce Act (S. 3737) 126.A resolution declaring racism a public health crisis (S. Res. 655) 127.Pandemic Child Hunger Prevention Act (H.R.7887) 128.Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (S. 4740) 129.CARE for Families Act (H.R. 3117/S. 3354) 130.Improving Data Collection for Adverse Childhood Experiences Act (H.R. 7689) 131.The STANDUP Act of 2020 (H.R. 7293) 132.The Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act (H.R. 4861) 133.The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 (H.R. 5469) 134.The Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department Act (H.R. 2519/S. 1334) 135.The Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 5619/S. 3198) 136.The Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act (H.R. 1646/S. 3244) 137.The Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act (H.R. 4585) 138.The Maternal Health Immunization Enhancement Act (S. 4690) 139.Pandemic Vaccine Access Improvement Act (Not yet introduced) 140.Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2) 141.Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (HR 8319) Coronavirus Response Additional Supplemental Appropriations Act (S. 4320). 142.ETHIC Act (H.R. 8205) 143.Safely Back to School and Work Act (S. 4322) 144.Supporting the goals and ideals of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month (H.Res. 1064) 145.COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act (S. 4262) 146.Protecting American Heroes Act of 2020 (S. 4368) 147.Health STATISTICS Act (H.R. 8080) House(s) of Congress and Federal Agencies lobbied during the quarter: House, Senate, Exec Office of Pres, HHS, CDC, FDA, CMS, OMB, DOT, HUD, EPA, NIMH, Education, USDA, DHS, FEMA, and SAMHSA.

Client expense: $36,974 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT)

Bill # H.R. 652: Comprehensive Care for Seniors Act Bill # H.R. 1329: Medicaid Reentry Act. Partially lifts the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Bill # H.R. 1763 and S348: Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019. Create 15,000 new Medicare-supported residency slots by 2024 Bill # H.R. 2552: Protecting Local Access to Care for Everyone Act. Halts CMS' site neutrality policy Bill # H.R. 3022: Patient Access Protection Act.To protect hospitals from Medicaid DSH cuts Bill # H.R. 4932 and S2741: CONNECT for Health Act. Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act to expand access to telehealth services Bill #S. 296: Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2019.Revises conditions of and limitations on Medicare payment for home health care services Bill HR7791 Makes improvements to the ACO program, including modifying risk adjustment and ensuring fair benchmarks, removes barriers to participation for rural ACOs, and further incentivizes participation in advanced alternative payment models Bill HR 7663 Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act To authorize the HHS Secretary to waive or modify application of Medicare requirements with respect to telehealth services during any emergency period Bill HR 7292 The COVID-19 Hospital Forgiveness Act To provide for forgiveness of certain accelerated and advance payments under parts A and B of the Medicare program Supply chain coordination and transparency in response to COVID-19.

Client expense: $200,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Navy, Dept of, SENATE

The Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act (S. 3312/H.R. 5909), all provisions related to establishing a grant program for justice agencies and community-based behavioral health providers, as well as a technical assistance center. Medicaid Reentry Act (H.R. 1329), all provisions related to allowing Medicaid coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals to be re-established up to 30 days before their release from jail or prison. Restoring, Enhancing, Securing, and Promoting Our Nations Safety Efforts (RESPONSE) Act of 2019 (S. 2690), all provisions related to strengthening mental health collaboration in communities.

Client expense: $174,990 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act (S. 824/ H.R. 1767), all provisions related to expanding and extending the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid demonstration program. Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S. 286/H.R. 945), all provisions related to allowing marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to directly bill Medicare for their services. Medicaid Reentry Act (H.R. 1329), all provisions related to allowing Medicaid coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals to be re-established up to 30 days before their release from jail or prison. Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007 (H.R. 1663), all provisions related to eliminating the lifetime limit of inpatient mental health services, parity, and coverage of marriage and family therapist/counselor services under Medicare.

Client expense: $174,990 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

S. 518/H.R. 1948 - Lymphedema Treatment Act of 2019 S. 1037/H.R. 2788 - Rural Health Clinic Modernization Act of 2019 S. 296/H.R. 2150 - Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act S. 237/H.R. 808 - Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act H.R. 900 - ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2019 S. 1399/H.R. 728 - Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 S. 2842/H.R. 3911 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 S. 1895 - Lower Health Care Costs Act H.R. 3107 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019 H.R. 3630 - No Surprises Act H.R. 3925 - Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act S.2074/H.R. 2482 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 3 - Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act H.R. 4974/S. 4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2019 Executive Order 13890 - Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nation's Seniors S. 2741/H.R. 4932 - Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2019 S. 2971 - CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2019 H.R. 19 - Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2019 S. 2543 - Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019 H.R. 647 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act H.R. 748 (P.L. 116-136) - CARES Act S. 3548 - CARES Act H.R. 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 6704 - Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act H.R. 6379 - Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act H.R. 6159 - Kids' Access to Primary Care Act of 2020 H.R. 6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2020 H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act H.R. 3436 - Chronic Care Management Improvement Act H.R. 5575 - Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act S. Res. 500/H. Res. 859 - A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the "International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife", as designated by the World Health Organization H.R. 6800 - The HEROES Act H.R. 6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020 H.R. 6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S. 4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R. 266 - Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act S. 3993 - A bill to permit a licensed health care provider to provide health care services to individuals in one or more States in which the provider is not licensed S. 4088 - The Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women & Children Act H.R. 1329 - the Medicaid Reentry Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.4775 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act S. 4103 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act H.R. 7663 - Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020 S. 4396/H.R. 7945 - Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act Increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding to states Skilled nursing facility admitting examination and assessment requirements COVID-19 Pandemic relief: funding, removal of barriers, telehealth, mental health, personal protective equipment, and testing Telehealth pertaining to home health care COVID-19 Pandemic Reducing Regulatory Burdens, including those relating to home infusion therapy, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and hospice certification Medication-Assisted Therapies (MATs) Opioid Abuse Epidemic Documentation of medical records Rural Health Issues Provider Non-Discrimination Issues relating to Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training Demonstration implementation

Client expense: $191,402 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

H.R. 1329 - the Medicaid Reentry Act Increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding to states

Client expense: $191,402 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

Telehealth, reforming barriers to Medicare reimbursement and access to services. Medicare: 1) coverage of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists - the Mental Health Access Improvement Act, H.R.945 and S.286, and 2) coverage of peer support specialists services, H.R. 8206. Health Coverage for individuals released from jails and prisons, the Medicaid Reentry Act (HR1329)

Client expense: $37,575 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Treasury, Dept of, White House Office

No bill: Support inclusion of occupational therapy services via telehealth under Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage and any demonstration programs such as telehealth within accountable care organizations. HR 3127/S 1725 - The Home Health Flexibility Act: Support the ability of occupational therapists to conduct the initial and comprehensive assessments for Medicare Home Health cases. S 518/HR 1948 - Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. No bill: Advocate for Congressional oversight of new Medicare payment models - PDPM & PDGM. No bill: Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. No bill: Advocated to stop proposed cuts to therapy services in the 2021 Physician Fee Schedule. HR 4932/S 2741 - CONNECT for Health Act of 2019: Support expanded coverage for services provided to Medicare patients via telehealth, including occupational therapy and other therapy services. HR 1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act (mental health and Medicaid policy): Support passage S 1754/HR 3215 - The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA): Support passage No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, that support caregivers for people with dementia. No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, to support aging in place. S 1202 - Independence At Home Act: support passage HR2408 - Ensuring Access to Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2019: support passage HR 748, CARES Act: Advocated to include occupational therapy practitioners as eligible Medicare telehealth service providers for both the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency and on a permanent basis. HR 7154 - Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act: Support passage. HR 6634 - Emergency COVID Telehealth Response Act: Support introduction and passage. No bill #: Support for waiving statutory budget neutrality requirements, or exempting certain provider specialties from the application of budget neutrality, for the implementation of new Evaluation and Management Codes in the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and inclusion of this waiver in any COVID-19 legislation. HR 6365/3559 -Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020: Support passage. CMS - Met with CMS to discuss Medicare Part B payment reductions to therapy provider payments proposed in the 2021 physician fee schedule: Participants included Demetrios Kouzoukas, Director of Medicare. S. 4375 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Support , particularly for provisions that would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to permanently add occupational therapy practitioners to the Medicare telehealth benefit. Support various House and Senate proposals to extend and make permanent the Public Health Emergency provisions that enable occupational therapists to provide services to Medicare patients via telehealth.

Client expense: $130,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

S. 2772, H.R. 884: Medicare Mental Health Access Act. H.R. 1301: The Mental Health Telemedicine Expansion Act H.R.1839: Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 H.R. 1530, S. 595: Treat & Reduce Obesity H.R. 1329: Medicaid Reentry Act H.R. 3417: Beneficiary Education Tools Telehealth Extender Reauthorization Act of 2019 H.R. 5575: Primary Care and Behavioral Health Access Act S.3999 Mental and Behavioral Health Connectivity Act H.R. 6644/S3741 Health Care at Home Act H.R. 5201 Telemental Health Expansion Act H.R. Protecting Access to Post Covid-19 Telehealth Act

Client expense: $280,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Science Foundation (NSF), Natl Security Agency (NSA), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act H.R. 1839, the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act

Client expense: $144,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Vice President of the United States, SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Re-Entry Act S. 2746, the Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act

Client expense: $144,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Vice President of the United States, SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

Advance the use and funding of FDA-approved medicines to treat addiction in criminal justice and public health settings HR 1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act S.1983, CREATE Opportunities Act, H.R. 3496 CREATE Opportunities Act H.R. 1158, FY20 Consolidated Appropriations Act (PL-116-93) H.R. 1865, FY20 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (PL 116-94) HR 7609 - Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 HR 7614 - Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 HR 7612 - Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 Department of Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021

Client expense: $660,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment

Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment

Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment

Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment

Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment

Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment

Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Expand access to treatment for persons with opioid use disorder. HR 4712 / S 3271, Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act. HR 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. HR 6800 /HR 925 as amended, HEROES Act. HR 1865 / HR 2740, FY21 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act, HR 3055, FY21 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Act. HR 4378 / HR 3055, FY21 Continuing Resolution Appropriations Act.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE