EDWARD GOODMAN

Debt Ceiling and Budget Agreement (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of provisions that extend Medicare sequestration and expressed opposition to a provision that reduces Medicare reimbursement for new off-campus hospital outpatient departments. Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2029) - Advocated for inclusion of provisions in year-end funding legislation that would allow under-construction hospital-affiliated outpatient departments to be grandfathered in under previous outpatient reimbursement rules. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Senate Finance Committee Chronic Care options - Monitored development of Senate Finance Committee's policy options for treating patients with chronic conditions. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - Monitored activity of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that could impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding.

H.R. 2 - the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act - Supported and advocated for passage of H.R. 2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Opposed possible inclusion of hospital payment cuts. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Monitored implementation of the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Supported passage of legislation (H.R. 1343 and S. 688, the Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program Act) that would require CMS to include socio-demographic conditions in calculating penalties under the program. Hospital Two-midnight Rule - Advocated for continuing enforcement delay of the CMS' two-midnight rule for short stay hospital admissions. Supported similar provision in H.R. 2. Rural Hospital Legislation - Monitored legislation (H.R. 169, the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act and H.R. 170, the Rural Health Care Provider Relief Act) that would relieve regulatory burden on rural hospitals.

H.R. 2 - Supported passage of H.R.2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement. Trade Adjustment Assistance (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of extension of sequestration cuts in TAA legislation. Medicare Audit Improvement Act (H.R. 2156) - Supported passage of HR 2156 to make modifications to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program. Physician-Owned Hospitals (H.R. 2513) - Opposed passage of H.R. 2513 which would repeal prohibitions on expanding or opening new physician owned hospitals. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (H.R. 1383, S. 688) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic status in determining readmissions penalties.

H.R. 2 - the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act - Supported and advocated for passage of H.R. 2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Opposed possible inclusion of hospital payment cuts. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Monitored implementation of the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Supported passage of legislation (H.R. 1343 and S. 688, the Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program Act) that would require CMS to include socio-demographic conditions in calculating penalties under the program. Hospital Two-midnight Rule - Advocated for continuing enforcement delay of the CMS' two-midnight rule for short stay hospital admissions. Supported similar provision in H.R. 2. Rural Hospital Legislation - Monitored legislation (H.R. 169, the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act and H.R. 170, the Rural Health Care Provider Relief Act) that would relieve regulatory burden on rural hospitals.

H.R. 2 - the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act - Supported and advocated for passage of H.R. 2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Opposed possible inclusion of hospital payment cuts. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Monitored implementation of the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Supported passage of legislation (H.R. 1343 and S. 688, the Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program Act) that would require CMS to include socio-demographic conditions in calculating penalties under the program. Hospital Two-midnight Rule - Advocated for continuing enforcement delay of the CMS' two-midnight rule for short stay hospital admissions. Supported similar provision in H.R. 2. Rural Hospital Legislation - Monitored legislation (H.R. 169, the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act and H.R. 170, the Rural Health Care Provider Relief Act) that would relieve regulatory burden on rural hospitals.

H.R. 2 - Supported passage of H.R.2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement. Trade Adjustment Assistance (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of extension of sequestration cuts in TAA legislation. Medicare Audit Improvement Act (H.R. 2156) - Supported passage of HR 2156 to make modifications to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program. Physician-Owned Hospitals (H.R. 2513) - Opposed passage of H.R. 2513 which would repeal prohibitions on expanding or opening new physician owned hospitals. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (H.R. 1383, S. 688) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic status in determining readmissions penalties.

H.R. 2 - the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act - Supported and advocated for passage of H.R. 2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Opposed possible inclusion of hospital payment cuts. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Monitored implementation of the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Supported passage of legislation (H.R. 1343 and S. 688, the Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program Act) that would require CMS to include socio-demographic conditions in calculating penalties under the program. Hospital Two-midnight Rule - Advocated for continuing enforcement delay of the CMS' two-midnight rule for short stay hospital admissions. Supported similar provision in H.R. 2. Rural Hospital Legislation - Monitored legislation (H.R. 169, the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act and H.R. 170, the Rural Health Care Provider Relief Act) that would relieve regulatory burden on rural hospitals.

Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Provided ongoing outreach and education efforts regarding the benefit of group purchasing for hospitals across the country. Budget Reconciliation (H.R. 3762) - Tracked passage of budget reconciliation proposals aimed at repealing elements of the Affordable Care Act. Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2029) - Monitored passage of H.R. 2029 with provisions that make changes to the Affordable Care Act. Meaningful Use of electronic health records - Raised concerns about the release of final Stage 3 meaningful user rules. 340B Drug Discount Program - Monitored proposals to modify the 340B Drug Discount program. 21st Century Cures (H.R. 6) - Monitored development of Senate counterpart to the House-passed 21st Century Cures legislation. Health Insurance Mergers - Tracked House and Senate committee action related to anti-competitive impacts of mergers between large private health insurers.

Debt Ceiling and Budget Agreement (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of provisions that extend Medicare sequestration and expressed opposition to a provision that reduces Medicare reimbursement for new off-campus hospital outpatient departments. Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2029) - Advocated for inclusion of provisions in year-end funding legislation that would allow under-construction hospital-affiliated outpatient departments to be grandfathered in under previous outpatient reimbursement rules. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Senate Finance Committee Chronic Care options - Monitored development of Senate Finance Committee's policy options for treating patients with chronic conditions. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - Monitored activity of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that could impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding.

H.R. 2 - Supported passage of H.R.2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement. Trade Adjustment Assistance (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of extension of sequestration cuts in TAA legislation. Medicare Audit Improvement Act (H.R. 2156) - Supported passage of HR 2156 to make modifications to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program. Physician-Owned Hospitals (H.R. 2513) - Opposed passage of H.R. 2513 which would repeal prohibitions on expanding or opening new physician owned hospitals. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (H.R. 1383, S. 688) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic status in determining readmissions penalties.

H.R. 2 - Supported passage of H.R.2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement. Trade Adjustment Assistance (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of extension of sequestration cuts in TAA legislation. Medicare Audit Improvement Act (H.R. 2156) - Supported passage of HR 2156 to make modifications to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program. Physician-Owned Hospitals (H.R. 2513) - Opposed passage of H.R. 2513 which would repeal prohibitions on expanding or opening new physician owned hospitals. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (H.R. 1383, S. 688) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic status in determining readmissions penalties.

Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive program meaningful use rules - urged CMS to release the final rules to provide flexibility for eligible hospitals and providers for 2015. Advocated that CMS consider delaying final meaningful use stage 3 rules until greater interoperability is achieved. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement program - Tracked release of proposal to require mandatory payment bundling for hip and knee replacements in selected geographic regions across the country. Expressed concern about mandatory nature of the program and urged needed regulatory flexibility for hospitals. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - monitored release of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that would impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding. Hospital Two-midnight rule - advocated for extending enforcement delay on two-midnight rule to align timing with proposed regulatory delay through the end of 2015.

Debt Ceiling and Budget Agreement (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of provisions that extend Medicare sequestration and expressed opposition to a provision that reduces Medicare reimbursement for new off-campus hospital outpatient departments. Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2029) - Advocated for inclusion of provisions in year-end funding legislation that would allow under-construction hospital-affiliated outpatient departments to be grandfathered in under previous outpatient reimbursement rules. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Senate Finance Committee Chronic Care options - Monitored development of Senate Finance Committee's policy options for treating patients with chronic conditions. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - Monitored activity of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that could impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding.

Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive program meaningful use rules - urged CMS to release the final rules to provide flexibility for eligible hospitals and providers for 2015. Advocated that CMS consider delaying final meaningful use stage 3 rules until greater interoperability is achieved. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement program - Tracked release of proposal to require mandatory payment bundling for hip and knee replacements in selected geographic regions across the country. Expressed concern about mandatory nature of the program and urged needed regulatory flexibility for hospitals. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - monitored release of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that would impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding. Hospital Two-midnight rule - advocated for extending enforcement delay on two-midnight rule to align timing with proposed regulatory delay through the end of 2015.

Debt Ceiling and Budget Agreement (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of provisions that extend Medicare sequestration and expressed opposition to a provision that reduces Medicare reimbursement for new off-campus hospital outpatient departments. Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2029) - Advocated for inclusion of provisions in year-end funding legislation that would allow under-construction hospital-affiliated outpatient departments to be grandfathered in under previous outpatient reimbursement rules. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Senate Finance Committee Chronic Care options - Monitored development of Senate Finance Committee's policy options for treating patients with chronic conditions. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - Monitored activity of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that could impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding.

Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive program meaningful use rules - urged CMS to release the final rules to provide flexibility for eligible hospitals and providers for 2015. Advocated that CMS consider delaying final meaningful use stage 3 rules until greater interoperability is achieved. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement program - Tracked release of proposal to require mandatory payment bundling for hip and knee replacements in selected geographic regions across the country. Expressed concern about mandatory nature of the program and urged needed regulatory flexibility for hospitals. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - monitored release of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that would impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding. Hospital Two-midnight rule - advocated for extending enforcement delay on two-midnight rule to align timing with proposed regulatory delay through the end of 2015.

Debt Ceiling and Budget Agreement (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of provisions that extend Medicare sequestration and expressed opposition to a provision that reduces Medicare reimbursement for new off-campus hospital outpatient departments. Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2029) - Advocated for inclusion of provisions in year-end funding legislation that would allow under-construction hospital-affiliated outpatient departments to be grandfathered in under previous outpatient reimbursement rules. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Senate Finance Committee Chronic Care options - Monitored development of Senate Finance Committee's policy options for treating patients with chronic conditions. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - Monitored activity of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that could impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding.

Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Provided ongoing outreach and education efforts regarding the benefit of group purchasing for hospitals across the country. Budget Reconciliation (H.R. 3762) - Tracked passage of budget reconciliation proposals aimed at repealing elements of the Affordable Care Act. Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2029) - Monitored passage of H.R. 2029 with provisions that make changes to the Affordable Care Act. Meaningful Use of electronic health records - Raised concerns about the release of final Stage 3 meaningful user rules. 340B Drug Discount Program - Monitored proposals to modify the 340B Drug Discount program. 21st Century Cures (H.R. 6) - Monitored development of Senate counterpart to the House-passed 21st Century Cures legislation. Health Insurance Mergers - Tracked House and Senate committee action related to anti-competitive impacts of mergers between large private health insurers.

Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Provided ongoing outreach and education efforts regarding the benefit of group purchasing for hospitals across the country. Budget Reconciliation (H.R. 3762) - Tracked passage of budget reconciliation proposals aimed at repealing elements of the Affordable Care Act. Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2029) - Monitored passage of H.R. 2029 with provisions that make changes to the Affordable Care Act. Meaningful Use of electronic health records - Raised concerns about the release of final Stage 3 meaningful user rules. 340B Drug Discount Program - Monitored proposals to modify the 340B Drug Discount program. 21st Century Cures (H.R. 6) - Monitored development of Senate counterpart to the House-passed 21st Century Cures legislation. Health Insurance Mergers - Tracked House and Senate committee action related to anti-competitive impacts of mergers between large private health insurers.

Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - conducted outreach and advocacy in support of hospital group purchasing organizations. Engaged in discussions related to GPO's role in preventing and addressing drug shortages and issues related to pharmacuetical distibution. Electronic Health Records Meaningful Use - Advocated that ONC and CMS focus on interoperability of EHR systems before advancing meaningful use requirements for stage three of the EHR incentive program. 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6) - Monitored the development of proposals related to hospitals and the 340B Drug discount program in the 21st Century Cures Act. Independent Payment Advisory Board (H.R. 1190, S.141) - Supported passage of legislation to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board.

Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Provided ongoing outreach and education efforts regarding the benefit of group purchasing for hospitals across the country. Budget Reconciliation - tracked budget reconciliation proposals aimed at repealing elements of the Affordable Care Act. 340B Drug Discount Program - monitored and provided information related to proposals to modify and provide additional guidance around the 340B Drug Discount program. 21st Century Cures (H.R. 6) - monitored development and passage in the House of Representatives of the 21st Century Cures legislation. Health Insurance Mergers - tracked House and Senate committee action related to anti-competitive impacts of mergers between large private health insurers.

Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - conducted outreach and advocacy in support of hospital group purchasing organizations. Engaged in discussions related to GPO's role in preventing and addressing drug shortages and issues related to pharmacuetical distibution. Electronic Health Records Meaningful Use - Advocated that ONC and CMS focus on interoperability of EHR systems before advancing meaningful use requirements for stage three of the EHR incentive program. 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6) - Monitored the development of proposals related to hospitals and the 340B Drug discount program in the 21st Century Cures Act. Independent Payment Advisory Board (H.R. 1190, S.141) - Supported passage of legislation to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board.

Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive program meaningful use rules - urged CMS to release the final rules to provide flexibility for eligible hospitals and providers for 2015. Advocated that CMS consider delaying final meaningful use stage 3 rules until greater interoperability is achieved. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement program - Tracked release of proposal to require mandatory payment bundling for hip and knee replacements in selected geographic regions across the country. Expressed concern about mandatory nature of the program and urged needed regulatory flexibility for hospitals. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - monitored release of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that would impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding. Hospital Two-midnight rule - advocated for extending enforcement delay on two-midnight rule to align timing with proposed regulatory delay through the end of 2015.

Debt Ceiling and Budget Agreement (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of provisions that extend Medicare sequestration and expressed opposition to a provision that reduces Medicare reimbursement for new off-campus hospital outpatient departments. Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2029) - Advocated for inclusion of provisions in year-end funding legislation that would allow under-construction hospital-affiliated outpatient departments to be grandfathered in under previous outpatient reimbursement rules. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Senate Finance Committee Chronic Care options - Monitored development of Senate Finance Committee's policy options for treating patients with chronic conditions. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - Monitored activity of three bills in the House Ways and Means Committee that could impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding.

H.R. 2 - the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act - Supported and advocated for passage of H.R. 2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Opposed possible inclusion of hospital payment cuts. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Monitored implementation of the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Supported passage of legislation (H.R. 1343 and S. 688, the Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program Act) that would require CMS to include socio-demographic conditions in calculating penalties under the program. Hospital Two-midnight Rule - Advocated for continuing enforcement delay of the CMS' two-midnight rule for short stay hospital admissions. Supported similar provision in H.R. 2. Rural Hospital Legislation - Monitored legislation (H.R. 169, the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act and H.R. 170, the Rural Health Care Provider Relief Act) that would relieve regulatory burden on rural hospitals.

H.R. 2 - Supported passage of H.R.2 to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement. Trade Adjustment Assistance (H.R. 1314) - Opposed inclusion of extension of sequestration cuts in TAA legislation. Medicare Audit Improvement Act (H.R. 2156) - Supported passage of HR 2156 to make modifications to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program. Physician-Owned Hospitals (H.R. 2513) - Opposed passage of H.R. 2513 which would repeal prohibitions on expanding or opening new physician owned hospitals. Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (H.R. 1383, S. 688) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic status in determining readmissions penalties.

Supported the Senate confirmation of Sylvia Mathews Burwell to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Monitored the proposed health policy and funding changes included in the House Budget Resolution (H.Con. Res. 96). 340B Drug Discount Programs - Engaged in monitoring ongoing discussions about the program and possible regulatory changes in light of legal activity challenging newly-eligible providers allowed by the Affordable Care Act.Hospital group purchasing organizations - conducted outreach and education efforts related to the value provided by hospital group purchasing organizations. Hospital pricing transparency - monitored legislative proposals (H.R. 1326, H.R. 2853 ) related to hospital pricing transparency.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Sustainable growth rate formula (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) - Advocated for the repeal of the SGR formula for Medicare physician reimbursement during the lame duck session of Congress. Opposed including further cuts to hospital payments to offset the cost of such legislation. Ways and Means Committee Hospital Improvement for Payment Discussion Draft - Monitored and reviewed the introduction of draft legislation from the Ways and Means Committee impacting hospital policies. Supported proposals to place greater restrictions on Medicare recovery audit contractor activities (similar to H.R. 1250, and S. 1012). Supported provision to include sociodemographic considerations in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (similar to H.R. 4188 & S. 2501). Reviewed and monitored proposals to modify hospital payment systems to more accurately pay for short-stay admissions and supported proposals to delay enforcement of CMS' "two-midnight rule". Opposed provision that would relax current restrictions on physician-owned hospitals.

Hospital Readmissions Reductions Program - Advocated in support of legislation (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) that would require CMS consider sociodemographic conditions in the hospital readmissions reduction program. Hospital two-midnights rule - Supported legislation (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) to delay implementation of the CMS' two-midnight rule and provide for stakeholder input in development of alternative payment models.Medicare physician payments - Monitored ongoing discussions to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Recovery Audit Contractors - Supported legislation (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Site-neutral payments - Monitored and expressed opposition to proposals that would equalize payments for certain treatments delivered in a hospital setting with treatments delivered in a physician's office.

Supported the Senate confirmation of Sylvia Mathews Burwell to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Monitored the proposed health policy and funding changes included in the House Budget Resolution (H.Con. Res. 96). 340B Drug Discount Programs - Engaged in monitoring ongoing discussions about the program and possible regulatory changes in light of legal activity challenging newly-eligible providers allowed by the Affordable Care Act.Hospital group purchasing organizations - conducted outreach and education efforts related to the value provided by hospital group purchasing organizations. Hospital pricing transparency - monitored legislative proposals (H.R. 1326, H.R. 2853 ) related to hospital pricing transparency.

Supported the Senate confirmation of Sylvia Mathews Burwell to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Monitored the proposed health policy and funding changes included in the House Budget Resolution (H.Con. Res. 96). 340B Drug Discount Programs - Engaged in monitoring ongoing discussions about the program and possible regulatory changes in light of legal activity challenging newly-eligible providers allowed by the Affordable Care Act.Hospital group purchasing organizations - conducted outreach and education efforts related to the value provided by hospital group purchasing organizations. Hospital pricing transparency - monitored legislative proposals (H.R. 1326, H.R. 2853 ) related to hospital pricing transparency.

Hospital Readmissions Reductions Program - Advocated in support of legislation (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) that would require CMS consider sociodemographic conditions in the hospital readmissions reduction program. Hospital two-midnights rule - Supported legislation (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) to delay implementation of the CMS' two-midnight rule and provide for stakeholder input in development of alternative payment models.Medicare physician payments - Monitored ongoing discussions to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Recovery Audit Contractors - Supported legislation (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Site-neutral payments - Monitored and expressed opposition to proposals that would equalize payments for certain treatments delivered in a hospital setting with treatments delivered in a physician's office.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Sustainable growth rate formula (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) - Advocated for the repeal of the SGR formula for Medicare physician reimbursement during the lame duck session of Congress. Opposed including further cuts to hospital payments to offset the cost of such legislation. Ways and Means Committee Hospital Improvement for Payment Discussion Draft - Monitored and reviewed the introduction of draft legislation from the Ways and Means Committee impacting hospital policies. Supported proposals to place greater restrictions on Medicare recovery audit contractor activities (similar to H.R. 1250, and S. 1012). Supported provision to include sociodemographic considerations in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (similar to H.R. 4188 & S. 2501). Reviewed and monitored proposals to modify hospital payment systems to more accurately pay for short-stay admissions and supported proposals to delay enforcement of CMS' "two-midnight rule". Opposed provision that would relax current restrictions on physician-owned hospitals.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Sustainable growth rate formula (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) - Advocated for the repeal of the SGR formula for Medicare physician reimbursement during the lame duck session of Congress. Opposed including further cuts to hospital payments to offset the cost of such legislation. Ways and Means Committee Hospital Improvement for Payment Discussion Draft - Monitored and reviewed the introduction of draft legislation from the Ways and Means Committee impacting hospital policies. Supported proposals to place greater restrictions on Medicare recovery audit contractor activities (similar to H.R. 1250, and S. 1012). Supported provision to include sociodemographic considerations in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (similar to H.R. 4188 & S. 2501). Reviewed and monitored proposals to modify hospital payment systems to more accurately pay for short-stay admissions and supported proposals to delay enforcement of CMS' "two-midnight rule". Opposed provision that would relax current restrictions on physician-owned hospitals.

Medicare Physician Payments - (S. 2011, H.R. 4302) Supported legislation to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Opposed use of hospital payments as an offset. Supported inclusion of additional delays for two-midnight rule. Opposed efforts to include extension of sequestration Medicare payment cuts to hospitals as an offset for legislation to extend unemployment insurance, legislation to increase the debt ceiling and legislation to change COLA adjustments for military retirees.Hospital Two-Midnight Rule - Advocated for correcting policy and delaying implementation of CMS' two-midnight rule for hospital admissions. Supported legislation (S. 2082) to delay implementation of the rule, and develop new payment methodology for short inpatient admissions. Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Supported legislation (H.R. 4188) to make changes to the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program.

Hospital Readmissions Reductions Program - Advocated in support of legislation (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) that would require CMS consider sociodemographic conditions in the hospital readmissions reduction program. Hospital two-midnights rule - Supported legislation (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) to delay implementation of the CMS' two-midnight rule and provide for stakeholder input in development of alternative payment models.Medicare physician payments - Monitored ongoing discussions to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Recovery Audit Contractors - Supported legislation (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Site-neutral payments - Monitored and expressed opposition to proposals that would equalize payments for certain treatments delivered in a hospital setting with treatments delivered in a physician's office.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Medicare Physician Payments - (S. 2011, H.R. 4302) Supported legislation to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Opposed use of hospital payments as an offset. Supported inclusion of additional delays for two-midnight rule. Opposed efforts to include extension of sequestration Medicare payment cuts to hospitals as an offset for legislation to extend unemployment insurance, legislation to increase the debt ceiling and legislation to change COLA adjustments for military retirees.Hospital Two-Midnight Rule - Advocated for correcting policy and delaying implementation of CMS' two-midnight rule for hospital admissions. Supported legislation (S. 2082) to delay implementation of the rule, and develop new payment methodology for short inpatient admissions. Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Supported legislation (H.R. 4188) to make changes to the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Hospital Readmissions Reductions Program - Advocated in support of legislation (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) that would require CMS consider sociodemographic conditions in the hospital readmissions reduction program. Hospital two-midnights rule - Supported legislation (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) to delay implementation of the CMS' two-midnight rule and provide for stakeholder input in development of alternative payment models.Medicare physician payments - Monitored ongoing discussions to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Recovery Audit Contractors - Supported legislation (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Site-neutral payments - Monitored and expressed opposition to proposals that would equalize payments for certain treatments delivered in a hospital setting with treatments delivered in a physician's office.

Sustainable growth rate formula (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) - Advocated for the repeal of the SGR formula for Medicare physician reimbursement during the lame duck session of Congress. Opposed including further cuts to hospital payments to offset the cost of such legislation. Ways and Means Committee Hospital Improvement for Payment Discussion Draft - Monitored and reviewed the introduction of draft legislation from the Ways and Means Committee impacting hospital policies. Supported proposals to place greater restrictions on Medicare recovery audit contractor activities (similar to H.R. 1250, and S. 1012). Supported provision to include sociodemographic considerations in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (similar to H.R. 4188 & S. 2501). Reviewed and monitored proposals to modify hospital payment systems to more accurately pay for short-stay admissions and supported proposals to delay enforcement of CMS' "two-midnight rule". Opposed provision that would relax current restrictions on physician-owned hospitals.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Medicare Physician Payments - (S. 2011, H.R. 4302) Supported legislation to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Opposed use of hospital payments as an offset. Supported inclusion of additional delays for two-midnight rule. Opposed efforts to include extension of sequestration Medicare payment cuts to hospitals as an offset for legislation to extend unemployment insurance, legislation to increase the debt ceiling and legislation to change COLA adjustments for military retirees.Hospital Two-Midnight Rule - Advocated for correcting policy and delaying implementation of CMS' two-midnight rule for hospital admissions. Supported legislation (S. 2082) to delay implementation of the rule, and develop new payment methodology for short inpatient admissions. Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Supported legislation (H.R. 4188) to make changes to the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Hospital Readmissions Reductions Program - Advocated in support of legislation (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) that would require CMS consider sociodemographic conditions in the hospital readmissions reduction program. Hospital two-midnights rule - Supported legislation (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) to delay implementation of the CMS' two-midnight rule and provide for stakeholder input in development of alternative payment models.Medicare physician payments - Monitored ongoing discussions to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Recovery Audit Contractors - Supported legislation (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Site-neutral payments - Monitored and expressed opposition to proposals that would equalize payments for certain treatments delivered in a hospital setting with treatments delivered in a physician's office.

Medicare Physician Payments - (S. 2011, H.R. 4302) Supported legislation to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Opposed use of hospital payments as an offset. Supported inclusion of additional delays for two-midnight rule. Opposed efforts to include extension of sequestration Medicare payment cuts to hospitals as an offset for legislation to extend unemployment insurance, legislation to increase the debt ceiling and legislation to change COLA adjustments for military retirees.Hospital Two-Midnight Rule - Advocated for correcting policy and delaying implementation of CMS' two-midnight rule for hospital admissions. Supported legislation (S. 2082) to delay implementation of the rule, and develop new payment methodology for short inpatient admissions. Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Supported legislation (H.R. 4188) to make changes to the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Sustainable growth rate formula (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) - Advocated for the repeal of the SGR formula for Medicare physician reimbursement during the lame duck session of Congress. Opposed including further cuts to hospital payments to offset the cost of such legislation. Ways and Means Committee Hospital Improvement for Payment Discussion Draft - Monitored and reviewed the introduction of draft legislation from the Ways and Means Committee impacting hospital policies. Supported proposals to place greater restrictions on Medicare recovery audit contractor activities (similar to H.R. 1250, and S. 1012). Supported provision to include sociodemographic considerations in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (similar to H.R. 4188 & S. 2501). Reviewed and monitored proposals to modify hospital payment systems to more accurately pay for short-stay admissions and supported proposals to delay enforcement of CMS' "two-midnight rule". Opposed provision that would relax current restrictions on physician-owned hospitals.

Sustainable growth rate formula (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) - Advocated for the repeal of the SGR formula for Medicare physician reimbursement during the lame duck session of Congress. Opposed including further cuts to hospital payments to offset the cost of such legislation. Ways and Means Committee Hospital Improvement for Payment Discussion Draft - Monitored and reviewed the introduction of draft legislation from the Ways and Means Committee impacting hospital policies. Supported proposals to place greater restrictions on Medicare recovery audit contractor activities (similar to H.R. 1250, and S. 1012). Supported provision to include sociodemographic considerations in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (similar to H.R. 4188 & S. 2501). Reviewed and monitored proposals to modify hospital payment systems to more accurately pay for short-stay admissions and supported proposals to delay enforcement of CMS' "two-midnight rule". Opposed provision that would relax current restrictions on physician-owned hospitals.

Hospital Readmissions Reductions Program - Advocated in support of legislation (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) that would require CMS consider sociodemographic conditions in the hospital readmissions reduction program. Hospital two-midnights rule - Supported legislation (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) to delay implementation of the CMS' two-midnight rule and provide for stakeholder input in development of alternative payment models.Medicare physician payments - Monitored ongoing discussions to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Recovery Audit Contractors - Supported legislation (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Site-neutral payments - Monitored and expressed opposition to proposals that would equalize payments for certain treatments delivered in a hospital setting with treatments delivered in a physician's office.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program - (S. 2501, H.R. 4188) - Supported legislation that would include socio-demographic factors in calculating penalties under the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 4015, S. 2157) Advocated for repealing the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare physician reimbursement without cutting hospital reimbursement to offset the cost of repeal legislation.Recovery Audit Contractors (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would place limits on collection activity by Medicare recovery audit contractors. Hospital Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698, S. 2082) - Supported legislation that would delay the implementation of the so-called "two-midnight rule" for short-stay admissions and provide an opportunity for stakeholder development of alternative policies. Post-Acute Care (H.R. 4994, S. 2553) - Monitored legislation that promotes greater collaboration across delivery settings between post-acute health care providers.

Medicare Audit Improvement Act (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would make changes to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program. Opposed efforts to extend sequestration cuts in Medicare payments in October government funding and debt ceiling agreement. Supported efforts to replace sequestration cuts with targeted reductions.Medicare Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698) Supported legislation to delay the Medicare "Two Midnights rule" and urged CMS to make changes to the policy. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 2810, Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committee drafts) - Monitored House and Senate proposals to replace the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Opposed proposals to reduce hospital payments to offset the cost of replacing the SGR formula.

340 B drug discount program - Advocated for additional time for hospitals to comply with revised guidance on the GPO exclusion utilized by the program. Hospital group purchasing - Conducted outreach efforts to promote the value offered to hospitals by group purchasing organizations Compounding pharmacies - (S. 959) monitored legislation that would increase regulation on compounding pharmacies.Pharmaceutical supply-chain security and shortages of prescription drugs - (H.R. 1919, S. 957) - Monitored legislative development of House and Senate "Track and Trace" legislation. Unique device identification - Advocated for the release of the final rule implementing a unique device identification system for medical devices.

Medicare Physician Payments (H.R. 2810) - Tracked legislative efforts to replace the sustainable growth rate formula for physician reimbursement. Opposed potential hospital cuts as a part of any legislation. Hospital Disproportionate Share Payments - Supported legislation (H.R. 1920) that would delay mandated DSH cuts in the Affordable Care Act.Hospital Inpatient Admission Guidance - Advocated for a delay in implementation of the so-called "two-midnight" rule related to inpatient admission in the FY2014 hospital inpatient payment rule.

Budget Control Act - Advocated for a delay or repeal of Medicare sequestration cuts in the Budget Control Act. Hospital Disproportionate Share Payments - Supported legislation (H.R. 1920) that would delay mandated DSH cuts in the Affordable Care Act. Supported confirmation of Marilyn Tavenner to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Sustainable growth rate formula (H.R.574, Senate Finance, House Energy and Commerce and House Ways and Means Committee drafts) - Monitored ongoing discussions to replace the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Advocated against further cuts to hospital payments in order to offset replacement costs.

Preventive Health Scoring Legislation (H.R. 2663, S. 1422) - Supported passage of legislation that would allow the Congressional Budget Office to conduct scores for long-term cost reductions associated with preventive health care efforts. Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Outreach and education efforts related to the value hospital GPOs provide to their members. Monitored ongoing investigations regarding GPOs and drug shortages.Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of the final rule establishing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Compounding Pharmacies and Supply-chain Security (H.R. 3204, S. 959) - Tracked legislation in the House and Senate that would provide additional uniform regulations on compounding pharmacies and provide additional capabilities to track and trace medication through the supply-chain. 340B Drug Discount Program - Advocated for additional implementation time for hospitals to remain in compliance under new regulatory guidance for the 340B drug discount program.

Medicare Audit Improvement Act (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would make changes to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program. Opposed efforts to extend sequestration cuts in Medicare payments in October government funding and debt ceiling agreement. Supported efforts to replace sequestration cuts with targeted reductions.Medicare Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698) Supported legislation to delay the Medicare "Two Midnights rule" and urged CMS to make changes to the policy. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 2810, Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committee drafts) - Monitored House and Senate proposals to replace the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Opposed proposals to reduce hospital payments to offset the cost of replacing the SGR formula.

Medicare Physician Payments (H.R. 2810) - Tracked legislative efforts to replace the sustainable growth rate formula for physician reimbursement. Opposed potential hospital cuts as a part of any legislation. Hospital Disproportionate Share Payments - Supported legislation (H.R. 1920) that would delay mandated DSH cuts in the Affordable Care Act.Hospital Inpatient Admission Guidance - Advocated for a delay in implementation of the so-called "two-midnight" rule related to inpatient admission in the FY2014 hospital inpatient payment rule.

Preventive Health Scoring Legislation (H.R. 2663, S. 1422) - Supported passage of legislation that would allow the Congressional Budget Office to conduct scores for long-term cost reductions associated with preventive health care efforts. Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Outreach and education efforts related to the value hospital GPOs provide to their members. Monitored ongoing investigations regarding GPOs and drug shortages.Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of the final rule establishing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Compounding Pharmacies and Supply-chain Security (H.R. 3204, S. 959) - Tracked legislation in the House and Senate that would provide additional uniform regulations on compounding pharmacies and provide additional capabilities to track and trace medication through the supply-chain. 340B Drug Discount Program - Advocated for additional implementation time for hospitals to remain in compliance under new regulatory guidance for the 340B drug discount program.

Hospital Group Purchasing - Conducted outreach on the value that hospital GPOs provide to hospitals. Monitored and engaged ongoing reviews of GPO best practices. Monitored ongoing implementation of the Affordable Care Act and conducted outreach efforts on the law's impact on hospitals. 340B Drug Discount Program - Monitored efforts to expand 340B to inpatient facilities and tracked ongoing investigations.Compounding Pharmacies and Supply-chain Security (H.R. 3204, S. 959) - Tracked legislation in the House and Senate that would provide additional uniform regulations on compounding pharmacies and provide additional capabilities to track and trace medication through the supply-chain.

Medicare Audit Improvement Act (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would make changes to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program. Opposed efforts to extend sequestration cuts in Medicare payments in October government funding and debt ceiling agreement. Supported efforts to replace sequestration cuts with targeted reductions.Medicare Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698) Supported legislation to delay the Medicare "Two Midnights rule" and urged CMS to make changes to the policy. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 2810, Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committee drafts) - Monitored House and Senate proposals to replace the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Opposed proposals to reduce hospital payments to offset the cost of replacing the SGR formula.

Budget Control Act - Advocated for a delay or repeal of Medicare sequestration cuts in the Budget Control Act. Hospital Disproportionate Share Payments - Supported legislation (H.R. 1920) that would delay mandated DSH cuts in the Affordable Care Act. Supported confirmation of Marilyn Tavenner to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Sustainable growth rate formula (H.R.574, Senate Finance, House Energy and Commerce and House Ways and Means Committee drafts) - Monitored ongoing discussions to replace the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Advocated against further cuts to hospital payments in order to offset replacement costs.

Sustainable Growth Rate Formula (H.R.574, Senate Finance, House Energy and Commerce and House Ways and Means Committee drafts) - monitored ongoing discussions to replace the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Advocated against further cuts to hospital payments in order to offset replacement costs. Budget Control Act - Urged Congress to pass legislation to avoid or delay sequestration Medicare reimbursement cuts for hospitals.

Medicare Audit Improvement Act (H.R. 1250, S. 1012) - Supported legislation that would make changes to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program. Opposed efforts to extend sequestration cuts in Medicare payments in October government funding and debt ceiling agreement. Supported efforts to replace sequestration cuts with targeted reductions.Medicare Two-midnight rule (H.R. 3698) Supported legislation to delay the Medicare "Two Midnights rule" and urged CMS to make changes to the policy. Medicare physician payments - (H.R. 2810, Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committee drafts) - Monitored House and Senate proposals to replace the sustainable growth rate formula for Medicare reimbursement for physicians. Opposed proposals to reduce hospital payments to offset the cost of replacing the SGR formula.

Preventive Health Scoring Legislation (H.R. 2663, S. 1422) - Supported passage of legislation that would allow the Congressional Budget Office to conduct scores for long-term cost reductions associated with preventive health care efforts. Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Outreach and education efforts related to the value hospital GPOs provide to their members. Monitored ongoing investigations regarding GPOs and drug shortages.Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of the final rule establishing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Compounding Pharmacies and Supply-chain Security (H.R. 3204, S. 959) - Tracked legislation in the House and Senate that would provide additional uniform regulations on compounding pharmacies and provide additional capabilities to track and trace medication through the supply-chain. 340B Drug Discount Program - Advocated for additional implementation time for hospitals to remain in compliance under new regulatory guidance for the 340B drug discount program.

340 B drug discount program - Advocated for additional time for hospitals to comply with revised guidance on the GPO exclusion utilized by the program. Hospital group purchasing - Conducted outreach efforts to promote the value offered to hospitals by group purchasing organizations Compounding pharmacies - (S. 959) monitored legislation that would increase regulation on compounding pharmacies.Pharmaceutical supply-chain security and shortages of prescription drugs - (H.R. 1919, S. 957) - Monitored legislative development of House and Senate "Track and Trace" legislation. Unique device identification - Advocated for the release of the final rule implementing a unique device identification system for medical devices.

340 B drug discount program - Advocated for additional time for hospitals to comply with revised guidance on the GPO exclusion utilized by the program. Hospital group purchasing - Conducted outreach efforts to promote the value offered to hospitals by group purchasing organizations Compounding pharmacies - (S. 959) monitored legislation that would increase regulation on compounding pharmacies.Pharmaceutical supply-chain security and shortages of prescription drugs - (H.R. 1919, S. 957) - Monitored legislative development of House and Senate "Track and Trace" legislation. Unique device identification - Advocated for the release of the final rule implementing a unique device identification system for medical devices.

Preventive Health Scoring Legislation (H.R. 2663, S. 1422) - Supported passage of legislation that would allow the Congressional Budget Office to conduct scores for long-term cost reductions associated with preventive health care efforts. Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Outreach and education efforts related to the value hospital GPOs provide to their members. Monitored ongoing investigations regarding GPOs and drug shortages.Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of the final rule establishing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Compounding Pharmacies and Supply-chain Security (H.R. 3204, S. 959) - Tracked legislation in the House and Senate that would provide additional uniform regulations on compounding pharmacies and provide additional capabilities to track and trace medication through the supply-chain. 340B Drug Discount Program - Advocated for additional implementation time for hospitals to remain in compliance under new regulatory guidance for the 340B drug discount program.

Hospital Group Purchasing - Conducted outreach on the value that hospital GPOs provide to hospitals. Monitored and engaged ongoing reviews of GPO best practices. Monitored ongoing implementation of the Affordable Care Act and conducted outreach efforts on the law's impact on hospitals. 340B Drug Discount Program - Monitored efforts to expand 340B to inpatient facilities and tracked ongoing investigations.Compounding Pharmacies and Supply-chain Security (H.R. 3204, S. 959) - Tracked legislation in the House and Senate that would provide additional uniform regulations on compounding pharmacies and provide additional capabilities to track and trace medication through the supply-chain.

Shortage of prescription drugs - Supported and tracked legislative efforts (S. 296, H.R 2245, Energy and Commerce and HELP Committee draft legislation) to mitigate ongoing issue with prescription drug shortages. Hospital Group Purchasing - Engaged in education and outreach efforts on hospital group purchasing organization and the role of GPOs play in the health care marketplace. Tracked implementation of transparancy efforts included under the Affordable Care Act. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of regulations developing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Endorsed legislation (S. 2193) that would require the FDA to issue such regulations by the end of 2012. 340 B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Discount Program - Monitored Congressional investigation into the 340 B drug discount program. Tracked legislative proposals to expand the program to inpatient hospitals. Independent Payment Advisory Board - Supported legislation (S. 668, H.R. 452) to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Tracked legislative efforts (H.R. 5) to repeal IPAB and make changes to medical malpractice laws. Conducted outreach and education efforts with policymakers on initiatives being offered by VHA to improve hospital clinical performance.

Shortage of Prescription Drugs - monitored legislative language in FDA user fee legislation that would combat shortages of prescription drugs. Supported inclusion of such language in final legislation. Unique Device Identification - advocated for inclusion of legislative language in FDA user fee legislation that would require the FDA to issue regulations to implement a national unique device identification system by the end of 2012. Hospital Group Purchasing - Engaged in education and outreach efforts to highlight the import role that hospital GPOs play in the health care marketplace. Tracked issues related to implementation of transparency efforts and assessment of the medical device tax included in the Affordable Care Act. 340 B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Discount Program - tracked Congressional investigation related to the 340B drug discount program. Monitored legislative efforts (H.R.2674) to make changes to the program. Engaged in outreach efforts to demonstrate innovative initiatives being offered by VHA to improve hospital clinical performance.

Hospital Group Purchasing - Engaged in education and outreach efforts to promote the value of hospital group purchasing organizations for America's hospitals. Responded to inquiries about hospital utilization of compounding pharmacies and relation to group purchasing contracts. Tracked legislative efforts to expand FDA's authority to regulate large compounding pharmacies (H.R. 6584). Unique Device Identification - tracked the release of regulations from the FDA to establish a unique device identification system as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Urged a more aggressive timeline for implementation of a UDI system. 340 B of the Public Health Service Act Drug Discount Program - tracked legislative proposals to expand the 340B drug discount program to inpatient providers (H.R. 2674).

Hospital Group Purchasing - Engaged in outreach and education efforts to demonstrate the value that GPOs offer to hospitals. Budget Control Act - Advocated for changes to the Budget control act to prevent a 2.0% cut in Medicare payments for hospitals. Physician Payment Sunshine Act - tracked implementation of the Medicare physician payment sunshine requirements from the Affordable Care Act. 340 B (of the Public Health Services Act ) Drug Discount Program - tracked Congressional investigations of the 340B program and monitored legislative efforts (H.R. 2674) to expand the program to inpatient providers. Health IT - followed the continued implementation of the HITECH Act, and the health IT incentive program for meaningful users of electronic health records. Shortage of prescription drugs - monitored ongoing federal efforts to combat the shortage of prescription drugs. Advocated for proposals that would help ease the shortage in the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act which was signed into law on July 9. Unique Device Identification - supported inclusion of provisions in the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act requiring the FDA to implement a unique device identification system for medical devices by a set date.

Shortage of prescription drugs - Supported and tracked legislative efforts (S. 296, H.R 2245, Energy and Commerce and HELP Committee draft legislation) to mitigate ongoing issue with prescription drug shortages. Hospital Group Purchasing - Engaged in education and outreach efforts on hospital group purchasing organization and the role of GPOs play in the health care marketplace. Tracked implementation of transparancy efforts included under the Affordable Care Act. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of regulations developing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Endorsed legislation (S. 2193) that would require the FDA to issue such regulations by the end of 2012. 340 B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Discount Program - Monitored Congressional investigation into the 340 B drug discount program. Tracked legislative proposals to expand the program to inpatient hospitals. Independent Payment Advisory Board - Supported legislation (S. 668, H.R. 452) to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Tracked legislative efforts (H.R. 5) to repeal IPAB and make changes to medical malpractice laws. Conducted outreach and education efforts with policymakers on initiatives being offered by VHA to improve hospital clinical performance.

H.R. 8 - Fiscal Cliff Legislation - Opposed additional cuts to hospital payments in negotiations to address the fiscal cliff. Supported delay or repeal of automatic Medicare cuts as a result of the Budget Control Act of 2011. Medicare Physician Reimbursement - Opposed inclusion of cuts to hospital reimbursement in negotiations to prevent Medicare cuts to physician reimbursement as a result of the statutory reductions from the Sustainable Growth Rate formula.

Shortage of prescription drugs - Supported and tracked legislative efforts (S. 296, H.R 2245, Energy and Commerce and HELP Committee draft legislation) to mitigate ongoing issue with prescription drug shortages. Hospital Group Purchasing - Engaged in education and outreach efforts on hospital group purchasing organization and the role of GPOs play in the health care marketplace. Tracked implementation of transparancy efforts included under the Affordable Care Act. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of regulations developing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Endorsed legislation (S. 2193) that would require the FDA to issue such regulations by the end of 2012. 340 B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Discount Program - Monitored Congressional investigation into the 340 B drug discount program. Tracked legislative proposals to expand the program to inpatient hospitals. Independent Payment Advisory Board - Supported legislation (S. 668, H.R. 452) to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Tracked legislative efforts (H.R. 5) to repeal IPAB and make changes to medical malpractice laws. Conducted outreach and education efforts with policymakers on initiatives being offered by VHA to improve hospital clinical performance.

Hospital Group Purchasing - Engaged in education and outreach efforts to promote the value of hospital group purchasing organizations for America's hospitals. Responded to inquiries about hospital utilization of compounding pharmacies and relation to group purchasing contracts. Tracked legislative efforts to expand FDA's authority to regulate large compounding pharmacies (H.R. 6584). Unique Device Identification - tracked the release of regulations from the FDA to establish a unique device identification system as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Urged a more aggressive timeline for implementation of a UDI system. 340 B of the Public Health Service Act Drug Discount Program - tracked legislative proposals to expand the 340B drug discount program to inpatient providers (H.R. 2674).

Shortage of prescription drugs - Supported and tracked legislative efforts (S. 296, H.R 2245, Energy and Commerce and HELP Committee draft legislation) to mitigate ongoing issue with prescription drug shortages. Hospital Group Purchasing - Engaged in education and outreach efforts on hospital group purchasing organization and the role of GPOs play in the health care marketplace. Tracked implementation of transparancy efforts included under the Affordable Care Act. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of regulations developing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Endorsed legislation (S. 2193) that would require the FDA to issue such regulations by the end of 2012. 340 B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Discount Program - Monitored Congressional investigation into the 340 B drug discount program. Tracked legislative proposals to expand the program to inpatient hospitals. Independent Payment Advisory Board - Supported legislation (S. 668, H.R. 452) to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Tracked legislative efforts (H.R. 5) to repeal IPAB and make changes to medical malpractice laws. Conducted outreach and education efforts with policymakers on initiatives being offered by VHA to improve hospital clinical performance.

Hospital Group Purchasing - Conducted outreach and education efforts on the value of group purchasing organizations for hospitals. Monitored and expressed support for draft proposals to create greater transparency in the pricing of medical devices. H.R. 5 - Monitored the legislative movement of Medical Liability reform legislation. Advocated for policies that would ease the burden of liability costs on health care providers and promote competition in the insurance marketplace. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of FDA regulations to establish a unique device identification system for medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. H.R. 2 - Monitored efforts to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Advocated against eliminating expanded insurance coverage and wholesale changes, while encouraging an approach that would allow fixing pieces of the law while maintaining any improvements. S. 296 - Monitored legislation that would require drug manufacturers to report to the FDA on potential drug shortages. H.R. 452, S. 668 - Tracked the release of legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Patient Safety Initiative - monitored the release of a possible patient safety initiative from HHS. Engaged in policy discussions as to how VHA may be suited to engage policy makers in support of improving patient safety.

Shortage of Prescription Drugs - Supported legislation (S. 296, H.R. 2245) that would require greater reporting of possible drug shortages. Monitored congressional activity in search of solutions to ongoing drug shortage problem. Group Purchasing Organizations - Education and outreach efforts regarding the value that GPOs bring to hospitals. Monitored and engaged on congressional investigatory efforts regarding group purchasing and health care supply chain. Independent Payment Advisory Board - (S.668, H.R. 452) - Supported legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Unique Device Identification - Urged federal regulators to release regulations establishing a national unique identification system for medical devices as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. 340 B (of the Public Health Service Act) Drug Pricing Program - monitored legislative proposals that would expand the 340 B prescription drug pricing program to inpatient hospitals. Confidentiality of Medical Information - tracked and engaged on regulatory efforts stemming from the HITECH Act that would require accounting for disclosures of medical information and enhanced reporting for HIPAA covered entities. Outreach and education efforts with policymakers on VHA initiatives doing to improve hospital clinical performance.

Select Committee on Deficit Reduction - monitored the selection and the activity of the Joint Select Committee under the Budget Control Act. Hospital Group Purchasing - Education and outreach efforts on the value of group purchasing for hospitals. Advocated in support of proposals to provide greater transparency in the pricing of medical devices. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release regulations creating a unique device identification system for medical devices as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Independent Payment Advisory Board (S. 668, H.R. 452) - Supported legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Partnership for Patients - engaged in supporting the national patient safety initiative through the Partnership for Patients. Drug Shortage (S. 296, H.R. 2245) - Supported legislative efforts aimed at preventing ongoing issues with the shortage of prescription drugs. Monitored efforts from the Food and Drug Administration to address the problem. 340 B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Pricing Program - Monitored proposals to extend the drug discount program to inpatient hospitals.

Shortage of Prescription Drugs - Supported legislation (S. 296, H.R. 2245) that would require greater reporting of possible drug shortages. Monitored congressional activity in search of solutions to ongoing drug shortage problem. Group Purchasing Organizations - Education and outreach efforts regarding the value that GPOs bring to hospitals. Monitored and engaged on congressional investigatory efforts regarding group purchasing and health care supply chain. Independent Payment Advisory Board - (S.668, H.R. 452) - Supported legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Unique Device Identification - Urged federal regulators to release regulations establishing a national unique identification system for medical devices as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. 340 B (of the Public Health Service Act) Drug Pricing Program - monitored legislative proposals that would expand the 340 B prescription drug pricing program to inpatient hospitals. Confidentiality of Medical Information - tracked and engaged on regulatory efforts stemming from the HITECH Act that would require accounting for disclosures of medical information and enhanced reporting for HIPAA covered entities. Outreach and education efforts with policymakers on VHA initiatives doing to improve hospital clinical performance.

Select Committee on Deficit Reduction - monitored the selection and the activity of the Joint Select Committee under the Budget Control Act. Hospital Group Purchasing - Education and outreach efforts on the value of group purchasing for hospitals. Advocated in support of proposals to provide greater transparency in the pricing of medical devices. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release regulations creating a unique device identification system for medical devices as required under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. Independent Payment Advisory Board (S. 668, H.R. 452) - Supported legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Partnership for Patients - engaged in supporting the national patient safety initiative through the Partnership for Patients. Drug Shortage (S. 296, H.R. 2245) - Supported legislative efforts aimed at preventing ongoing issues with the shortage of prescription drugs. Monitored efforts from the Food and Drug Administration to address the problem. 340 B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Pricing Program - Monitored proposals to extend the drug discount program to inpatient hospitals.

Accountable Care Organizations - tracked the release of regulations establishing the Medicare Shared Savings Program and similar efforts through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovations. Advocated for a flexible approach that would allow hospitals greater opportunities to develop ACOs and share in savings generated through care coordination. House Budget Resolution - monitored proposals that would move the traditional Medicare program to a premium-support model and shift Medicaid funding to block-grants in place of traditional state matching funding. Deficit Reduction Efforts - tracked various proposals from the House and Senate aimed at reducing the deficit. Opposed efforts to reduce hospital payments. Independent Payment Advisory Board (S. 668, H.R. 452) - Supported legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board.

Hospital Group Purchasing - Conducted outreach and education efforts on the value of group purchasing organizations for hospitals. Monitored and expressed support for draft proposals to create greater transparency in the pricing of medical devices. H.R. 5 - Monitored the legislative movement of Medical Liability reform legislation. Advocated for policies that would ease the burden of liability costs on health care providers and promote competition in the insurance marketplace. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of FDA regulations to establish a unique device identification system for medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. H.R. 2 - Monitored efforts to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Advocated against eliminating expanded insurance coverage and wholesale changes, while encouraging an approach that would allow fixing pieces of the law while maintaining any improvements. S. 296 - Monitored legislation that would require drug manufacturers to report to the FDA on potential drug shortages. H.R. 452, S. 668 - Tracked the release of legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Patient Safety Initiative - monitored the release of a possible patient safety initiative from HHS. Engaged in policy discussions as to how VHA may be suited to engage policy makers in support of improving patient safety.

Hospital Group Purchasing - Conducted outreach and education efforts on the value of group purchasing organizations for hospitals. Monitored and expressed support for draft proposals to create greater transparency in the pricing of medical devices. H.R. 5 - Monitored the legislative movement of Medical Liability reform legislation. Advocated for policies that would ease the burden of liability costs on health care providers and promote competition in the insurance marketplace. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of FDA regulations to establish a unique device identification system for medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. H.R. 2 - Monitored efforts to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Advocated against eliminating expanded insurance coverage and wholesale changes, while encouraging an approach that would allow fixing pieces of the law while maintaining any improvements. S. 296 - Monitored legislation that would require drug manufacturers to report to the FDA on potential drug shortages. H.R. 452, S. 668 - Tracked the release of legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Patient Safety Initiative - monitored the release of a possible patient safety initiative from HHS. Engaged in policy discussions as to how VHA may be suited to engage policy makers in support of improving patient safety.

Medicare Physician Payments - Advocated for a long-term solution to avoid a cut in Medicare physician payments. Supported passage of H.R. 5712. Medicare Bundled Payments and Hospital-Physician Alignment - discussed possible legislative language to help facilitate more effective hospital-physician alignment, including possible expansion of certain types of gainsharing arrangements. Accountable Care Organizations - tracked the policy implications of the possible release of regulations establishing the Medicare Shared Savings Program, which allows the creation of Accountable Care Organizations. Hospital Value Based Purchasing - conducted outreach and tracked policy implications regarding the potential release of regulations establishing a hospital value based purchasing system.

Hospital Group Purchasing - Conducted outreach and education efforts on the value provided to hospitals by group purchasing organizations. Tracked the release of reports from the Senate Finance Committee and the Government Accountability Office on hospital group purchasing. Health Care Information Technology - tracked regulations that would determine if hospitals would be considered meaningful users of electronic health records and advocated for legislative changes that would allow incentive payments to providers in multi-campus settings (H.R. 6072, S. 3708). Opposed possible expansion of current Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements for the privacy of health information. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of regulations establishing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Amendments Act of 2006. 340B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Pricing Program - tracked technical changes to provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that would allow children's hospitals access to 340B pricing for orphan drugs included in H.R. 5712.

Health Care Reform - monitored the regulatory activities surrounding the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, particularly the legislative responses to the development of Accountable Care Organizations and a Value-based Purchasing system. Hospital Group Purchasing - Outreach and education efforts aimed at demonstrating the value GPOs provide to hospitals. Hospital Group Purchasing (Cont.) - worked to demonstrate the transparency of the GPO business model and value provided to hospitals in response to the Senate Finance Committee minority staff report on the industry. Health Care Information Technology - tracked the release of the regulations that determined if hospitals would be considered "meaningful users" of health IT. Advocated for legislation ( H.R. 6072, S. 3708) that would address an issue in the meaningful use regulation related to hospitals and health systems operating in multi-campus settings. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the FDA to issue regulations to create a unique device identification system for medical devices, as required under the Food and Drug Amendments Act of 2006. H.R. 5820 - Monitored legislative efforts related to the Toxic Substances Control Act and analyzed potential impact on hospitals. Demonstrated VHA's tools for helping hospitals improve their clinical performance and prepare for the implementation of a Medicare value-based purchasing system. 340B (of the Public Health Services Act) drug pricing program - advocated for the inclusion of language in H.R. 4213 related to sharing of non-pricing information related to drugs in the 340B-1 program.

Health Care Reform - monitored the regulatory activities surrounding the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, particularly the legislative responses to the development of Accountable Care Organizations and a Value-based Purchasing system. Hospital Group Purchasing - Outreach and education efforts aimed at demonstrating the value GPOs provide to hospitals. Hospital Group Purchasing (Cont.) - worked to demonstrate the transparency of the GPO business model and value provided to hospitals in response to the Senate Finance Committee minority staff report on the industry. Health Care Information Technology - tracked the release of the regulations that determined if hospitals would be considered "meaningful users" of health IT. Advocated for legislation ( H.R. 6072, S. 3708) that would address an issue in the meaningful use regulation related to hospitals and health systems operating in multi-campus settings. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the FDA to issue regulations to create a unique device identification system for medical devices, as required under the Food and Drug Amendments Act of 2006. H.R. 5820 - Monitored legislative efforts related to the Toxic Substances Control Act and analyzed potential impact on hospitals. Demonstrated VHA's tools for helping hospitals improve their clinical performance and prepare for the implementation of a Medicare value-based purchasing system. 340B (of the Public Health Services Act) drug pricing program - advocated for the inclusion of language in H.R. 4213 related to sharing of non-pricing information related to drugs in the 340B-1 program.

Hospital Group Purchasing - Conducted outreach and education efforts on the value provided to hospitals by group purchasing organizations. Tracked the release of reports from the Senate Finance Committee and the Government Accountability Office on hospital group purchasing. Health Care Information Technology - tracked regulations that would determine if hospitals would be considered meaningful users of electronic health records and advocated for legislative changes that would allow incentive payments to providers in multi-campus settings (H.R. 6072, S. 3708). Opposed possible expansion of current Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements for the privacy of health information. Unique Device Identification - Advocated for the release of regulations establishing a unique device identification system for medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Amendments Act of 2006. 340B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Pricing Program - tracked technical changes to provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that would allow children's hospitals access to 340B pricing for orphan drugs included in H.R. 5712.

Health Care Reform Legislation (H.R. 3590, H.R. 3962, H.R. 4872) - Tracked the legislative process used to pass health care reform legislation. Supported proposals included in both the House and Senate bill that would provide coverage to uninsured Americans. Monitored changes to H.R. 3590 as proposed in H.R. 4872 that would have an impact on hospitals. Group Purchasing - general outreach and education efforts in support of demonstrating the value GPOs provide to hospitals. Group Purchasing Organizations (cont.) - monitored proposals and the legislative movement of H.R.4872 to track any possible included changes to H.R. 3590 that may impact hospital GPOs. 340B (of the Public Health Services Act) Drug Pricing - tracked the proposed expansion of the program to inpatient drugs for eligible hospitals in H.R. 3590 and the subsequent changes made by H.R. 4872 to limit the expansion to a smaller group of eligible hospitals . Unique Device Identification - Supported maintaining legislative language in H.R. 3962 that would have required the FDA to enact regulations requiring Unique Device Identification for medical devices. Health Care Information Technology - monitored the development of "meaningful user" regulations and supported an approach that would allow hospitals greater access to incentive funding made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Supported legislative proposals that would have changed the definition of "hospital-based physician" to allow more providers eligibility for incentive funding. Supported the goals of S. 1490 while advocating for an approach that recognizes the protections to health data that are already present under the HIPAA Privacy and Security rules, and would not require competing regulatory authority from the Federal Trade Commission.