Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act

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

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

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

SNP sustainability and improvements to MMPs RADV audits Enact risk corridors for Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPS) [Section 30213 of the HEROES Act Designate employees in home and community based work as essential workers for the purpose of premium pay [Section 17101 - 17104 of the House-passed HEROES Act] "Support the Coronavirus State Fiscal Relief Fund and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Relief Fund in Title III of the HEROES Act" Increase the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) Institute a Moratorium on the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation (MFAR) until after the PHE Appropriate payment, including risk adjustment, for D-SNPs and MMPs Appropriate quality measurement for D-SNPs and MMPs "Protect Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements in Section 6008(b) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act" Education, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of coordinated care programs for dual eligibles Legislative solution to address churning in Medicaid/CHIP eligibility in both programs Medicaid quality measurement and improvement Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act (H.R.1879/S.873) Regulatory and systematic impact of Medicaid continuous coverage Actuarial soundness for Medicaid managed care payments Medicaid managed care regulations Medicaid Provider Payments Medicaid state financing mechanisms HR 6359 Coronavirus Medicaid Response Act Response to Congressional inquiry regarding maternal health care and Medicaid managed care Prevent Medicaid waivers of actuarial soundness through coronavirus pandemic emergency Institute moratorium on Medicaid Financial Accountability Rule through Coronavirus emergency Adequate ratesetting for Medicare Advantage and MMPs to account for increased COVID-19 costs Support for Hazard Pay for Certain Home Health Workers and Personal Care Attendants HR 6800, the HEROES Act

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appropriate payment, including risk adjustment, for D-SNPs and MMPs Appropriate quality measurement for D-SNPs and MMPs "Protect Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements in Section 6008(b) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act" Education, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of coordinated care programs for dual eligibles Legislative solution to address churning in Medicaid/CHIP eligibility in both programs Medicaid and Medicare reform discussions with MACPAC and MedPAC Medicaid eligibility and enrollment issues Medicaid health plans serving as qualified health plans in the Exchange Medicaid quality measurement and improvement Medicaid expansion activities Impact of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Privacy Protections on Medcare/Medicaid beneficiaries (42 CFR Part 2) Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act (H.R.1879/S.873) Regulatory and systematic impact of Medicaid continuous coverage SNP sustainability and improvements to MMPs RADV audits Enact risk corridors for Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPS) [Section 30213 of the HEROES Act Designate employees in home and community based work as essential workers for the purpose of premium pay [Section 17101 - 17104 of the House-passed HEROES Act] "Support the Coronavirus State Fiscal Relief Fund and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Relief Fund in Title III of the HEROES Act" Medicare Special Enrollment Period Medicare Presumptive Eligibility Guidance Increase the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) Institute a Moratorium on the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation (MFAR) until after the PHE "Expand the availability of the FCC Lifeline program during the current COVID-19 public health emergency" H.R. 6926, the Meeting IMD Needs with Direction (MIND) Act H.R. 4996, the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services (MOMS) Act Actuarial soundness for Medicaid managed care payments Impact of significant budget cuts in Medicaid Medicaid managed care best practices Medicaid managed care regulations Medicaid Provider Payments Network adequacy Risk adjustment Home and community based services Capped Medicaid Funding Proposals Impact of enhanced state flexibility in managing Medicaid programs Including Medciaid Continuous Eligibility Maintenance of Effort requirements in H.R.6201, Families First Coronavirus Response Act HR 6359 Coronavirus Medicaid Response Act Ensure adeqate Medicaid Managed Care ratesetting through Coronavirus Emergency (H.R.748) Institute moratorium on Medicaid Financial Accountability Rule through Coronavirus emergency (H.R.748) Protecting Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation benefits through coronavirus pandemic emegency (H.R.748) Adequate ratesetting for Medicare Advantage and MMPs to account for increased COVID-19 costs (H.R.748) Suspend MA-PD audits, including RADV audits, through pendemic emergency period (H.R.748) Include COVID-19 pandemic in "Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances" policy for CY2021 MA STARS ratings (H.R.748) Permit MA D-SNPs and MMPs to substitute face-to-face care coordination activities with telephonic or telehealth management (H.R.748) Regulatory relief for Managed Long Term Supports and Services Plans during COVID-19 pandemic (H.R.748) Medicaid PCP rate increase HR 6800, the HEROES Act

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities Advocated for eventual filing of the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act (S. 4103). For purposes of prescribing Schedule III and IV medications, including buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder, the TREATS Act would make permanent a new, audio-video, telehealth evaluation exception to the Ryan Haight Acts in-person exam requirement. The TREATS Act would also clarify Medicares continued ability, beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency, to reimburse for audio-only, substance use disorder telehealth services after an in-person or telehealth evaluation

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities Advocated for eventual filing of the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act (S. 4103). For purposes of prescribing Schedule III and IV medications, including buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder, the TREATS Act would make permanent a new, audio-video, telehealth evaluation exception to the Ryan Haight Acts in-person exam requirement. The TREATS Act would also clarify Medicares continued ability, beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency, to reimburse for audio-only, substance use disorder telehealth services after an in-person or telehealth evaluation

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities Advocated for eventual filing of the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act (S. 4103). For purposes of prescribing Schedule III and IV medications, including buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder, the TREATS Act would make permanent a new, audio-video, telehealth evaluation exception to the Ryan Haight Acts in-person exam requirement. The TREATS Act would also clarify Medicares continued ability, beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency, to reimburse for audio-only, substance use disorder telehealth services after an in-person or telehealth evaluation

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities Advocated for eventual filing of the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act (S. 4103). For purposes of prescribing Schedule III and IV medications, including buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder, the TREATS Act would make permanent a new, audio-video, telehealth evaluation exception to the Ryan Haight Acts in-person exam requirement. The TREATS Act would also clarify Medicares continued ability, beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency, to reimburse for audio-only, substance use disorder telehealth services after an in-person or telehealth evaluation

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities Advocated for eventual filing of the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act (S. 4103). For purposes of prescribing Schedule III and IV medications, including buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder, the TREATS Act would make permanent a new, audio-video, telehealth evaluation exception to the Ryan Haight Acts in-person exam requirement. The TREATS Act would also clarify Medicares continued ability, beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency, to reimburse for audio-only, substance use disorder telehealth services after an in-person or telehealth evaluation

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities Advocated for eventual filing of the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act (S. 4103). For purposes of prescribing Schedule III and IV medications, including buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder, the TREATS Act would make permanent a new, audio-video, telehealth evaluation exception to the Ryan Haight Acts in-person exam requirement. The TREATS Act would also clarify Medicares continued ability, beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency, to reimburse for audio-only, substance use disorder telehealth services after an in-person or telehealth evaluation

SNP sustainability and improvements to MMPs RADV audits S.1012/H.R.3374, The Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act H.R. 2062, Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act (OPPS Act) Appropriate payment, including risk adjustment, for D-SNPs and MMPs Appropriate quality measurement for D-SNPs and MMPs Education, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of coordinated care programs for dual eligibles Legislative solution to address churning in Medicaid/CHIP eligibility in both programs Medicaid and Medicare reform discussions with MACPAC and MedPAC Medicaid eligibility and enrollment issues Medicaid health plans serving as qualified health plans in the Exchange Medicaid quality measurement and improvement Medicaid expansion activities Impact of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Privacy Protections on Medcare/Medicaid beneficiaries (42 CFR Part 2) Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act (H.R.1879/S.873) Regulatory and systematic impact of Medicaid continuous coverage Jessie's Law Actuarial soundness for Medicaid managed care payments Impact of significant budget cuts in Medicaid Medicaid Provider Payments Network adequacy Risk adjustment Medicaid state financing mechanisms Capped Medicaid Funding Proposals Impact of enhanced state flexibility in managing Medicaid programs Including Medciaid Continuous Eligibility Maintenance of Effort requirements in H.R.6201, Families First Coronavirus Response Act Protecting repeal of Medicaid MOE requirements in H.R.748, the CARES Act Supporting Enhanced FMAP in H.R.6201, Families First Coronavirus Response Act Ensure adeqate Medicaid Managed Care ratesetting through Coronavirus Emergency (H.R.748) Prevent Medicaid waivers of actuarial soundness through coronavirus pendemic emergency (H.R.748) Institute moratorium on Medicaid Financial Accountability Rule through Coronavirus emergency (H.R.748) Protecting Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation benefits through coronavirus pandemic emegency (H.R.748) Adequate ratesetting for Medicare Advantage and MMPs to account for increased COVID-19 costs (H.R.748) Suspend MA-PD audits, including RADV audits, through pendemic emergency period (H.R.748) Include COVID-19 pandemic in "Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances" policy for CY2021 MA STARS ratings (H.R.748) Permit MA D-SNPs and MMPs to substitute face-to-face care coordination activities with telephonic or telehealth management (H.R.748) Regulatory relief for Managed Long Term Supports and Services Plans during COVID-19 pandemic (H.R.748)

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities

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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Supported HR 4742, Protecting American Lungs Act, a bill to impose a tax on nicotine used in e-cigarettes. Supported HR 5632, The FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would require the FDA Commissioner to make the final decision on drug approvals if the advisory committee advises against approval, among other things. Advocated for the addiction of a Medicaid Provider Status requirement on any new State Opioid Response Grant funding Advocated for the use of audio-visual telehealth for initation of new OTP patients to be treated with methadone Advocated for an increase in the DATA 2000 waiver patient limit Advocated for telehealth buprenorphine initiation as an exception to Ryan Haight Advocated for addiction CMS guidance and coverage related to telehealth Advocated to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to operate mobile units without requiring them to obtain a separate registration as well as more flexibility regarding take-home medications dispensed from an OTP Advocated for $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19 Advocated for inclusion of provisions in HR 748 of the CARES Act, related to the Opioid Workforce Act, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Medicaid Reentry, emergency health care provider relief funds, reform of 42 CFR Part 2, amont other ASAM priorities

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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. Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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. Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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. Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: 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 the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

SNP sustainability and improvements to MMPs S. 1012, Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act (OPPS Act) Appropriate payment, including risk adjustment, for D-SNPs and MMPs Appropriate quality measurement for D-SNPs and MMPs Education, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of coordinated care programs for dual eligibles Legislative solution to address churning in Medicaid/CHIP eligibility in both programs Medicaid eligibility and enrollment issues Medicaid health plans serving as qualified health plans in the Exchange Medicaid quality measurement and improvement Medicaid expansion activities Impact of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Privacy Protections on Medcare/Medicaid beneficiaries (42 CFR Part 2) Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act (H.R.1879/S.873) Regulatory and systematic impact of Medicaid continuous coverage Jessie's Law Impact of significant budget cuts in Medicaid Medicaid Provider Payments Medicaid state financing mechanisms Capped Medicaid Funding Proposals Impact of enhanced state flexibility in managing Medicaid programs

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

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued 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 Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. 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. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued 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 Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. 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. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued 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 Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. 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. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued 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 Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. 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. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued 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 Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. 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. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. 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. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Issued 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 Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. 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. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. 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. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT.

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. 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.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Advocated for FY2020 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, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - 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 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. 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.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. 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 S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers