Mental Health Parity Compliance Act

Bill # H.R. 647 and S2080: Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act. Establishes Palliative Care and Hospice Education Centers to increase access to palliative care Bill # H.R. 728: Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act.To amend title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend advanced education nursing grants to support clinical nurse specialist programs Bill # H.R. 1767 and S824: Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act. To increase the number of states that may conduct Medicaid demonstration programs to improve access to community mental health services Bill # H.R. 2062 and S1012: Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act.Amends the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records Bill # H.R. 2431 and S2500: Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act. Authorizes a loan repayment program for mental health professionals to relieve workforce shortages Bill #H.R. 2482 and S2074: Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act. Loosens restrictions on doctors prescribing buprenorphine for addiction treatment Bill #H.R. 2895 and S948: Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act. Reauthorizes the Conrad 30 program through FY 2021 Bill #H.R. 3165 and S1737: Mental Health Parity Compliance Act. To achieve complete implementation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (federal parity law) Bill #H.R. 4004 and S2986: Social Determinants Accelerator Act. To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency council on social determinants of health Bill #H.R. 4468: Nursing Home Workforce Quality Act. To address the shortage of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) Bill #H.R. 4859: Protecting Older Americans from Social Isolation Act. To amend the Older Americans Act to reduce social isolation among older individuals Bill #H.R. 5242: Opioid Settlement Accountability Act. To ensure that opioid settlement funds are used to fight the opioid epidemic, including treatment, prevention, education and enforcement efforts. Bill # H.R. 945 and S286: Mental Health Access Improvement Act. To provide for the coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare Bill # H.R. 986:Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act.To prevent the promotion of short-term, limited duration insurance plans and association health plans Bill #S1399:Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act.To amend title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend advanced education nursing grants to support clinical nurse specialist programs Bill #S1895 Lower Health Care Costs Act Bill # HR5640 and S3152:Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act. To require the Federal Communications Commission to incorporate data on maternal health outcomes into its broadband health maps. Bill # S3374: Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Bill S3599 and HR6788 Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act to expand the number of immigrant visas available to nurses and physicians Bill # HR748 S3548: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provides financial relief and resources to individuals, families, and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Bill # 7010 Paycheck protection program flexibility Bill #HR7292 Advanced Accelerated Payment Program forgiveness Bill HR 7077 and S3877 Community Solutions for COVID-19 Act grants to reduce or eliminate disparities HR 8200 Ending health disparities during COVID-19 Bill HR7838 and S4160 To enable certain hospitals participating in 340B drug discount program prior to COVID-19 public health emergency to maintain eligibility

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

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

HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. Supported expansion of telehealth services under ERISA plans.

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

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. HR 3637/S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. HR 3208/S 1755 - REAADI Act - support passage Asked Congress to address the shortage of personal protective equipment and ensure access to appropriate PPE for healthcare providers - including funding the national strategic stockpile. No bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Educated and advocated for funding for early intervention services. HR 6720 - Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act: Supported passage and inclusion of similar language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers in HR 6800, HEROES Act. Supported provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for health care providers, including occupational therapy practitioners in any COVID-19 response legislation. HR 8094 - Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act: Support.

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

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Mental Health issues (incl. 21st Cures Act implementation, mental health parity - incl. H.R.3165/S.1737 Mental Health Parity Compliance Act and H.R.2848 Parity Enforcement Act) General Health Care issues (including Medicare/Medicaid, pre-existing conditions coverage) Medicare Part D Protected Class Drugs coverage Research, Medical and Scientific Issues (including BRAIN initiative) H.R.1131/S.4583 - The Collaborative Academic Research Efforts (CARE) for Tourette Syndrome Act 21st Century Cures Act Implementation (including National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System) Access to Care and Treatment issues (including step therapy, prior authorization, non-medical switching - including HR 3107 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act, HR 2279/S.2546 Safe Step Act) Drug pricing broadly Suicide Prevention (HR 419/S.2661 - The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, S.1782/H.R.3192 - Improving Mental Health Access for Students) Telehealth - increased coverage including making public health emergency coverage for telehealth permanent (including S.2741/H.R.4932 - CONNECT for Health Act, H.R.7663 - Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020)

Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), SENATE

S. 1895: Lower Health Care Costs Act S.523, H.R. 1243: Climate Change and Health Promotion Act S. 1737, H.R. 3165: Mental Health Parity Compliance Act H.R. 2848: Parity Enforcement Act H.R. 3495: Improve Well-Being for Veterans Act H.R. 1884: Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions and Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2019 S. 4761: H.R. 5574 Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act H.R. 5172, S. 3067: Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act H.R. 5469: Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 LR H.R. 1016, S. 2741: CONNECT for Health Act H.R. 4543: Reducing Mental Health Stigma in the Hispanic Community Act of 2019 H.R. 7078: Evaluating Disparities and Outcomes of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Emergency Act S. 4182: Emergency Support for Nursing Homes and Elder Justice Reform Act of 2020 S. 2661 HR 4194: National Suicide Hotline Designation Act H.R. 4564: Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act S. 1737, H.R. 3165: Mental Health Parity Compliance Act H.R. 7539: Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act H.R. 7159, S 4282: Crisis Care Improvement and Suicide Prevention Act

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

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

Public Law 110-343, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 111-148, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 114-255, 21st Century Cures Act, Parity issues H.R.3165/S.1737, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act Parity Enforcement Act of 2019 (HR 2848) H.R.2874/S.1756, Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act H.R.7539, Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act Public Law 116-260, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division BB, Private Health Insurance and Public Health Provisions

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

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

Public Law 110-343, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 111-148, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 114-255, 21st Century Cures Act, Parity issues H.R.3165/S.1737, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act Parity Enforcement Act of 2019 (HR 2848) H.R.2874/S.1756, Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act H.R.7539, Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act Public Law 116-260, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division BB, Private Health Insurance and Public Health Provisions

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bill # H.R. 647 and S2080: Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act. Establishes Palliative Care and Hospice Education Centers to increase access to palliative care Bill # H.R. 728: Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act.To amend title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend advanced education nursing grants to support clinical nurse specialist programs Bill # H.R. 1767 and S824: Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act. To increase the number of states that may conduct Medicaid demonstration programs to improve access to community mental health services Bill # H.R. 2062 and S1012: Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act.Amends the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records Bill # H.R. 2431 and S2500: Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act. Authorizes a loan repayment program for mental health professionals to relieve workforce shortages Bill #H.R. 2482 and S2074: Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act. Loosens restrictions on doctors prescribing buprenorphine for addiction treatment Bill #H.R. 2895 and S948: Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act. Reauthorizes the Conrad 30 program through FY 2021 Bill #H.R. 3165 and S1737: Mental Health Parity Compliance Act. To achieve complete implementation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (federal parity law) Bill #H.R. 4004 and S2986: Social Determinants Accelerator Act. To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency council on social determinants of health Bill #H.R. 4468: Nursing Home Workforce Quality Act. To address the shortage of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) Bill #H.R. 4859: Protecting Older Americans from Social Isolation Act. To amend the Older Americans Act to reduce social isolation among older individuals Bill #H.R. 5242: Opioid Settlement Accountability Act. To ensure that opioid settlement funds are used to fight the opioid epidemic, including treatment, prevention, education and enforcement efforts. Bill # H.R. 945 and S286: Mental Health Access Improvement Act. To provide for the coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare Bill # H.R. 986:Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act.To prevent the promotion of short-term, limited duration insurance plans and association health plans Bill #S1399:Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act.To amend title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend advanced education nursing grants to support clinical nurse specialist programs Bill #S1895 Lower Health Care Costs Act Bill # HR5640 and S3152:Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act. To require the Federal Communications Commission to incorporate data on maternal health outcomes into its broadband health maps. Bill # S3374: Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Bill S3599 and HR6788 Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act to expand the number of immigrant visas available to nurses and physicians Bill # HR748 S3548: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provides financial relief and resources to individuals, families, and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Bill # 7010 Paycheck protection program flexibility Bill #HR7292 Advanced Accelerated Payment Program forgiveness Bill HR 7077 and S3877 Community Solutions for COVID-19 Act grants to reduce or eliminate disparities HR 8200 Ending health disparities during COVID-19 Bill HR7838 and S4160 To enable certain hospitals participating in 340B drug discount program prior to COVID-19 public health emergency to maintain eligibility

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

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

No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S 995 Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act: Support passage HR 3208/S 1755 - REAADI Act - support passage Asked Congress to address the shortage of personal protective equipment and ensure access to appropriate PPE for healthcare providers - including funding the national strategic stockpile. HR 6365/3559 -Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020: Support passage. No bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Educated and advocated for funding for early intervention services. HR 6720 - Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act: Supported passage and inclusion of similar language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers in HR 6800, HEROES Act. HR 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Supported expansion to health care providers of Family Medical Leave Benefits included in the bill. Supported provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for health care providers, including occupational therapy practitioners in any COVID-19 response legislation. HR 8094 - Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act: Support.

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

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

HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. Supported expansion of telehealth services under ERISA plans.

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

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

S. 1895: Lower Health Care Costs Act S.523, H.R. 1243: Climate Change and Health Promotion Act S. 1737, H.R. 3165: Mental Health Parity Compliance Act H.R. 2848: Parity Enforcement Act S 1576, H.R. 2874: Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act H.R. 3495: Improve Well-Being for Veterans Act H.R. 1884: Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions and Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2019 Draft - Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act H.R. 5172: Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act S. 3544 - Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act (S. 3544) H.R. 5469- Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 H.R. 1016, S. 2741: CONNECT for Health Act H.R. 4543: Reducing Mental Health Stigma in the Hispanic Community Act of 2019 H.R. 7078, the Evaluating Disparities and Outcomes of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Emergency Act S. 4182 Emergency Support for Nursing Homes and Elder Justice Reform Act of 2020 S. 2661 - National Suicide Hotline Designation Act H.R. 4564 Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act

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

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

Public Law 110-343, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 111-148, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 114-255, 21st Century Cures Act, Parity issues H.R.3165/S.1737, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act Parity Enforcement Act of 2019 (HR 2848) H.R.2874/S.1756, Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act H.R.7539, Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

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

Public Law 110-343, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 111-148, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 114-255, 21st Century Cures Act, Parity issues H.R.3165/S.1737, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act Parity Enforcement Act of 2019 (HR 2848) H.R.2874/S.1756, Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act H.R.7539, Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

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

Issues pertaining to public mental health programs, Medicare, Medicaid, substance-use disorder care, healthcare workforce and integrated care models; S. 1737/H.R. 3165, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act; issues related to H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Issues pertaining to public mental health programs, Medicare, Medicaid, substance-use disorder care, healthcare workforce and integrated care models; S. 1737/H.R. 3165, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act; issues related to H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 3165 / S. 1737, the Mental Health Parity Compliance Act; Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act H.R. 2279, the Safe Step Act H.R. 3630, the No Surprises Act H.R. 2874/ S. 1576, the Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act of 2019 H.R. 3107, the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act Efforts to increase compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.

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

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

Mental Health issues (incl. 21st Cures Act implementation, mental health parity - incl. H.R.3165/S.1737 Mental Health Parity Compliance Act and H.R.2848 Parity Enforcement Act) General Health Care issues (including Medicare/Medicaid, pre-existing conditions coverage) Medicare Part D Protected Class Drugs coverage Research, Medical and Scientific Issues (including BRAIN initiative) H.R.1131/S.4583 - The Collaborative Academic Research Efforts (CARE) for Tourette Syndrome Act 21st Century Cures Act Implementation (including National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System) Access to Care and Treatment issues (including step therapy, prior authorization, non-medical switching - including HR 3107 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act, HR 2279/S.2546 Safe Step Act) Drug pricing broadly Suicide Prevention (HR 419/S.2661 - The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, S.1782/H.R.3192 - Improving Mental Health Access for Students) Telehealth - increased coverage including making public health emergency coverage for telehealth permanent (including S.2741/H.R.4932 - CONNECT for Health Act, H.R.7663 - Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020)

Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), SENATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COVID-19 impact on mental health and addiction Relief for SUD treatment facilities and providers Telehealth Remote Recovery Support Medication Assisted Treatment SUD privacy standards (42 CFR Part 2) Public Health Workforce Addiction Professional Credentialing H.Res. 419, Resolution recognizing the contributions of the Addiction Profession workforce Parity Enforcement Act (H.R. 2848) Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act (H.R.2874, S.1576) Mental Health Parity Compliance Act (H.R.3165, S.1737) Mental Health Services for Students Act (H.R. 1109/ S. 1122) Heroes Act (H.R. 6800) H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act Integrated Substance Use Disorder Program (ITSP) Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act (H.R. 7539) Tele-Mental Health Improvement Act ( H.R. 8060/S. 3792) Coronavirus Mental Health and Addiction Assistance Act of 2020 (H.R. 6999/S. 3825) COVID-19 Mental Health Research Act (H.R. 6645) Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S. 4349) Facilitating Reforms that Offer Necessary Telehealth In Every Rural (FRONTIER) Community Act (S. 4211/7571) Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act ( S. 4702 / H.R. 8388 ) Marijuana Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act (H.R. 3884) Behavioral Health Coordination and Communication Act (H.R.7723) H.Res. 1057, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that in order to effectively address the high prevalence of those suffering from mental health conditions and substance use disorders, the United States needs to make historic financial investments into mental health and substance use disorder care and finally acknowledge such care as a priority in health care equal to physical health, and for other purposes Issues relating to telehealth

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

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

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

Client expense: $32,208 · Firm income: Not reported

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

H.R. 3165 / S. 1737, the Mental Health Parity Compliance Act; Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act H.R. 2279, the Safe Step Act H.R. 3630, the No Surprises Act H.R. 2874/ S. 1576, the Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act of 2019 H.R. 3107, the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act Efforts to increase compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.

Client expense: $162,000 · Firm income: Not reported

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

HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. Supported expansion of telehealth services under ERISA plans.

Client expense: $220,000 · Firm income: Not reported

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

HR 2283/S.1126 - CHANGE Act of 2019: Support expansion of services for people with Alzheimers and related dementia. No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. No bill # - FY 2021 Department of Defense Appropriations: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million. Support for extension and expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program (no bill number). No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S 995 Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act: Support passage HR 3208/S 1755 - REAADI Act - support passage Asked Congress to address the shortage of personal protective equipment and ensure access to appropriate PPE for healthcare providers - including funding the national strategic stockpile. HR 6365/3559 -Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020: Support passage. No bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Educated and advocated for funding for early intervention services. HR 6720 - Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act: Supported passage and inclusion of similar language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers in HR 6800, HEROES Act. HR 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Supported expansion to health care providers of Family Medical Leave Benefits included in the bill. Supported provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for health care providers, including occupational therapy practitioners in any COVID-19 response legislation.

Client expense: $220,000 · Firm income: Not reported

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

P.L. 116-136, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - provisions related to infusion issues for Medicare patients, amendments to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and the orphan drug tax credit; Issues related to the use of plasma therapies in COVID-19 patients; H.R. 1425, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act Discussions to clarify or reform the 340B program; Discussions on value-based drug contracting; Proposals related to drug pricing, including House and Senate draft bills; S. 205, The Right Rebate Act of 2019 -provisions related to Medicaid drug rebates and drug classification; The Patient Affordability, Value and Efficiency Act (not yet introduced); H.R. 1035; Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act - provisions related to drug pricing transparency and pharmacy benefit managers; S. 378, H.R. 1093, The Stop Price Gouging Act - provisions related to prescription drug pricing; Discussions related to co-pay accumulators; S. 657, Drug Price Transparency Act - provisions related to prescription drug pricing transparency and commercial market rebates; H.R. 2279, S. 2546, Safe Step Act - provisions related to step therapy policy; Discussions related to amending P.L. 97-414, Orphan Drug Act; H.R. 2375, S. 64, Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act - provisions related to patent settlements; H.R. 937, Right Rebate Act of 2019 - provisions related to Medicaid drug rebates and drug classification; H.R. 3276, S. 1785, Fair AMP Act - provisions related to AMP cap, exclusion of authorized generics from AMP; H.R. 3, Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 - provisions related to the establishment of programs and requirements relating to the prices of prescription drugs; H.R. 19, Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2019 - provisions related to AMP cap removal, Medicare Part D redesign, exclusivity periods, vial wastage, drug price transparency, add-on payment and pay-fors; H.R. 3165, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - provisions related to mental health coverage; H.R. 5201, Telemental Health Expansion Act of 2019 - provisions related to mental telehealth coverage; H.R. 5469, Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 - provisions related to mental health coverage; Issues related to global pharmaceutical supply chain operations and manufacturing locations; H.R. 4712, Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act - provisions related to amending P.L. 97-414, Orphan Drug Act; H.R. 2507, S. 2158, Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization of 2019 - provisions related to newborn screening; H.R. 6800, The Heros Act - provisions related to tax issues and plasma treatments;

Client expense: $1,330,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), SENATE

Public Law 110-343, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 111-148, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 114-255, 21st Century Cures Act, Parity issues H.R.3165/S.1737, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act Parity Enforcement Act of 2019 (HR 2848) H.R.2874/S.1756, Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

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

Public Law 110-343, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 111-148, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Implementation of parity issues Public Law 114-255, 21st Century Cures Act, Parity issues H.R.3165/S.1737, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act Parity Enforcement Act of 2019 (HR 2848) H.R.2874/S.1756, Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

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

S. 1895: Lower Health Care Costs Act S.523, H.R. 1243: Climate Change and Health Promotion Act S. 1737, H.R. 3165: Mental Health Parity Compliance Act H.R. 2848: Parity Enforcement Act S 1576, H.R. 2874: Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act H.R. 3495: Improve Well-Being for Veterans Act H.R. 1884: Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions and Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2019 Draft - Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act H.R. 5172: Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act S. 3544 - Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act (S. 3544) H.R. 5469- Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 H.R. 1016, S. 2741: CONNECT for Health Act S. 3768 : Nursing Home COVID-19 Protection and Prevention Act of 2020

Client expense: $320,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ), Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Natl Science Foundation (NSF), Natl Security Agency (NSA), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

Issues pertaining to public mental health programs, Medicare, Medicaid, substance-use disorder care, healthcare workforce and integrated care models; S. 1737/H.R. 3165, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act; issues related to H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

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

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Issues pertaining to public mental health programs, Medicare, Medicaid, substance-use disorder care, healthcare workforce and integrated care models; S. 1737/H.R. 3165, Mental Health Parity Compliance Act; issues related to H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

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

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.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

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

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

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.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

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

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

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.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

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

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

Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.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

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

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