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UrduAmerican Thoracic Society Environmental Health Policy Committee Chair Alison Lee, MD, strongly opposes proposed FY25 cuts that would jeopardize the health of all Americans: “Clean air, clean water and a healthy environment are essential to the health of all Americans. That is why I am calling on Congress to scrap the current FY25 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill and start over.
Category: Policy
Statement on Passage of Legislation Expanding Access to Breast Cancer Treatment for Missourians
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today issued the following statement on the passage of legislation to expand eligibility for the MO HealthNet Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment (BCCT) program, ensuring that all eligible individuals have access to vital treatment services, regardless of where they received their cancer screening and diagnosis.
AACN Looks to the Senate as House Proposes Cuts and Consolidation of Programs Supporting Nursing Education and Research
The House Appropriations Committee advanced their Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS-ED) spending bill by a vote of 31 to 25. This bill proposes steep cuts and consolidation of programs throughout the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education.
The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) supports Rep. Cassidy’s letter asking the FDA to explain how it plans to abide by the recent Supreme Court decision curtailing the power of federal agencies
On June 28, in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, the Supreme Court overturned the so-called Chevron doctrine and reinforced that Congress and the courts are responsible for writing and interpreting laws, respectively, not federal agencies.
Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) survey finds that FDA’s final laboratory developed tests rule will impede the fight against the U.S.’s drug epidemic
Today, the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM, formerly AACC) released the results of a survey that ADLM conducted to determine how the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) final laboratory developed tests rule will impact patient access to essential tests. The survey found that, in spite of certain tests being exempt from the rule, it will still force many laboratories, particularly those in hospitals, to discontinue critical tests, including those needed to identify prescription and illegal drug use.
Statement on the Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission’s Decision to Increase Access to Breast Imaging
Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission voted unanimously to eliminate the out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental imaging for Kansas state employees with an effective date of January 1, 2024.
ASTRO applauds new bipartisan legislation to reform prior authorization for Medicare Advantage patients
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) applauded today’s introduction of bipartisan federal legislation to address critical flaws in the prior authorization process. “The prior authorization system in its current form is ineffective and harmful to patients, creating unnecessary delays to lifesaving cancer treatments and distress for the people who need them,” said Jeff M. Michalski, MD, MBA, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors.
Endocrine Society urges passage of the Right to IVF Act
The Endocrine Society endorses the Right to IVF Act, which was introduced by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to protect and expand nationwide access to fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), and urges the Senate to pass the Right to IVF Act on June 12th to ensure that the freedom to start and grow a family is protected and accessible to everyone in the United States.
Statement on Passage of Legislation Increasing Funding for Colorado’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today issued the following statement on the passage of SB 24-086, which provides critical funding for the Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC), Colorado’s breast and cervical cancer screening program.
Introduction of Breast Imaging Legislation Will Benefit Thousands of Ohioans
Breast imaging legislation in Ohio will save thousands of lives.
Massachusetts Patients now Have Increased Access to Anesthesia Care
Massachusetts patients now have increased access to safe, affordable anesthesia care. The state is the latest to opt out from federal regulations that require physician supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists.
MEDIA ADVISORY – Webinar: The U.S. FDA’s rule on LDTs – What it means for you
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long sparked controversy with its proposals to regulate laboratory developed tests (LDTs) as medical devices.
AANA Issues Updated Practice Considerations for Ketamine Therapy for Psychiatric Disorders and Chronic Pain Management
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recently updated its practice considerations addressing ketamine therapy to cite the most current studies, as AANA continues to support a patient-centered, interdisciplinary approach to providing care and treatment to persons with psychiatric disorders or chronic pain.
Is a Global Pandemic Prevention Pact Within Reach?
The World Health Organization’s governing body is scheduled to meet on May 27 to discuss a critically needed plan for global pandemic preparedness.
INCREASING ORGAN TRANSPLANT ACCESS (IOTA) MODEL ANNOUNCED TO INCREASE PATIENT ACCESS TO KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
The long-awaited Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model was released yesterday by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) focusing on increasing patients’ access to kidney transplantation across the United States.
Asthma Education is Key to Reducing Deaths Worldwide, Say Respiratory Health Associations
On World Asthma Day 2024 the message is clear: “Asthma Education Empowers.” The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), of which the American Thoracic Society is a founding member, stresses the crucial role of education in empowering people with asthma to manage their condition effectively and to know when to seek medical assistance.
NCCN Policy Summit Encourages Conversation and Action on Sexual Health and Fertility Issues Faced by People with Cancer
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)—an alliance of leading cancer centers—hosts an oncology policy summit focused on how sexual and reproductive health can impact people with cancer before, during, and after treatment.
The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) opposes FDA ruling on laboratory developed tests; urges FDA to involve all stakeholders in modernization of laboratory developed test regulation in order to improve patient care
We at the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM, formerly AACC) strongly disagree with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) decision to issue a final rule placing laboratory developed tests under duplicative FDA authority, in addition to these tests’ current regulation under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY CALLS ON CONGRESS TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE US TRANSPLANT SYSTEM
Today, leaders from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) will meet with their congressional delegations and call for their support of an $8 million increase for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Organ Transplantation Program in FY 25 This funding, totaling $67 million, will be used to continue Congress’ commitment to people seeking a transplant and will implement reforms to modernize the transplant system and make transplant care more accessible.
International Consensus Statement Published in Nature Reviews Nephrology Calls for Urgent Action to Address Chronic Kidney Disease on the Global Public Health Agenda
Nature Reviews Nephrology published a landmark international consensus statement titled “Chronic Kidney Disease and the Global Public Health Agenda: An International Consensus.” Authored by a coalition of leading experts, stakeholders, and nephrology societies, the publication highlights critical policy, advocacy, and implementation needs to alleviate the growing burden of kidney disease worldwide.
Introduction of Legislation to Expand Access to Breast Cancer Treatment for Missourians
Susan G. Komen®, commends Representative Chantelle Nickson-Clark (D-Florissant) for working with Komen to expand eligibility for the MO HealthNet Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment (BCCT) program, providing increased access to vital breast and cervical cancer treatment services.
Italians Abroad Can Easily Resume Healthcare Coverage When Returning to Italy
Italians residing abroad and registered with the EU health card service are guaranteed the maintenance of medical assistance and health exemptions when they return to Italy.
American Society of Nephrology Celebrates Transformational Transplant Funding
Delivering on its commitment to increase Americans’ access to kidney transplant by improving the transparency and efficiency of our nation’s transplant network, Congress this week approved a much-needed $23 million federal funding increase in fiscal year (FY) 2024 for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the agency responsible for overseeing the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).
US House Foreign Affairs Committee Advances Bipartisan Bill for Global Conservation
“USFICA would create a public-private partnership to save wildlife and wild places around the world. What that means is government funds would leverage private support, making public dollars go much farther. And those monies would go directly to protected areas and parks around the world.” John Calvelli, WCS Executive VP for Public Affairs
Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) Submits Testimony to Congress Opposing FDA’s Proposed LDTs Rule
“Today, we at the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM, formerly AACC) provided testimony to Congress regarding the impact of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) proposed rule to impose FDA oversight on laboratory developed tests in addition to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversight. While we share FDA’s goal of ensuring that laboratory developed tests are safe and effective, we have serious concerns about the agency’s proposal. If finalized, this rule would create a burdensome dual regulatory structure that would limit patient access to many life-saving tests.
Susan G. Komen® Urges U.S. House, Senate to Pass Critical Breast Health Legislation After House Committee Vote
Susan G. Komen is urging the U.S. House and Senate to bring the SCREENS for Cancer Act to a floor vote as soon as possible so breast health services are available to those who need them now.
University of Maryland, Baltimore Researchers Call for Regulation of Direct-to-Consumer Microbiome Tests
Burgeoning interest in the microbiome has led to a growing demand for direct-to-consumer (DTC) microbiome testing services.
AANA Advocates for Excellence During Patient Safety Awareness Week
During Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 10-16, 2024, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) proudly joins the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in raising awareness and promote initiatives that make healthcare safer for patients and the healthcare workforce.
Endocrine Society celebrates extension of Special Diabetes Program
The Endocrine Society applauds Congress for approving the first funding increase for the Special Diabetes Program in two decades.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill into law aimed at protecting in vitro fertilization patients and providers from legal liability with some clinics poised to lift a hold on certain IVF services as early as this week.
Sonia Suter is a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and founding director of the Health Law Initiative. She is an expert on issues at the intersection of law, medicine, and bioethics, with a particular focus…
American Society of Anesthesiologists Extremely Frustrated with Another Year of Medicare Payment Cuts
Today the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) expressed disappointment with the congressional “doc fix” provisions included in the recently passed government funding package. Instead of blocking the fourth straight year of Medicare payment cuts to physicians, the provisions only reduce the size of the 2024 payment cut by about half, leaving physician practices with unsustainable payment cuts.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY APPLAUDS THE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE FOR ADVANCING THE KIDNEY PATIENT ACT (HR 5074)
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) commends congressional leaders on the House Ways and Means committee for advancing the Kidney PATIENT Act, bipartisan legislation to maintain patient access to oral-only medications by retaining coverage through Medicare Part D.
More than 500,000 patients undergoing dialysis require numerous medications to manage their health, and, for many patients this includes certain oral-only medications, such as phosphate binders. These vital oral-only medications are best dispensed by pharmacies, who have dedicated infrastructure suited to promoting at-home medication adherence and are more accessible to patients.
Family Advocates Urge Congress’ Support During Inaugural Angelman Syndrome (AS) Congressional Advocacy Day
The Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) and the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) are hosting the inaugural Angelman Syndrome (AS) Congressional Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY COMMENDS CONGRESS FOR HIGHLIGHTING THE HONOR OUR LIVING DONORS ACT (H.R. 6020)
At a hearing today focused on supporting patients with rare diseases, the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will consider Honor Our Living Donors Act (H.R. 6020), legislation to improve support for living organ donors.
Endocrine Society supports federal legislation protecting IVF access
The Endocrine Society is calling for members of Congress to support federal legislation protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
AANA Applauds Addition of CRNAs To SAMHSA Practitioner List
In a recent final regulation issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), CRNAs, also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, have been permanently added to the definition of a practitioner who is appropriately licensed by a state to prescribe and dispense medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD).
New Clinical Practice Guideline Provides Evidence-based Recommendations for Immunotherapy for Inhalant Allergy
The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) published the Clinical Practice Guideline: Immunotherapy for Inhalant Allergy today in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
CMS COP14, An Historic Opportunity to Protect the Guanaco Migrations
This iconic herbivore of the arid grasslands and the Andes Mountains in the Southern Cone, depends on vast and connected habitats to feed, reproduce, and rest.
AACN Applauds the Reintroduction of the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act in Congress
AACN applauds the introduction of the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act (H.R.7266/S.3770) by our Senate Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and House Nursing Caucus Vice Co-Chair, and nurse Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14). This legislation calls for historic investments to address immediate nursing education needs, while providing proactive measures to meet future workforce demands.
American Cancer Society Updates Lung Cancer Screening Guideline: Nearly Five Million U.S. Adults who Smoke and Formerly Smoked Now Recommended for Testing
The American Cancer Society releasesan update of its lung cancer screening guideline to help reduce the number of people dying from the disease due to smoking history.
Cancer drug shows promise targeting genetic weakness in some tumors, comments Virginia Tech expert
In an invited commentary, Kathleen Mulvaney, assistant professor with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, talks about the potential of a new drug that has shown early promise in clinical trials for solid tumors by killing cancer cells that lack specific tumor suppressor genes.
New ACP position paper addresses the ethical concepts related to health as a human right
The American College of Physicians (ACP) today issued a new position paper addressing health as a human right and examining the intersection of human rights, ethical obligations, and health reform in recognizing health as a human right. The position paper is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Institute for International Crop Improvement: Early Promise, Long Journey Ahead
The challenges facing global food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers over the last year may at first appear insurmountable, yet IICI’s vital work continues to advance impactful agricultural innovations where they are needed most.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY APPALUDS THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HONOR OUR LIVING DONORS (HOLD) ACT, H.R. 6020
The American Society of Nephrology, representing 21,000 nephrologists, scientists and other kidney care professionals, today voiced its support for the Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act (H.R. 6020), new legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) and Suzanne DelBene (D-WA-1) to qualify federal support for living organ donors based on donor income as opposed to current requirements that base support on the organ recipient’s income.
AANA Updates, Publishes Analgesia and Anesthesia Practice Considerations for The Substance Use Disorder Patient
To help ensure that patients with active substance use disorder, on medication-assisted treatment, or in abstinent recovery continue to receive high-quality, safe pain management and anesthesia care, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has published its updated analgesia and anesthesia practice considerations.
ACP says ‘Enough is enough,’ vows to continue to fight for lower drug prices for patients
ACP leaders have strong words for pharmaceutical and other health care companies that are challenging the implementation of the Medicare prescription drug price negotiation program. So far, these businesses have spent approximately $400 million challenging the program in U.S. courts. ACP, along with other medical societies, is pushing back.
AACI Statement on NIH Director Confirmation
The Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) joins nonprofit health advocacy organizations nationwide in calling for the swift confirmation of Monica Bertagnolli, MD, as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Bristol unites international gambling harms experts and people suffering from gambling addiction to highlight urgent need for reform
With the explosion of online platforms and advertising, the scourge of gambling is a growing problem affecting people of all ages.
Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) Statement on Proposed FDA Rule on Laboratory Developed Tests
We at the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine were disappointed to see the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) attempt to circumvent Congress with its new proposed rule to duplicate the regulation of laboratory developed tests by placing these tests under FDA authority, in addition to their current regulation under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Cleaning Product Ingredient Transparency Gets a Hearing on Capitol Hill
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce is discussing a legislative proposal that would establish – for the first time – a federal standard for ingredient communication in cleaning products.