ALERT Communities Act

CONNECT for Health Act of 2023 (H.R. 4189 / S. 2106), all provisions related to expanding access to telehealth services. Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023 (H.R. 3432), all provisions related to ensuring coverage of mental health services furnished through telehealth. Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act of 2023 (H.R. 1359/S. 644), all provisions related to authorizing a study on certain exemptions for treatment of opioid use disorder through opioid treatment programs. 988 Implementation Act (H.R. 4851), all provisions related to authorizing and growing funding and support for the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline Protecting Kids on Social Media Act (H.R. 6149/S.1291), all provisions related to authorizing certain safeguards to protect mental health for children when using social media platforms Ryan Haight Act, all provisions related to the extension of COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities for prescription of controlled medication The PEER Mental Health Act of 2023 (H.R. 2642 / S.3498), all provisions related to award grants to build capacity for peer support programs for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges Helping Kids Cope Act of 2023 (H.R. 2412), all provisions related to awarding grants to build the capacity of the pediatric behavioral health services Strengthening Community Care Act of 2023 (H.R. 2559) all provisions related to reauthorization of the Community Health Center Fund for three years, ending in 2026. Improving Access to Mental Health Act (H.R.1638 / S.838), all provisions related to the incentivizing of mental health professionals to practice in Mental Health Professional Shortage areas. SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4531) all provisions relating to the continued bolstered funding for substance use disorder treatment and recovery. Local 9-8-8 Response Act (H.R. 4974 / S. 3444), all provisions relating to the continued bolstering of 9-8-8 crisis services and requiring that 9-8-8 calls be routed to their nearest call center as opposed to the call center matching the area code of the phone originating the call. Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act (H.R.3331/ S.754), all provisions related to expanding mental health education and health promotion in existing school education programs Kickstarting Innovative Demonstrations Supporting Health Act (H.R.3805/ S.1769), all provisions relating to improving the health and wellbeing of children by addressing nonmedical factors that determine health outcomes. Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective Care Act (S.1378), all provisions related to incentivizing primary care to implement integrated care models to improve access to behavioral health care treatments. Better Mental Health Care for Americans Act (S.923), all provisions relating to parity enforcement and improving access to mental health care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R.2389/ S.1302), all provisions relating to adding additional residency positions for improved access to behavioral health care in physician shortage areas as defined by SAMHSA Stop Overdose in Schools Act (H.R.5652), all provisions related to setting aside funds for opioid reversal agent administration training for schools and the expansion of opioid education programs in education. Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2023 (H.R.5804), all provisions relating to authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make loans and loan guarantees for the betterment of pediatric and adult mental health and substance use treatment facilities. Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test strips for Communities Act ALERT Communities Act (S.2919) all provisions related to expanding access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips Regulatory Comments Submitted: o Requirements Related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (RIN 1210-AC11) o Technical Release 2023-01P - Request for Comment on Proposed Relevant Data Requirements for Nonquantitative Treatment Limitations (NQTLs) Related to Network Composition and Enforcement Safe Harbor for Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Issuers Subject to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act o Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees (RIN 1235-AA39) o Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities (RIN 0945-AA15) o Guidance for Grants and Agreements (Docket OMB-2023-0017)

Client expense: $107,704 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M) Advocated for (S. 644/H.R. 1359) the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, which would allow specially registered opioid treatment program clinicians and addiction specialist physicians to prescribe methadone for OUD that can be picked up from pharmacies, subject to federal regulation or guidance on supply of methadone for unsupervised use. Advocated for S. 1165/ HR 2400- the Reentry Act, which would allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to eligible individuals up to 30 days prior to release from incarceration Advocated for HR 3074/S.971 - Due Process Continuity of Care Act, which would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the Medicaid coverage exclusion for inmates in custody pending disposition of charges, and for other purposes. Worked on draft legislation that would provide Medicare coverage for evidence-based residential SUD services Supported H.R.1502 - Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Reauthorization Act of 2023, in its entirety Advocated for removal of in-person evaluation requirement in proposed telemedicine rules by the DEA and worked on related draft legislation Opposed proposed changes to the STAR-LRP program in S.462 - the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023 Advocated for removal of a lifetime ban that prevents individuals convicted of a drug felony from receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF) as part of the next Farm Bill. Advocated for various substance use disorder workforce and coverage policy changes, including some of which appear in H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. Advocated for certain annual increases for Medicare office based SUD bundled codes. ASAM signed a letter in support of S. 1378, Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective Act (the "COMPLETE Act"), which would advance collaborative care models. ASAM signed a letter sent by a broad coalition of health care clinicians, patient advocates, and other stakeholders, urging Congressional leaders to support the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposal to implement a Medicare billing code, known as G2211, in 2024. ASAM submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed 2024 MPFS and OPPS rules, encouraging CMS to finalize many new Medicare proposals, with several modifications. ASAM joined several other organizations in a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability opposing the U.S. Shipping Equity Act (H.R. 3721) that would allow the U.S. Post Office (USPS) to ship beverage alcohol. ASAM signed a letter supporting the Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act (H.R. 4775), which would ensure Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to all evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments, including seven Food and Drug Administration-approved medications. Advocated for DEA related clarifications or changes to registration requirements related to the delivery of injectable buprenorphine. Supported S 2919 - Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test Strips for Communities Act (ALERT Communities Act) to help expand access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, a critical tool to help lower overdose deaths. Supported HR 5506 - Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites (HANDS) Act, which would require Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to cover the cost when medical providers physically hand naloxone to patients who are at risk of an overdose, before they are discharged, at zero cost to the patient. Supported H.R.5163 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act, which would amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow for the use of telehealth in substance use disorder treatment. Supported S.3006 - SAFE in Recovery Act, which would ensure comprehensive wraparound services for families impacted by substance use disorders. Advocated for reforms to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act related to pregnant women who take medications for substance use disorder. Advocated for continued telemedicine flexibilities related to medications for substance use disorder.

Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M) Advocated for (S. 644/H.R. 1359) the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, which would allow specially registered opioid treatment program clinicians and addiction specialist physicians to prescribe methadone for OUD that can be picked up from pharmacies, subject to federal regulation or guidance on supply of methadone for unsupervised use. Advocated for S. 1165/ HR 2400- the Reentry Act, which would allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to eligible individuals up to 30 days prior to release from incarceration Advocated for HR 3074/S.971 - Due Process Continuity of Care Act, which would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the Medicaid coverage exclusion for inmates in custody pending disposition of charges, and for other purposes. Worked on draft legislation that would provide Medicare coverage for evidence-based residential SUD services Supported H.R.1502 - Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Reauthorization Act of 2023, in its entirety Advocated for removal of in-person evaluation requirement in proposed telemedicine rules by the DEA and worked on related draft legislation Opposed proposed changes to the STAR-LRP program in S.462 - the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023 Advocated for removal of a lifetime ban that prevents individuals convicted of a drug felony from receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF) as part of the next Farm Bill. Advocated for various substance use disorder workforce and coverage policy changes, including some of which appear in H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. Advocated for certain annual increases for Medicare office based SUD bundled codes. ASAM signed a letter in support of S. 1378, Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective Act (the "COMPLETE Act"), which would advance collaborative care models. ASAM signed a letter sent by a broad coalition of health care clinicians, patient advocates, and other stakeholders, urging Congressional leaders to support the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposal to implement a Medicare billing code, known as G2211, in 2024. ASAM submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed 2024 MPFS and OPPS rules, encouraging CMS to finalize many new Medicare proposals, with several modifications. ASAM joined several other organizations in a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability opposing the U.S. Shipping Equity Act (H.R. 3721) that would allow the U.S. Post Office (USPS) to ship beverage alcohol. ASAM signed a letter supporting the Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act (H.R. 4775), which would ensure Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to all evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments, including seven Food and Drug Administration-approved medications. Advocated for DEA related clarifications or changes to registration requirements related to the delivery of injectable buprenorphine. Supported S 2919 - Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test Strips for Communities Act (ALERT Communities Act) to help expand access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, a critical tool to help lower overdose deaths. Supported HR 5506 - Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites (HANDS) Act, which would require Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to cover the cost when medical providers physically hand naloxone to patients who are at risk of an overdose, before they are discharged, at zero cost to the patient. Supported H.R.5163 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act, which would amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow for the use of telehealth in substance use disorder treatment. Supported S.3006 - SAFE in Recovery Act, which would ensure comprehensive wraparound services for families impacted by substance use disorders. Advocated for reforms to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act related to pregnant women who take medications for substance use disorder. Advocated for continued telemedicine flexibilities related to medications for substance use disorder.

Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M) Advocated for (S. 644/H.R. 1359) the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, which would allow specially registered opioid treatment program clinicians and addiction specialist physicians to prescribe methadone for OUD that can be picked up from pharmacies, subject to federal regulation or guidance on supply of methadone for unsupervised use. Advocated for S. 1165/ HR 2400- the Reentry Act, which would allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to eligible individuals up to 30 days prior to release from incarceration Advocated for HR 3074/S.971 - Due Process Continuity of Care Act, which would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the Medicaid coverage exclusion for inmates in custody pending disposition of charges, and for other purposes. Worked on draft legislation that would provide Medicare coverage for evidence-based residential SUD services Supported H.R.1502 - Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Reauthorization Act of 2023, in its entirety Advocated for removal of in-person evaluation requirement in proposed telemedicine rules by the DEA and worked on related draft legislation Opposed proposed changes to the STAR-LRP program in S.462 - the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023 Advocated for removal of a lifetime ban that prevents individuals convicted of a drug felony from receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF) as part of the next Farm Bill. Advocated for various substance use disorder workforce and coverage policy changes, including some of which appear in H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. Advocated for certain annual increases for Medicare office based SUD bundled codes. ASAM signed a letter in support of S. 1378, Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective Act (the "COMPLETE Act"), which would advance collaborative care models. ASAM signed a letter sent by a broad coalition of health care clinicians, patient advocates, and other stakeholders, urging Congressional leaders to support the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposal to implement a Medicare billing code, known as G2211, in 2024. ASAM submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed 2024 MPFS and OPPS rules, encouraging CMS to finalize many new Medicare proposals, with several modifications. ASAM joined several other organizations in a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability opposing the U.S. Shipping Equity Act (H.R. 3721) that would allow the U.S. Post Office (USPS) to ship beverage alcohol. ASAM signed a letter supporting the Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act (H.R. 4775), which would ensure Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to all evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments, including seven Food and Drug Administration-approved medications. Advocated for DEA related clarifications or changes to registration requirements related to the delivery of injectable buprenorphine. Supported S 2919 - Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test Strips for Communities Act (ALERT Communities Act) to help expand access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, a critical tool to help lower overdose deaths. Supported HR 5506 - Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites (HANDS) Act, which would require Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to cover the cost when medical providers physically hand naloxone to patients who are at risk of an overdose, before they are discharged, at zero cost to the patient. Supported H.R.5163 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act, which would amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow for the use of telehealth in substance use disorder treatment. Supported S.3006 - SAFE in Recovery Act, which would ensure comprehensive wraparound services for families impacted by substance use disorders. Advocated for reforms to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act related to pregnant women who take medications for substance use disorder. Advocated for continued telemedicine flexibilities related to medications for substance use disorder.

Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M) Advocated for (S. 644/H.R. 1359) the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, which would allow specially registered opioid treatment program clinicians and addiction specialist physicians to prescribe methadone for OUD that can be picked up from pharmacies, subject to federal regulation or guidance on supply of methadone for unsupervised use. Advocated for S. 1165/ HR 2400- the Reentry Act, which would allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to eligible individuals up to 30 days prior to release from incarceration Advocated for HR 3074/S.971 - Due Process Continuity of Care Act, which would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the Medicaid coverage exclusion for inmates in custody pending disposition of charges, and for other purposes. Worked on draft legislation that would provide Medicare coverage for evidence-based residential SUD services Supported H.R.1502 - Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Reauthorization Act of 2023, in its entirety Advocated for removal of in-person evaluation requirement in proposed telemedicine rules by the DEA and worked on related draft legislation Opposed proposed changes to the STAR-LRP program in S.462 - the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023 Advocated for removal of a lifetime ban that prevents individuals convicted of a drug felony from receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF) as part of the next Farm Bill. Advocated for various substance use disorder workforce and coverage policy changes, including some of which appear in H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. Advocated for certain annual increases for Medicare office based SUD bundled codes. ASAM signed a letter in support of S. 1378, Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective Act (the "COMPLETE Act"), which would advance collaborative care models. ASAM signed a letter sent by a broad coalition of health care clinicians, patient advocates, and other stakeholders, urging Congressional leaders to support the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposal to implement a Medicare billing code, known as G2211, in 2024. ASAM submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed 2024 MPFS and OPPS rules, encouraging CMS to finalize many new Medicare proposals, with several modifications. ASAM joined several other organizations in a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability opposing the U.S. Shipping Equity Act (H.R. 3721) that would allow the U.S. Post Office (USPS) to ship beverage alcohol. ASAM signed a letter supporting the Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act (H.R. 4775), which would ensure Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to all evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments, including seven Food and Drug Administration-approved medications. Advocated for DEA related clarifications or changes to registration requirements related to the delivery of injectable buprenorphine. Supported S 2919 - Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test Strips for Communities Act (ALERT Communities Act) to help expand access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, a critical tool to help lower overdose deaths. Supported HR 5506 - Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites (HANDS) Act, which would require Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to cover the cost when medical providers physically hand naloxone to patients who are at risk of an overdose, before they are discharged, at zero cost to the patient. Supported H.R.5163 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act, which would amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow for the use of telehealth in substance use disorder treatment. Supported S.3006 - SAFE in Recovery Act, which would ensure comprehensive wraparound services for families impacted by substance use disorders. Advocated for reforms to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act related to pregnant women who take medications for substance use disorder. Advocated for continued telemedicine flexibilities related to medications for substance use disorder.

Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M) Advocated for (S. 644/H.R. 1359) the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, which would allow specially registered opioid treatment program clinicians and addiction specialist physicians to prescribe methadone for OUD that can be picked up from pharmacies, subject to federal regulation or guidance on supply of methadone for unsupervised use. Advocated for S. 1165/ HR 2400- the Reentry Act, which would allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to eligible individuals up to 30 days prior to release from incarceration Advocated for HR 3074/S.971 - Due Process Continuity of Care Act, which would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the Medicaid coverage exclusion for inmates in custody pending disposition of charges, and for other purposes. Worked on draft legislation that would provide Medicare coverage for evidence-based residential SUD services Supported H.R.1502 - Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Reauthorization Act of 2023, in its entirety Advocated for removal of in-person evaluation requirement in proposed telemedicine rules by the DEA and worked on related draft legislation Opposed proposed changes to the STAR-LRP program in S.462 - the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023 Advocated for removal of a lifetime ban that prevents individuals convicted of a drug felony from receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF) as part of the next Farm Bill. Advocated for various substance use disorder workforce and coverage policy changes, including some of which appear in H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. Advocated for certain annual increases for Medicare office based SUD bundled codes. ASAM signed a letter in support of S. 1378, Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective Act (the "COMPLETE Act"), which would advance collaborative care models. ASAM signed a letter sent by a broad coalition of health care clinicians, patient advocates, and other stakeholders, urging Congressional leaders to support the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposal to implement a Medicare billing code, known as G2211, in 2024. ASAM submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed 2024 MPFS and OPPS rules, encouraging CMS to finalize many new Medicare proposals, with several modifications. ASAM joined several other organizations in a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability opposing the U.S. Shipping Equity Act (H.R. 3721) that would allow the U.S. Post Office (USPS) to ship beverage alcohol. ASAM signed a letter supporting the Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act (H.R. 4775), which would ensure Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to all evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments, including seven Food and Drug Administration-approved medications. Advocated for DEA related clarifications or changes to registration requirements related to the delivery of injectable buprenorphine. Supported S 2919 - Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test Strips for Communities Act (ALERT Communities Act) to help expand access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, a critical tool to help lower overdose deaths. Supported HR 5506 - Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites (HANDS) Act, which would require Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to cover the cost when medical providers physically hand naloxone to patients who are at risk of an overdose, before they are discharged, at zero cost to the patient. Supported H.R.5163 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act, which would amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow for the use of telehealth in substance use disorder treatment. Supported S.3006 - SAFE in Recovery Act, which would ensure comprehensive wraparound services for families impacted by substance use disorders. Advocated for reforms to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act related to pregnant women who take medications for substance use disorder. Advocated for continued telemedicine flexibilities related to medications for substance use disorder.

Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY24 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M) Advocated for (S. 644/H.R. 1359) the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, which would allow specially registered opioid treatment program clinicians and addiction specialist physicians to prescribe methadone for OUD that can be picked up from pharmacies, subject to federal regulation or guidance on supply of methadone for unsupervised use. Advocated for S. 1165/ HR 2400- the Reentry Act, which would allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to eligible individuals up to 30 days prior to release from incarceration Advocated for HR 3074/S.971 - Due Process Continuity of Care Act, which would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the Medicaid coverage exclusion for inmates in custody pending disposition of charges, and for other purposes. Worked on draft legislation that would provide Medicare coverage for evidence-based residential SUD services Supported H.R.1502 - Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Reauthorization Act of 2023, in its entirety Advocated for removal of in-person evaluation requirement in proposed telemedicine rules by the DEA and worked on related draft legislation Opposed proposed changes to the STAR-LRP program in S.462 - the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023 Advocated for removal of a lifetime ban that prevents individuals convicted of a drug felony from receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF) as part of the next Farm Bill. Advocated for various substance use disorder workforce and coverage policy changes, including some of which appear in H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. Advocated for certain annual increases for Medicare office based SUD bundled codes. ASAM signed a letter in support of S. 1378, Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective Act (the "COMPLETE Act"), which would advance collaborative care models. ASAM signed a letter sent by a broad coalition of health care clinicians, patient advocates, and other stakeholders, urging Congressional leaders to support the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposal to implement a Medicare billing code, known as G2211, in 2024. ASAM submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed 2024 MPFS and OPPS rules, encouraging CMS to finalize many new Medicare proposals, with several modifications. ASAM joined several other organizations in a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability opposing the U.S. Shipping Equity Act (H.R. 3721) that would allow the U.S. Post Office (USPS) to ship beverage alcohol. ASAM signed a letter supporting the Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act (H.R. 4775), which would ensure Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to all evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments, including seven Food and Drug Administration-approved medications. Advocated for DEA related clarifications or changes to registration requirements related to the delivery of injectable buprenorphine. Supported S 2919 - Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test Strips for Communities Act (ALERT Communities Act) to help expand access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, a critical tool to help lower overdose deaths. Supported HR 5506 - Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites (HANDS) Act, which would require Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to cover the cost when medical providers physically hand naloxone to patients who are at risk of an overdose, before they are discharged, at zero cost to the patient. Supported H.R.5163 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act, which would amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow for the use of telehealth in substance use disorder treatment. Supported S.3006 - SAFE in Recovery Act, which would ensure comprehensive wraparound services for families impacted by substance use disorders. Advocated for reforms to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act related to pregnant women who take medications for substance use disorder. Advocated for continued telemedicine flexibilities related to medications for substance use disorder.