Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act

H. Res. 480, Acknowledging the racial disparities in diagnosing and treating mental health among youth in communities of color H.R. 1109, the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019 H.R. 1554, the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act H.R. 1763 / S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 H.R. 2279/ S. 2546, the Safe Step Act H.R. 2482/ S. 2074, the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 2734 / S. 1448, the Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act H.R. 3180/ S. 1770, the RISE from Trauma Act H.R. 3239/ S. 2135, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act H.R. 3253, the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act H.R. 3414/ S. 2892, the Opioid Workforce Act H.R. 3417, BETTER Act of 2019 H.R. 4194/S. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 H.R. 4309, the Barriers to Suicide Act H.R. 4327, the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act H.R. 4861/ S. 3006, the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act H.R. 4932 / S. 2741, the CONNECT for Health Act H.R. 4995, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2019 H.R. 4996, the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act of 2019 H.R. 5, the Equality Act H.R. 5201, the Telemental Health Expansion Act of 2019 H.R. 5473, the Enhance Access to Support Essential Behavioral Health Services Act H.R.5469, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 H.R.5575, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2020 Out of network billing legislation S. 1227, the Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2019 S. 2443, the Investment in Tomorrow's Pediatric Health Care Workforce Act S. 824, the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act S.1659, the Ensuring Childrens Access to Specialty Care Act of 2019 Title III Sec. 305 Timely Bills to Patients within the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 (S. 1895) Cures 2.0 Title X Family Planning Program Administration Rule Efforts related to psychiatric bed shortages. H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act H.R. 2895/ S. 948, the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act H.R. 4996, the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services (MOMS) Act, and Senate efforts. S. 311, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act S. 3275, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act H.R. 4056 and S. 2446, the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act of 2019 H.R. 5575, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act Telehealth provisions as related to Covid-19. H.R. 6644, the Health Care at Home Act H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), including the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, and more. Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 and related Medicare and Medicaid payment updates. Emergency financial relief and stability funding for 501(c)(6) tax-exempt medical and dental trade associations impacted by the pandemic H.R. 7078, the Evaluating Disparities and Outcomes of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Emergency Act of 2020 (EDOT Act of 2020) H.R. 7255, the Coronavirus Health Care Worker Wellness Act of 2020 S. 3919, the Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act H.R. 7608, the Legislative Vehicle for the Fiscal 2021 Four-Bill Appropriations Package Recommendations on confidential mental health records sharing. H.R. 7539, the Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act H.R. 4564, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2019 H.R. 5619, the Suicide Prevention Act H.R. 4585, the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act H.R. 1646, the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act of 2019 H.R. 2519, the Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department Act of 2019 H.R. 7147, the Creating Resources to Improve Situations of Inherent Severity Act (CRISIS Act) H.R. 7159/S. 4282, the Crisis Care Improvement and Suicide Prevention Act of 2020 21st Century Cures Act, RE: Opioid State Targeted Response Grants H.R. 7689, the Improving Data Collection for Adverse Childhood Experiences Act H.R. 8094/S. 4349, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act H.R. 6561/S. 4440, the Improving Social Determinants of Health Act H.R. 7511/ S. 4211, the Facilitating Reforms that Offer Necessary Telehealth in Every Rural (FRONTIER) Community Act H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act H.R. 1763, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 S. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 (Sen. Gardner - Energy and Commerce) H.R. 3935, the Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act H.R. 4564, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2020 S. Res. 738, Recognizing suicide as a serious public health problem and expressing support for the designation of September as National Suicide Prevention Month S. 4113, the Broadband Reform and Investment to Drive Growth in the Economy Act of 2020 (BRIDGE Act) H.R. 7859, the Strengthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act S. 4421, the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act H.R. 8141, the Strengthening Mental Health Supports for BIPOC Communities Act HR 7510, the Assimilating Health and Equity Assessments into Decision-making Act of 2020 or AHEAD Act H.R. 5469/S.4388, the Mental Health Equity Act of 2020 H.R. 7059, the Coronavirus Provider Protection Act, S. 3792, the Tele-Mental Health Improvement Act of 2020. HR 6810 to provide COBRA subsidies for unemployed and furloughed individuals during COVID H.R. 7593/S. 4103, the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act H.R. 6645, the Mental Health Research Act H.R. 7539, the Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act H.R. 5201, the Telemental Health Expansion Act of 2019 H.R. 6561/S. 3595, the Ensuring Understanding for COVID-19 to Protect Public Health Act S. 4524, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act S. 4486, the Achieving Thorough Transparency & Accessibility for Information Navigation (ATTAIN) on Mental Health Act H.R. 6800/H.R. 8406, the HEROES Act H.R. 7663, the Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020 S. 4230, the Telehealth Expansion Act of 2020 H.R. 7391, the Protect Telehealth Access Act of 2020 H.R. 7760, To make a supplemental appropriation for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program of the Federal Communications Commission for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020 H.R.8067, the Addressing COVID-19 Health Disparities Act H.R. 2862, the VACCINES Act of 2019 (G6 letter for internal purposes) Efforts related to Collaborative Care Model S. 3197, the Improving Access to Health Care in Rural and Underserved Areas Act H.R. 6139, the COVID-19 Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2020 H.Res. 908 (S.Res. 580) Condemning all forms of Anti-Asian Sentiment as related to COVID-19 H.R. 6585, the Equitable Data Collection and Disclosure on COVID-19 Act H.R. 7078, the EDOT Act of 2020 HR 7077, the Community Solutions for COVID-19 Act S. 4441, the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS) Act

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

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

Implementation of and funding for SUPPORT Act; legislation related to addressing the opioid crisis and additional addiction issues, including H.R. 2482/S. 2074, H.R. 3734/S. 1448, and S. 1012/H.R. 2062; education re Shatterproofs Addiction Treatment Locator, Analysis, and Standards (ATLAS) tool; addiction prevention and assistance efforts in the workplace; and advise client regarding federal legislative and regulatory response to the COVID-19 Cares Act and other federal initiatives as they relate to the quality of, and access to substance use disorder treatment.; Implementation of and funding for SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (P.L. 115-271); legislation related to addressing the opioid crisis and additional addiction issues, including the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act (H.R. 2482/S. 2074); Medication Access and Training Expansion Act (H.R. 2482); PDMPs Help Patients Act of 2019 (H.R. 3927).

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

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

H. Res. 480, Acknowledging the racial disparities in diagnosing and treating mental health among youth in communities of color H.R. 1109, the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019 H.R. 1554, the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act H.R. 1763 / S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 H.R. 2062 / S. 1012 (42 CFR Part 2) H.R. 2279/ S. 2546, the Safe Step Act H.R. 2482/ S. 2074, the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 2734 / S. 1448, the Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act H.R. 2862, the VACCINES Act of 2019 H.R. 3, Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 H.R. 3180/ S. 1770, the RISE from Trauma Act H.R. 3239/ S. 2135, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act H.R. 3253, the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act H.R. 3414/ S. 2892, the Opioid Workforce Act H.R. 3417, BETTER Act of 2019 H.R. 4194, S. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 H.R. 4309, the Barriers to Suicide Act H.R. 4327, the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act H.R. 4861/ S. 3006, the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act H.R. 4932 / S. 2741, the CONNECT for Health Act H.R. 4995, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2019 H.R. 4996, the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act of 2019 H.R. 5, the Equality Act H.R. 5201, the Telemental Health Expansion Act of 2019 H.R. 5473, the Enhance Access to Support Essential Behavioral Health Services Act H.R.5469, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 H.R.5575, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2020 Out of network billing legislation S. 1227, the Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2019 S. 2443, the Investment in Tomorrow's Pediatric Health Care Workforce Act S. 824, the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act S.1659, the Ensuring Childrens Access to Specialty Care Act of 2019 Title III Sec. 305 Timely Bills to Patients within the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 (S. 1895) Cures 2.0 Suggestions related to addressing mental health in rural communities. Title X Family Planning Program Administration Rule Efforts related to psychiatric bed shortages. H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act H.R. 2895, S. 948, the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act H.R. 4996, the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services (MOMS) Act, and Senate efforts. S. 311, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act S. 3275, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act H.R. 4056 and S. 2446, the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act of 2019 H.R. 5575, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act Telehealth provisions as related to Covid-19. H.R. 6644, the Health Care at Home Act H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), including the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, the provider fund (for MH funding), and more. Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 and related Medicare and Medicaid payment updates. Emergency financial relief and stability funding for 501(c)(6) tax-exempt medical and dental trade associations impacted by the pandemic H.R.7078 , the Evaluating Disparities and Outcomes of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Emergency Act of 2020 (EDOT Act of 2020) H.R. 7255, the Coronavirus Health Care Worker Wellness Act of 2020 S.3919, Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act H.R. 7608, Legislative Vehicle for the Fiscal 2021 Four-Bill Appropriations Package H.R. 6788/S. 3599, Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act Recommendations on confidential mental health records sharing. H.R. 4564, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2019 H.R. 5619, the Suicide Prevention Act H.R. 4585, the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act H.R. 1646, the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act of 2019 H.R.884/S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act H.R. 2519, the Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department Act of 2019 H.R. 7147, the Creating Resources to Improve Situations of Inherent Severity Act (CRISIS Act) H.R. 7159, the Crisis Care Improvement and Suicide Prevention Act of 2020 21st Century Cures Act, RE: Opioid State Targeted Response Grants S.4088, the Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women & Children Act H.R. 6159, the KIDS Access to Primary Care Act S. 3741, the Health Care at Home Act S. 3792, the Tele-mental Health Improvement Act H.R. 6697, the Local Chamber, Tourism, and 501(c)(6) Protection Act

Implementation of and funding for SUPPORT Act; legislation related to addressing the opioid crisis and additional addiction issues, including H.R. 2482/S. 2074, H.R. 3734/S. 1448, and S. 1012/H.R. 2062; education re Shatterproofs Addiction Treatment Locator, Analysis, and Standards (ATLAS) tool; addiction prevention and assistance efforts in the workplace; and advise client regarding federal legislative and regulatory response to the COVID-19 Cares Act and other federal initiatives as they relate to the quality of, and access to substance use disorder treatment.

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

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

H. Res. 480, Acknowledging the racial disparities in diagnosing and treating mental health among youth in communities of color H.R. 1109, the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019 H.R. 1554, the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act H.R. 1763 / S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 H.R. 2062 / S. 1012 (42 CFR Part 2) and S. 3374, the Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act H.R. 2279/ S. 2546, the Safe Step Act H.R. 2482/ S. 2074, the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 2734 / S. 1448, the Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act H.R. 2862, the VACCINES Act of 2019 H.R. 3, Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 H.R. 3180/ S. 1770, the RISE from Trauma Act H.R. 3239/ S. 2135, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act H.R. 3253, the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act H.R. 3414/ S. 2892, the Opioid Workforce Act H.R. 3417, BETTER Act of 2019 H.R. 4194, S. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 H.R. 4309, the Barriers to Suicide Act H.R. 4327, the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act H.R. 4861/ S. 3006, the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act H.R. 4932 / S. 2741, the CONNECT for Health Act H.R. 4995, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2019 H.R. 4996, the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act of 2019 H.R. 5, the Equality Act H.R. 5201, the Telemental Health Expansion Act of 2019 H.R. 5473, the Enhance Access to Support Essential Behavioral Health Services Act H.R.5469, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 H.R.5575, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2020 Out of network billing legislation S. 1227, the Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2019 S. 2443, the Investment in Tomorrow's Pediatric Health Care Workforce Act S. 824, the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act S.1659, the Ensuring Childrens Access to Specialty Care Act of 2019 Title III Sec. 305 Timely Bills to Patients within the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 (S. 1895) Cures 2.0 Suggestions related to addressing mental health in rural communities. Title X Family Planning Program Administration Rule Efforts related to psychiatric bed shortages. H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act H.R. 2895, S. 948, the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act H.R. 4996, the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services (MOMS) Act, and Senate efforts. S. 311, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act S. 3275, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act H.R. 4056 and S. 2446, the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act of 2019 H.R. 5575, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act H.R. 6143, the MOMS Matter Act H.R. 1309, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

Implementation of and funding for SUPPORT Act; legislation related to addressing the opioid crisis and additional addiction issues, including H.R. 2482/S. 2074, H.R. 3734/S. 1448, and S. 1012/H.R. 2062; education re Shatterproofs Addiction Treatment Locator, Analysis, and Standards (ATLAS) tool; addiction prevention and assistance efforts in the workplace.

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

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

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Supported S.1012/ HR 2062 Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act/ Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported HR 4974: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products Submitted comments on amendments to regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute (AKS). The proposed amendments would modify and add new safe harbors under the statute and exceptions to the beneficiary inducements civil monetary penalty definition of remuneration to foster arrangements that would promote care coordination and advance the delivery of value-based care while also protecting patients and taxpayer dollars against harms caused by fraud and abuse. Supported H.Res. 714: Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. Submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by Representatives Greg Walden, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The RFI focused on challenges, failures, fraud and abuse within the SUD treatment industry, as well as opportunities to improve the quality of treatment. Provided comments to ONDCP regarding next National Drug Control Strategy per invitation, focusing on addiction treatment workforce, setting standards, monitoring program effectiveness, coverage for addiction treatment services.

H. Res. 480, Acknowledging the racial disparities in diagnosing and treating mental health among youth in communities of color H.R. 1109, the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019 H.R. 1554, the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act H.R. 1763 / S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 H.R. 2062 / S. 1012 (42 CFR Part 2) H.R. 2279/ S. 2546, the Safe Step Act H.R. 2482/ S. 2074, the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 2734 / S. 1448, the Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act H.R. 2862, the VACCINES Act of 2019 H.R. 3, Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 H.R. 3180/ S. 1770, the RISE from Trauma Act H.R. 3239/ S. 2135, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act H.R. 3253, the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act H.R. 3414/ S. 2892, the Opioid Workforce Act H.R. 3417, BETTER Act of 2019 H.R. 4194, S. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 H.R. 4309, the Barriers to Suicide Act H.R. 4327, the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act H.R. 4861/ S. 3006, the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act H.R. 4932 / S. 2741, the CONNECT for Health Act H.R. 4995, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2019 H.R. 4996, the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act of 2019 H.R. 5, the Equality Act H.R. 5201, the Telemental Health Expansion Act of 2019 H.R. 5473, the Enhance Access to Support Essential Behavioral Health Services Act H.R.5469, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 H.R.5575, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2020 Out of network billing legislation S. 1227, the Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2019 S. 2443, the Investment in Tomorrow's Pediatric Health Care Workforce Act S. 824, the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act S.1659, the Ensuring Childrens Access to Specialty Care Act of 2019 Title III Sec. 305 Timely Bills to Patients within the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 (S. 1895) Cures 2.0 Guidance related to flavored cigarette products. Suggestions related to addressing mental health in rural communities. Title X Family Planning Program Administration Rule Efforts related to psychiatric bed shortages.

H.R.1763 / S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 H.R. 2062 / S. 1012 (42 CFR Part 2) H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act H.R. 5, the Equality Act H.R. 1109, the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019 S. 824, the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act H.R. 2300 Eliminating Debtor's Prison for Kids Act of 2019 Activity to promote evidence-based trauma-informed care Out of network billing legislation H.R. 2569/S. 1365, the CARE Act H.R. 3414, the Opioid Workforce Act S. 1895, the Lower Health Care Costs Act H.R. 3496, the CREATE Opportunities Act S. 1227, the Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2019 H.R. 2874 / S. 1576, the Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act S.1659, the Ensuring Childrens Access to Specialty Care Act of 2019 H.R. 3253, the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act H.R. 1554, the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act H.R. 3239, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act H.R. 3180/ S. 1770, the RISE from Trauma Act H.R. 2862, the VACCINES Act of 2019 H.R. 4309, the Barriers to Suicide Act H.R. 2569/S. 1365, the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act H.R. 2279, the Safe Step Act H.R. 4327, the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act H.R. 3735, the Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act H.R. 3417, BETTER Act of 2019 H. Res. 337, Expressing support for the designation of May 2019 as "Mental Health Awareness Month H. Res. 587, Recognizing LGBTQ+ suicide as a public health problem and expressing support for the designation of September as "National Suicide Prevention Month" H. Res. 480, Acknowledging the racial disparities in diagnosing and treating mental health among youth in communities of color S. 1227, the Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2019 H.R. 3, Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 H.R. 2734 / S. 1448, the Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act H.R. 2482/ S. 2074, the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 Title X Family Planning Program Administration Rule Maternal mortality legislation

Implementation of and funding for SUPPORT Act; legislation related to opioid crisis, including H.R. 2482/S. 2074, H.R. 3734/S. 1448, and S. 1012/H.R. 2062; education re Shatterproofs Addiction Treatment Locator, Analysis, and Standards (ATLAS) tool; addiction prevention and assistance efforts in the workplace.

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

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Support S. 1448, the Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. Support H.R. 2569, the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act of 2019. Support S. 1449, the Lessening Addiction by Enhancing Labeling Opioids Act.

Client expense: $22,541 · Firm income: Not reported

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

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Supported the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Submitted a letter in response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration regarding data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. ASAMs letter stressed the importance of conducting additional research on cannabis. Supported the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, which would reduce many of the burdensome barriers researchers face when conducting legitimate scientific research involving cannabis. The bill would ensure that a supply of cannabis is continuously available to researchers, streamline various cannabis related application processes that run through the Department of Justice, and require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of existing research on cannabis. Issued a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Support the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act), introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Lisa Murkowski (S. 655) and Representative Diana DeGette and Representative Jamie Raskin (H.R. 1498). The bill would prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes unless the manufacturer demonstrates that a flavor will help with smoking cessation, not increase youth initiation, and not increase the risk of harm to the user. It furthermore prohibits use of flavors in other non-cigarette tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opposed the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which would prohibit FDA from promulgating any public health protections related to what the cigar industry calls traditional large and premium cigars. Even the most basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements like ingredient disclosure and warning labels as well as enforcement of youth access laws would not apply to these products. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT. Supported the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (HR 2339) which would, among other things, amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products

Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Supported the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements. Discussions/comments regarding FY20 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, particularly around OTP payment bundle and OUD demonstration payment codes Advocated for filing of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act which would require every DEA controlled substance prescriber to satisfy an addiction medicine education requirement Issued a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Representative Jim Baird (R-IN). The bill would direct the National Science Foundation to support research on opioid use disorder. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Provided comments to SAMHSA's issuance of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Coordinating Care and Information Sharing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which would, among other things, modify and modernize 42 CFR Part 2, the regulations that govern confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention records. The changes would strengthen the ability of healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients suffering from substance use disorder. Replied to the Request for Information: Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement. In its comments, ASAM urged the DEA to investigate whether some of its policies were unintentionally decreasing access to buprenorphine. The letter also discussed opportunities for improved education of the medical community, and possible enhancements to state PDMPs. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Submitted comments on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. In its comments, ASAM applauded the introduction of two bundled payment structures, one for outpatient treatment of OUD and one for OTPs. However, it also noted that the proposed reimbursement rates were significantly lower than necessary to expand access to MAT.

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Advocated for FY2020 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, and preventive medicine residency programs; report language regarding national standards for treatment programs Supported HR 3496 & S 1983 CREATE Opportunities Act - grants to, and cooperative agreements with, state and local governments to develop, implement, or expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals who are addicted to opioids. Supported HR 2569 & S 1365 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act - to provide emergency assistance to States, territories, Tribal nations, and local areas affected by the opioid epidemic and to make financial assistance available to States, territories, Tribal nations, local areas, and public or private nonprofit entities to provide for the development, organization, coordination, and operation of more effective and cost efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with substance use disorder and their families. Advocated for additional evidence-based standards. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions) - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 2874 and S 1576 - Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act which would require issuers to disclose the analysis they perform in making parity determinations; require federal regulators to conduct random audits; and require the federal parity agencies to review denial rates for mental health versus medical claims. Additionally, it would create a central online portal so that people can access all information as a one-stop shop, and submit complaints and violations. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.2062/S. 1012 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Supported H.R.1920 - Medicaid Bump Act - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for mental and behavioral health services, and for other purposes. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported S 824/HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act This legislation would extend and expand the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which is set to end in mid-2019. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and 25 other organizations in sending letters expressing support for the Parity Enforcement Act (HR 2848). This legislation would give the U.S. Department of Labor authority to levy civil monetary penalties against health insurers and plan sponsors for parity violations of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Supported HR 2734/S 1448 - Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. The bill calls for mandatory education for practitioners licensed to dispense or conduct research with controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, or V. The education, which would be required as part of a prescribers DEA licensure registration and renewal, will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Joined other organizations in sending a letter urging Members of Congress to support the Johns S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724 / H.R. 1614). The legislation would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 7 days. Supported S 1556 - No Junk Plans Act. This bill would legislatively block implementation of the Trump Administrations Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance rule. This rule loosened restrictions on these plans, allowing enrollees to be on short-term plans for up to a year and renew their short-term plan for up to 3 years. Joined members of the Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 in sending a letter urging addition of the legislative language in S. 1012, the Protecting Jessica Grubbs Legacy Act to the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. S. 1012 would align Part 2 with HIPAA for TPO, and strengthen protections against the use of addiction records in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. In addition, the bill further amplifies patient protections by incorporating antidiscrimination language, significantly enhancing penalties for any breach of a persons substance use record, and adding breach notification requirements. Advocated for further alignment of Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations with the Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA Advocated for reduction of barriers to buprenorphine related to treatment of hospitalized patients. Technical assistance regarding implementation of CMS related provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Advocated for clarification/guidance regarding DATA Waiver and education provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Joined the Friends of NIDA in sending a letter in support of the Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This legislation would enable the expansion of the scientific research base on marijuana to answer critical questions, such as identifying potential therapeutic effects and possible public health consequences. Provided technical assistance and support for new legislation requiring all controlled substance prescribers with a DEA license to become DATA 2000 waiver trained Joined over 75 organizations in sending a letter urging members of Congress to cosponsor The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S.348, H.R. 1763), which would increase the number of residency positions funded by Medicare in hospitals around the country by 15,000 over 5 years. This legislation would work to expand the physician workforce to address alarming projected deficits of physicians in both primary and specialty care. Joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) in sending a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Budget in support of H.R. 2021 - the Investing for the People Act of 2019. This legislation would raise both the defense and nondefense discretionary caps by $88 billion each in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Joined members of the Tobacco Partners Coalition in sending a letter in response to a request for comment issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The request for comment seeks industry input regarding draft guidance being developed by the FDA on modifications to compliance policy for certain deemed tobacco products. Joined members of the Mental Health Liason Group (MHLG) in sending a letter voicing support for H.R. 1329, the Medicaid Reentry Act. The bill would work to grant Medicaid eligibility to incarcerated individuals 30-days prior to their release. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from FDA oversight. Advocated that FDA rightly concluded in the final Deeming Rule that there was no public health justification for exempting any cigars from FDA oversight because all cigars pose significant health risks. One difference this year is that the House added language specifying that cigars with flavor additives would not fit the bills definition of a premium cigar. Despite the flavors language, the bill would still exempt some cheap, machine-made cigars that youth are using from FDA oversight. The Senate bill did not include language on flavors. Supported The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act) is legislation that would curb the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. Supported introduction of legislation to make the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities smoke-free. Discussions with CMS regarding barriers to accessing addiction care in Medicare and Medicaid and suggestions for improvements Provided technical assistance regarding Senator Shaheen's Turn the Tide Act which would increase funding to combat the addiction crisis, including efforts to stregthenen the addiction treatment workforce and increase Medicaid reimbursement for addiction treatment providers

Support S. 1448, the Safer Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act. Support H.R. 2569, the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act of 2019. Support S. 1449, the Lessening Addiction by Enhancing Labeling Opioids Act.

Client expense: $23,650 · Firm income: Not reported

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