Legislative Progress
Introduced
September 22, 2020
Latest Action
September 22, 2020
Primary Sponsor
Michael F. BennetDemocratic(CO)
Momentum (last 30 days)
0
score
0 actions · 0 new cosponsors · 0 votes
Speed vs cohort
0pct
0d open
vs 5,086 other S bills in the 116th — cohort avg 30d
Medication Access and Training Expansion Act of 2020 or the MATE Act of 2020 This bill requires prescribers of controlled substances, as a condition of obtaining or renewing their registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, to complete specified education or training on the prevention, treatment, and management of opioid-use and other substance-use disorders. This education and training shall also satisfy the training requirements currently needed to obtain waivers to prescribe certain medication-assisted treatments for opioid-use disorders in settings other than opioid treatment programs.
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Filing registrants (8)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Introduced in Senate
Bills with similar content found using semantic analysis.
Sources: Congress.gov
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
H.R. 6390/S.3568 - Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 H.R. 3911/ S.2842 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 Reducing Regulatory Burdens, including those relating to home infusion therapy, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and hospice certification H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act Provider Non-Discrimination and Network Adequacy S. 2074, HR 2482. Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act Reducing Regulatory Burdens - Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act H.R.6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020 Support for public health infrastructure Disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color Emergency Relief Fund support Nursing role in COVID-19 vaccine development, production, and distribution H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act S.4315 - TRACE Act Issues surrounding maternal vaccinations S.4112 - Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act Support for school nurses H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act Personal Protective Equipment Standards and access to Personal Protective Equipment, including supply chain issues Mental health resources for nurses No Surprises Act Protect our Heroes Act of 2020 Issues surrounding COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
Client expense: $315,487 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, White House Office
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
S. 518/H.R. 1948 - Lymphedema Treatment Act of 2019 S. 1037/H.R. 2788 - Rural Health Clinic Modernization Act of 2019 S. 296/H.R. 2150 - Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act S. 237/H.R. 808 - Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act H.R. 900 - ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2019 S. 1399/H.R. 728 - Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 S. 2842/H.R. 3911 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 S. 1895 - Lower Health Care Costs Act H.R. 3107 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019 H.R. 3630 - No Surprises Act H.R. 3925 - Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act S. 2074/H.R. 2482 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 3 - Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act H.R. 4974/S. 4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2019 Executive Order 13890 - Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nation's Seniors S. 2741/H.R. 4932 - Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2019 S. 2971 - CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2019 H.R. 19 - Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2019 S. 2543 - Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019 H.R. 647 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act H.R. 748 (P.L. 116-136) - CARES Act S. 3548 - CARES Act H.R. 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 6704 - Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act H.R. 6379 - Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act H.R. 6159 - Kids' Access to Primary Care Act of 2020 H.R. 6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2020 H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act H.R. 3436 - Chronic Care Management Improvement Act H.R. 5575 - Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act S. Res. 500/H. Res. 859 - A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the "International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife", as designated by the World Health Organization H.R. 6800 - The HEROES Act H.R. 6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020 H.R. 6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S. 4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R. 266 - Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act S. 3993 - A bill to permit a licensed health care provider to provide health care services to individuals in one or more States in which the provider is not licensed S. 4088 - The Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women & Children Act H.R. 1329 - the Medicaid Reentry Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S. 4775 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act S. 4103 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act H.R. 7663 - Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020 S. 4396/H.R. 7945 - Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act H.R. 6142 - Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 S. 5000 - CARA 2.0 Act of 2020 Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 Increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding to states Skilled nursing facility admitting examination and assessment requirements COVID-19 Pandemic relief: funding, removal of barriers, telehealth, mental health, personal protective equipment, and testing Telehealth pertaining to home health care COVID-19 Pandemic Reducing Regulatory Burdens, including those relating to home infusion therapy, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and hospice certification Medication-Assisted Therapies (MATs) Opioid Abuse Epidemic Documentation of medical records Rural Health Issues Provider Non-Discrimination Issues relating to Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training Demonstration implementation Medicare restrictions pertaining to telehealth
Client expense: $190,650 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
Medicare reimbursement including incident to billing; Medicare hospice restrictions; transparency; Veterans health care; opioid addiction treatment; Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act (S. 4640, HR 4974) H.R. 808/S. 237 - promoting access to diabetic shoes; S. 596/H.R. 1052 - PA direct payment; H.R. 900 - ACO Assignment Improvement Act; Telehealth, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Care Act (S. 2842, HR 3911), Implementation issues with respect to H.R. 6201 - Families First Corona Virus Response Act; H.R. 748 - Corona Virus Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES)and Home Healthcare Planning and Improvement Act; H.R. 6800 - the Heroes Act.
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $60,000
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
Emergency federal response to COVID-19 (including the year-end funding and COVID relief package, HR 133), Medicare reimbursement and incident to billing, Medicare hospice restrictions, transparency, healthcare competition, PA Direct Payment Act (S 596, HR 1052), implementation of home health provisions and other provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act (S 237, HR 808), the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act (S 2074, HR 2482), Medication Access and Training Expansion Act (S 4640, HR 4974), Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act (S 2842, HR 3911), ACO Assignment Improvement Act (HR 900), PA Educational and Workforce Training Programs, eligibility of PAs to participate in National Health Service Corps Student to Service Program, surprise billing, Rural Health Clinic Modernization Act (S 1037 HR 2788), medical record documentation, federal PA workforce issues at the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, Indian Health Services, and Bureau of Prisons, and requirements and restrictions related to federal DEA waivers to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder, ensuring PAs considered primary care and behavioral health providers (S 2793, HR 2774, HR 5575), Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act (S 3006, HR 4861)
Client expense: $170,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs PPE, telehealth, mental health, and other resources and services to Support Nursing Education, Practice, and the Workforce in combating COVID-19 Safety and health of nurse educators and nursing students H.R. 7945/ S. 4396 - Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act S.3067/H.R. 5172 - Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act. S. 3634/H.R. 6650 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S. 4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R. 7308 - Research Investment to Spark the Economy (RISE) Act H.R. 5575 - The Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act H.R. 6164 / S. 3424- Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 3849 - Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMS) Act of 2019 H.R.6142/S.3424 - Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 H.R. 4974/S. 4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act 2019 H.R. 2482/ S. 2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act H.R. 6800 - The Heroes Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Business Act H.R. 6561 / S. 4440 - Improving Social Determinants of Health Act of 2020 H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 Nursing Workforce and Research COVID-19 Limited Liability Protections Strengthening public health infrastructure Continuation of the Public Health Emergency Declaration to provide continued regulatory relief Medicare Program; Physician Fee Schedule Executive Order # 13950 Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors
Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), SENATE, White House Office
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
H.R.1686 - Physician Assistant Education Public Health Initiatives Act of 2019 Workforce development and clinical training site issues Issues surrounding opioid use disorders and medication-assisted treatment H.R. 2482/S. 2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 4974/S. 4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act H.R.6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 6142/S.3423 - the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 H.R.6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S.4055 - Strengthening America's Health Care Readiness Act H.R.6800 - The HEROES Act Telehealth issues, such as integrating students into telemedicine appointments Issues surrounding personal protective equipment availability H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act Integrated Substance Use Disorder Program (ITSP) H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act S.5000 - CARA 2.0 Act of 2020 Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 H.R. 6637/S. 4819 - Health Equity and Accountability Act Primary Care Training and Enhancement Program (PCTE) National Health Service Corps Students to Service Program
Client expense: $90,000 · Firm income: Not reported
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
Nursing workforce and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors H.R. 6142/S.3424 - Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 H.R.6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R.6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S.4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act Safety and health of nurse educators and nursing students, including access to personal protective equipment Issues relating to Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training Demonstration implementation H.R. 7945/S.4396 - Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2019 H.R. 2482/S.2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000
2020 · fourth_quarter · Medicare/Medicaid
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst
2020 · fourth_quarter · Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst
2020 · fourth_quarter · Budget/Appropriations
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst
2020 · fourth_quarter · Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst
2020 · fourth_quarter · Insurance
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Opposed passage of the MORE Act H.R. 3884, which would, among other things, remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances under the CSA. Provided comments on a draft Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) bill Provided comments on CARA 2.0 legislation, S. 5000, related to prescriber education and curricula grants Joined coalition letter to FDA urging the Commissioner to commence rulemaking to prohibit menthol as characterizing flavor in cigarettes Discussions regarding draft legislation on Medicaid reimbursement for addition treatment providers and repeal of the IMD exclusion in Medicaid for residential addiction treatment Discussions regarding the EASY MAT Act, HR 2281, CBO score Submitted letter of support for S. 4612, the Methamphetamine Response Act, which would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threst
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
H.R. 6390/S.3568 - Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 H.R. 3911/ S.2842 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 Reducing Regulatory Burdens, including those relating to home infusion therapy, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and hospice certification H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act Provider Non-Discrimination and Network Adequacy S. 2074, HR 2482. Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act Reducing Regulatory Burdens - Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act H.R.6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020 Support for public health infrastructure Disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color Emergency Relief Fund support Nursing role in COVID-19 vaccine development, production, and distribution H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act S.4315 - TRACE Act Issues surrounding maternal vaccinations S.4112 - Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act Support for school nurses H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act Personal Protective Equipment Standards and access to Personal Protective Equipment, including supply chain issues Mental health resources for nurses No Surprises Act Protect Our Heroes Act of 2020 Issues surrounding COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
H.R.1686 - Physician Assistant Education Public Health Initiatives Act of 2019 Workforce development and clinical training site issues Issues surrounding opioid use disorders and medication-assisted treatment H.R. 2482/S. 2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act H.R.6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 6142/S.3423 - the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 H.R.6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S.4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act Telehealth issues, such as integrating students into telemedicine appointments Issues surrounding personal protective equipment availability H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act Integrated Substance Use Disorder Program (ITSP) H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act S. 5000 - CARA 2.0 Act of 2020 Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $40,000
2020 · fourth_quarter · Health Issues
H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act [P.L. No. 116-136] H.R. 2150/S. 296 - Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act H.R.808/S.237 - Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act H.R.900 - ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2019 Reducing Regulatory Burdens H.R. 3911/ S.2842 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act H.R.6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 5575 - Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act Skilled nursing facility admitting examination and assessment requirements H.R.6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020H.R.6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S.4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act Telehealth flexibilities amidst COVID-19 pandemic Access to personal protective equipment Issues relating to Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training Demonstration implementation H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2019 H.R. 2482/S.2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act S. 5000 - CARA 2.0 Act of 2020 Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 No Surprises Act H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $60,000
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
H.R. 6390/S.3568 - Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 H.R. 3911/ S.2842 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 Reducing Regulatory Burdens, including those relating to home infusion therapy, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and hospice certification H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act Provider Non-Discrimination and Network Adequacy S. 2074, HR 2482. Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act Reducing Regulatory Burdens - Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act H.R.6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020 Support for public health infrastructure Disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color Emergency Relief Fund support Nursing role in COVID-19 vaccine development, production, and distribution H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act S.4315 - TRACE Act Issues surrounding maternal vaccinations S.4112 - Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act Support for school nurses H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act Personal Protective Equipment Standards and access to Personal Protective Equipment Mental health resources for nurses
Client expense: $265,728 · Firm income: Not reported
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
S. 518/H.R. 1948 - Lymphedema Treatment Act of 2019 S. 1037/H.R. 2788 - Rural Health Clinic Modernization Act of 2019 S. 296/H.R. 2150 - Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act S. 237/H.R. 808 - Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act H.R. 900 - ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2019 S. 1399/H.R. 728 - Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 S. 2842/H.R. 3911 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 S. 1895 - Lower Health Care Costs Act H.R. 3107 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019 H.R. 3630 - No Surprises Act H.R. 3925 - Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act S.2074/H.R. 2482 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 3 - Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act H.R. 4974/S. 4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2019 Executive Order 13890 - Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nation's Seniors S. 2741/H.R. 4932 - Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2019 S. 2971 - CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2019 H.R. 19 - Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2019 S. 2543 - Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019 H.R. 647 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act H.R. 748 (P.L. 116-136) - CARES Act S. 3548 - CARES Act H.R. 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 6704 - Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act H.R. 6379 - Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act H.R. 6159 - Kids' Access to Primary Care Act of 2020 H.R. 6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2020 H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act H.R. 3436 - Chronic Care Management Improvement Act H.R. 5575 - Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act S. Res. 500/H. Res. 859 - A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the "International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife", as designated by the World Health Organization H.R. 6800 - The HEROES Act H.R. 6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020 H.R. 6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S. 4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R. 266 - Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act S. 3993 - A bill to permit a licensed health care provider to provide health care services to individuals in one or more States in which the provider is not licensed S. 4088 - The Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women & Children Act H.R. 1329 - the Medicaid Reentry Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.4775 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act S. 4103 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act H.R. 7663 - Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020 S. 4396/H.R. 7945 - Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act Increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding to states Skilled nursing facility admitting examination and assessment requirements COVID-19 Pandemic relief: funding, removal of barriers, telehealth, mental health, personal protective equipment, and testing Telehealth pertaining to home health care COVID-19 Pandemic Reducing Regulatory Burdens, including those relating to home infusion therapy, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and hospice certification Medication-Assisted Therapies (MATs) Opioid Abuse Epidemic Documentation of medical records Rural Health Issues Provider Non-Discrimination Issues relating to Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training Demonstration implementation
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
Medicare reimbursement including incident to billing; Medicare hospice restrictions; transparency; Veterans health care; opioid addiction treatment; Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act (S. 4640, HR 4974) H.R. 808/S. 237 - promoting access to diabetic shoes; S. 596/H.R. 1052 - PA direct payment; H.R. 900 - ACO Assignment Improvement Act; Telehealth, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Care Act (S. 2842, HR 3911), Implementation issues with respect to H.R. 6201 - Families First Corona Virus Response Act; H.R. 748 - Corona Virus Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES)and Home Healthcare Planning and Improvement Act; H.R. 6800 - the Heroes Act.
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $60,000
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
H.R.1686 - Physician Assistant Education Public Health Initiatives Act of 2019 Workforce development and clinical training site issues Issues surrounding opioid use disorders and medication-assisted treatment H.R. 2482/S. 2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 4974/S. 4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act H.R.6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 6142/S.3423 - the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 H.R.6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S.4055 - Strengthening America's Health Care Readiness Act H.R.6800 - The HEROES Act Telehealth issues, such as integrating students into telemedicine appointments Issues surrounding personal protective equipment availability H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act Integrated Substance Use Disorder Program (ITSP) H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act
Client expense: $80,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
Emergency federal response to COVID-19 (including S 3548, HR 6800), Medicare reimbursement and incident to billing, Medicare hospice restrictions, transparency, healthcare competition, PA Direct Payment Act (S 596, HR 1052), implementation of home health provisions and other provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act (S 237, HR 808), the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act (S 2074, HR 2482), Medication Access and Training Expansion Act (S 4640, HR 4974), Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act (S 2842, HR 3911), ACO Assignment Improvement Act (HR 900), PA Educational and Workforce Training Programs, eligibility of PAs to participate in National Health Service Corps Student to Service Program, surprise billing, Rural Health Clinic Modernization Act (S 1037 HR 2788), medical record documentation, federal PA workforce issues at the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Services, and Bureau of Prisons, and requirements and restrictions related to federal DEA waivers to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder, ensuring PAs considered primary care and behavioral health providers (S 2793, HR 2774, HR 5575), Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act (S 3006, HR 4861)
Client expense: $150,000 · Firm income: Not reported
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs PPE, telehealth, mental health, and other resources and services to Support Nursing Education, Practice, and the Workforce in combating COVID-19. Safety and health of nurse educators and nursing students Issues related to Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training Demonstration implementation. H.R. 6800 - The Heroes Act H.R. 5172 - Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act. S. 3634/H.R. 6650 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S. 4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R. 7308 - Research Investment to Spark the Economy (RISE) Act H.R. 5575 - The Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act H.R. 6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 3849 - Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMS) Act of 2019 H.R.6142/S.3424 - Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 H.R. 7945/ S. 4396 - Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act H.R. 4974/S. 4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act 2019 H.R. 2482/ S. 2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Business Act Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors Nursing Workforce and Research COVID-19 Limited Liability Protections Strengthening public health Public Health Infrastructure Continuation of the Public Health Emergency Declaration to provide continued regulatory relief Emergency Funding for the National Institutes of Health Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act
Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported
2020 · third_quarter · Medicare/Medicaid
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment
2020 · third_quarter · Insurance
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment
2020 · third_quarter · Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment
2020 · third_quarter · Budget/Appropriations
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment
2020 · third_quarter · Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
Advocated for FY2021 Labor HHS Appropriations bill - appropriations related to strengthening the addiction services workforce, including full funding of the loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce authorized in the SUPPORT Act, increase in funding for the mental and substance use disorders training demonstration program authorized in 21st Century Cures Act, funding for preventive medicine residency programs, and $8.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs. Supported HR 3414 (and prior versions)/ S. 2892 - Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 - bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period. Supported HR 3165 and S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act - strengthen parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Advocated for its inclusion in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019. Supported S 873 and HR 1879 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act which would provide for 12 months of continuous enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure better access to care and reduce churn. This bill is not specific to mental health, but it would provide significant stability to those patients and providers. Supported H.R.1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act - This bill allows Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. Supported HR 4974/S 4640: the MATE Act - to amend the Controlled Substances Act to require physicians and other prescribers of controlled substances to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders (which shall also satisfy certain training required to receive a waiver for dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment),and for other purposes. Supported a conditional endorsement of The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which is contingent upon the elimination of DEA regulations on medications in Schedules III-V that are based on the prescribing intent to treat addiction and a requirement that all DEA controlled substance prescribers complete medical education on addiction. Supported the Humane Correctional Health Care Act , H.R. 4141/S. 2305, which would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion. The exclusion strips health coverage from Medicaid enrollees who are involved in the criminal justice system. Supported H.R. 3925, the Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Act, introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-VA). The bill would prohibit state Medicaid programs, beginning in October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025, from imposing prior authorizations or other types of utilization control policies or procedures on medications approved to treat OUD, including, with respect to the provision of those medications, counseling services and behavioral therapy. Supported HR 7593/S 4103, the TREATS Act, that would increase the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes Advocated for at least $38.5B in emergency relief funds for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers as a result of losses suffered due to COVID-19, as well as direct funding from SAMHSA to opioid treatment programs and qualified practice settings Advocated for an increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid as a result of COVID-19 Supported the Improving Medicaid Programs Response to Overdose Victims and Enhancing (IMPROVE) Addiction Care Act which would require state Medicaid programs to use their existing drug utilization review (DUR) programs to increase access to addiction treatment and boost safeguards for those on Medicaid who have experienced a non-fatal, opioid-related overdose. Opposed passage of H.R. 884 / S. 2772, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, which would change the definition of physician under the Medicare program to include clinical psychologists. Supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.4349). The legislation would greatly reduce and prevent suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Submitted comments on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (Value in Treatment) Demonstration design. The 4-year demonstration program was authorized by section 6042 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Supported additional research funding for NIAAA to study alcohol use related to the impact of COVID-19 Submitted comments on the proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Comments stressed the importance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services altering the MPFS to expand access to treatment for as many beneficiaries suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) as possible by introducing new codes for telehealth, expanding the range of eligible disorders for the billing of certain bundled payments, and empowering ED clinicians through the creation of a new code. Submitted its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) on Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS). The RFI solicited feedback from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the electronic prescribing of controlled substances and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be. Submitted response to CMS supporting EPCS as a way to assure quality and reduce errors and fraud in the transmission of prescriptions from the prescribing health care practitioner to the dispensing pharmacist but recommending CMS consider the financial impact of this requirement on small practices that do not yet have electronic systems in place that allow for EPCS, and extend the waiver timeline as well as provide additional resources or incentives for these practices to adopt such technology. Submitted comments on the Department of Labors (DOL) proposed update to the 2020 MHPAEA Self-Compliance Tool and commended DOL for the updates to the Self-Compliance Tool, while offering several detailed recommendations to clarify and strengthen the tool. Urged Senate leadership to include $58 million for syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction service providers in the next COVID relief package. Supported H.R. 7286, the Quit Because of COVID-19 Act. This legislation would ensure that all Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. Sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, requesting his support for a waiver of at least two years of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalties as applied to the implementation of contingency management for the treatment of addiction. Supported includsion of S. 348, the Resident Physician Shortage Act, in the next COVID supplemental package Supported House Resolution 1057 that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that investments in mental health care and substance use disorder care are necessary to address the high prevalence of those suffering from behavioral health conditions. It also recognizes the need for health care reform to integrate mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in the health care system. Supported HR 7859, the Stregthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act, that would establish in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration a Center for School Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Informational discussions with CMS regarding coverage of digital therapeutics for addiction treatment
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act [P.L. No. 116-136] H.R. 2150/S. 296 - Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act H.R.808/S.237 - Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act H.R.900 - ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2019 Reducing Regulatory Burdens H.R. 3911/ S.2842 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act H.R.6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 5575 - Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act Skilled nursing facility admitting examination and assessment requirements H.R.6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020H.R.6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S.4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act Telehealth flexibilities amidst COVID-19 pandemic Access to personal protective equipment Issues relating to Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training Demonstration implementation H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2019 H.R. 2482/S.2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $60,000
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
Nursing workforce and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors H.R. 6142/S.3424 - Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 H.R.6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R.6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S.4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act Safety and health of nurse educators and nursing students, including access to personal protective equipment Issues relating to Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training Demonstration implementation H.R. 7945/S.4396 - Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2019 H.R. 2482/S.2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
H.R. 6390/S.3568 - Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 H.R. 3911/ S.2842 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2019 Reducing Regulatory Burdens, including those relating to home infusion therapy, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and hospice certification H.R. 5826 - Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act H.R. 5800 - Ban Surprise Billing Act Provider Non-Discrimination and Network Adequacy S. 2074, HR 2482. Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act Reducing Regulatory Burdens - Section 5 of Executive Order #13890 on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nations Seniors H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act H.R.6809 - Nurse Workforce Protection Act of 2020 Support for public health infrastructure Disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color Emergency Relief Fund support Nursing role in COVID-19 vaccine development, production, and distribution H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act S.4315 - TRACE Act Issues surrounding maternal vaccinations S.4112 - Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act Support for school nurses H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act Personal Protective Equipment Standards and access to Personal Protective Equipment Mental health resources for nurses
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000
2020 · third_quarter · Health Issues
H.R.1686 - Physician Assistant Education Public Health Initiatives Act of 2019 Workforce development and clinical training site issues Issues surrounding opioid use disorders and medication-assisted treatment H.R. 2482/S. 2074 - Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2019 H.R. 4974/S.4640 - Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act H.R.6164 - Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020 H.R. 6142/S.3423 - the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 H.R.6650/S. 3634 - Health Heroes 2020 Act S.4055 - Strengthening Americas Health Care Readiness Act H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act Telehealth issues, such as integrating students into telemedicine appointments Issues surrounding personal protective equipment availability H.R. 8061 - Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act Integrated Substance Use Disorder Program (ITSP) H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools (HEALS) Act S.178 - Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $40,000
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, White House Office
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), SENATE
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, White House Office
Client expense: $191,402 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), White House Office
Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, White House Office
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), SENATE