H–1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act

Reported lobbying issue

Education: Support for the Resident Education Deferred (REDI) Act (HR 2028/S 942), which would allow physicians and dentists to defer their student loans interest free during residency. Medicare/Medicaid: Providing comments in response to draft legislative efforts to provide long term reform to the Medicare physician payment system. Insurance: Support for the Improving Dental Administration Act (HR 7931), which would apply state dental insurance laws to ERISA dental plans operating in that state. Support for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S 1677/HR 3277), which would require health insurers to cover treatment, including dental, for patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies. Health Issues: -Supporting S. 4008, the Promoting Dental Health Act, which would reauthorize the CDC DOH for five years. -urging appropriators to support health infrastructure investment across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) including critical investments in oral health workforce, research, and prevention. -Encouraging congressional assistance to seek information from the Defense Health Agency, which administers the Tricare program, on the rates used to reimburse participating providers in the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP). -Urging CMS to use its existing authorities to ensure that Medicare Part D plans prioritize and ensure meaningful access to all FDA-approved, evidence-based, non-opioid medicines indicated for acute pain, including newly approved and first-in-class therapies. -Supporting the H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act (HR 7961), which would exempt physicians, dentists and other healthcare workers from the new $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions as well as prohibit new H-1B fees that exceed the existing fees under the U.S. Code from being imposed on healthcare workers. -Urging apppropriators to reject policies that would prohibit or condition the eligibility of publication costs for federally funded research.

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: Concerns about CMS November 14 guidance entitled "Subject: Section 71115 and 71117 of Working Families Tax Cuts Legislation on Provider Taxes" - particularly in relaion to Section 71115 The Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act - HR 7961 - all provisions The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act - HR 3514 & S 1816 - all provisions Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act FEMA COVID Relief funding Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act - all provisions Medicare/Medicaid: Concerns about CMS November 14 guidance entitled "Subject: Section 71115 and 71117 of Working Families Tax Cuts Legislation on Provider Taxes" - particularly in relaion to Section 71115 The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act - HR 3514 & S 1816 - all provisions Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act Homeland Security: The Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act - HR 7961 - all provisions FEMA COVID Relief funding

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: Appropriations for FY 2026 and FY 2027 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (PL 119-21) Agriculture: Agriculture and Climate Change legislation HR 2398/S 1163, The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act HR 8467, The Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 (FARM Bill) Management of the VMLRP and VSGP programs at USDA/NIFA Education: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Executive orders related to Higher Education Request from Rep. Cleavers office on student wellbeing Biomedical and STEM workforce issues Immigration: H1B Visas and Immigration issues Animals: HR 1842, The People and Animals Well Being Act (PAW) Use of animals in biomedical research Health Issues: HR 7961, the Physicians and Healthcare Workforce Act

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: Rules and regulations governing Medicare, Medicaid, Marketplace and other public insurance programs covering patient access to care. Issues related to the Essential Plan. Monitoring H.R. 9504 - Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act - issues related to hospital reporting requirements Monitor issues and proposals related to health care price transparency Medicare/Medicaid: Rules and regulations governing Medicare, Medicaid, Marketplace and other public insurance programs covering patient access to care. Disaster Planning/Emergencies: Issues related to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for COVID-19 work. Immigration: HR 7961 - Issues related to waiving the application fee for H-1B visas for foreign health care professionals seeking to work in the United States.

Reported lobbying issue

Pharmacy: Oppose 340B cuts HR 4581 340B Patients Act Oppose 340B rebates Oppose Eli Lilly claims reporting Housing: HR 2725/S. 1515 Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act 21st Century Road to Housing Act Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice: HR 2332 SHARE Act HR 3178/S 1600 SAVE Healthcare Workers Act Immigration: HR 1585 Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act HR 7961 H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act Medicare/Medicaid: Oppose Medicaid cuts. Oppose Medicare site neutral cuts. S. 1261 CONNECT for Health Act S. 1460/HR 786 Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act (incentive payments for APMs) HR 1683 Protecting Rural Seniors Access to Care Act (SNF minimum staffing standards reg) S 1935 Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act S 1816 Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act S. 1031 Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value Based Program Act S. 1087 Rebuild Americas Health Care Schools Act HR 3890 Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act HR 538 Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025 HR 3222 SMART Health Care Act HR 4559 Prompt and Fair Pay Act HR 6199 Medical Nutrition Therapy Act S 2834/HR 5439 Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act HR 9504 Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act Food is medicine Health Issues: S. 266 Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Reauthorization S. 998 Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act HR 2213 tariffs on medical goods HR 5052/S 547 Train More Nurses Act Budget/Appropriations: Funding for gun violence prevention research, CDC Office on Smoking and Health, public health workforce loan repayment Oppose HR 1 Education: S. 383 JOBS Act HR 6718 Professional Student Degree Act

Reported lobbying issue

Disaster Planning/Emergencies: Issues related to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for COVID-19 work. Immigration: HR 7961 - Issues related to waiving the application fee for H-1B visas for foreign health care professionals seeking to work in the United States Health Issues: Policies, rules, and regulations related to Medicaid, Medicare, Essential and Marketplace coverage. Issues related to the Essential Plan. Issues related to graduate medical education (GME) slots. Monitoring H.R. 9504 - Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act - issues related to hospital reporting requirements. Medicare/Medicaid: Policies, rules, and regulations related to Medicaid, Medicare, Essential and Marketplace coverage.

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: -Expanding Support for Living Donors Act (H.R. 7868) Legislation to expand how much living donors can be reimbursed and to increase the threshold for income-based qualification -Living Donor Protection Act (H.R. 4583) and related FMLA bill (H.R. 4582 and S. 1552). Clarifies and strengthens protections for Americans who donate an organ. -Concurrent Care for Comfort Act (HR 8367) and related policy concepts regarding helping patients on dialysis nearing end of life also access hospice care -Home Dialysis Improvement Act (HR 8875) and related policy concepts helping more patients consider electing home dialysis -Kidney Disease Education Expansion Act of 2026 (H.R. 9509) and related policy concepts to increase earlier upstream intervention to slow the progression of kidney disease, including screening and diagnosis -$77M in appropriations for HRSA Organ Transplant work in FY27 (funding to modernize the US transplant system and support living donors through reimbursement for living kidney donation-related costs) -$25M in appropriations for HHS in FY27 to support KidneyX (public-private partnership to catalyze innovation in kidney disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through a series of prize competitions) -Called for continued focus on modernizing the U.S. transplant system, including implementing the 2023 Securing the U.S. OPTN Act -Called for the creation of an Officer of Kidney Health and Transplantation within the immediate office of the secretary of HHS (to coordinate kidney health care, research, and data-related efforts across the numerous HHS agencies with a role in kidney health) -Urged HHS to ensure kidney health data remains accessible and complete, including advancing data-sharing, data standards, and interoperability -Encouraged CMMI to develop a subsequent kidney care focused model, building on the successes and lessons of the CKCC model -Asked questions about the adequacy of kidney patient access to specialized kidney and transplant care in MA plans -Endorsed the following bills: -Keeping Individuals with Dialysis Needs Equipped through Year-round (KIDNEY) Remote Monitoring Act (HR 8319) Provider Reimbursement Stability Act (HR 8163) -The Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 (HR 7905/S 4070) -H-1Bs for Physicians and Healthcare Workforce Act (HR 7961) Living Organ Volunteer Engagement (LOVE) Act (HR 7581) -New Era of Preventing ESRD Act (HR 1518) -PKD Cures Act (HR 9169) Science/Technology: -$51.303B in appropriations for NIH in FY27 (to support investments in basic, clinical, translational, and other health-related research activities) -$1 billion in appropriations for kidney research at NIDDK within the overall NIDDK FY27 appropriation, implementing the recommendations of the Transforming Kidney Health Research report -$25M in appropriations for HHS in FY27 to support KidneyX (public-private partnership to catalyze innovation in kidney disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through a series of prize competitions) -Called for significant revision or recision of the proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance

Reported lobbying issue

Housing: HR 2725/S. 1515 Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act 21st Century Road to Housing Act Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice: HR 2332 SHARE Act HR 3178/S 1600 SAVE Healthcare Workers Act Immigration: HR 1585 Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act HR 7961 H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act Medicare/Medicaid: Oppose Medicaid cuts. Oppose Medicare site neutral cuts. S. 1261 CONNECT for Health Act S. 1460/HR 786 Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act (incentive payments for APMs) HR 1683 Protecting Rural Seniors Access to Care Act (SNF minimum staffing standards reg) S 1935 Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act S 1816 Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act S. 1031 Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value Based Program Act S. 1087 Rebuild Americas Health Care Schools Act HR 3890 Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act HR 538 Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025 HR 3222 SMART Health Care Act HR 4559 Prompt and Fair Pay Act HR 6199 Medical Nutrition Therapy Act S 2834/HR 5439 Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act Health Issues: S. 266 Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Reauthorization S. 998 Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act HR 2213 tariffs on medical goods HR 5052/S 547 Train More Nurses Act Budget/Appropriations: Funding for gun violence prevention research, CDC Office on Smoking and Health, public health workforce loan repayment Oppose HR 1 Education: S. 383 JOBS Act HR 6718 Professional Student Degree Act Pharmacy: Oppose 340B cuts. HR 4581 340B Patients Act

Reported lobbying issue

Immigration: HR 7961 - Issues related to waiving the application fee for H-1B visas for foreign health care professionals seeking to work in the United States Health Issues: Policies, rules, and regulations related to Medicaid, Medicare, Essential and Marketplace coverage. Issues related to the Essential Plan. Monitor proposals related to NIH's calculation of indirect costs. Issues related to graduate medical education (GME) slots. H.R. 7148 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 - issues related to agencies supporting health care research in the U.S. Medicare/Medicaid: Policies, rules, and regulations related to Medicaid, Medicare, Essential and Marketplace coverage. Disaster Planning/Emergencies: Issues related to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for COVID-19 work.

Reported lobbying issue

Disaster Planning/Emergencies: Issues related to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for COVID-19 work. Immigration: HR 7961 - Issues related to waiving the application fee for H-1B visas for foreign health care professionals seeking to work in the United States. Health Issues: Rules and regulations governing Medicare, Medicaid, Marketplace and other public insurance programs covering patient access to care. Issues related to the Essential Plan. Monitor proposals related to NIH's calculation of indirect costs. H.R. 7148 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 - issues related to agencies supporting health care research in the U.S. Issues related to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Medicare/Medicaid: Rules and regulations governing Medicare, Medicaid, Marketplace and other public insurance programs covering patient access to care.

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: Funding for WIC SNAP/Farm Bill Mental Health for Children MODERN WIC Act/21st Century WIC Act Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Funding for HRSA Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program Donor Milk Dietary Guidelines Suicide Prevention School Meal Standards WIC Food Packages Whole Milk Supporting Childrens Mental Health Care Access Mental Health Parity Prevention and Early Intervention Set-Aside in Mental Health Block Grant Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Infant Formula Safety Opioid Overdose Prevention 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Mental Health Medication Prescribing Child passenger safety Appropriations for the Indian Health Service Appropriations for Environmental Programs (including EPA) Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program & Implementation Infant sleep product safety Lead exposure prevention Food safety Paid family and medical leave Regulation of high-powered magnet sets Vehicle emissions standards Button battery ingestions Early childhood education (including Head Start, Childcare) Child product safety and injury prevention, including drowning prevention Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Family First Prevention Services Act implementation Title IV-B Congregate care reform Supports for foster youth/former foster youth (including Chafee Program) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, ozone and particulate matter NAAQS, EPA greenhouse gas regulation, Endangerment Finding QRTP/IMDs Firearm Injury and Violence Prevention (Including Research Funding; Background Checks; Safe/Secure Storage) Childcare Funding & Resources Native American Child Health Water Beads Vaccines Fluoride Child Welfare & Medicaid, Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Housing Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who Deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act Funding Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4709) Donor Milk, Access to Donor Milk Act Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (S.1234/H.R.2590) Supplemental Security Income Equality Act (H.R. 2540) Autonomous Vehicles Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Data Collection Project Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) & Potential Changes Family Resource Centers Infant Formula E-bikes Medicaid Payment Parity (including H.R. 1433 / S. 760 - Kids Access to Primary Care Act) Access to Care in Medicaid/CHIP Medicaid/CHIP federal funding H.R. 4641 - Keep Kids Covered Act S. 2287/H.R. 4425 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) Telehealth - Medicare telehealth extension, CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1261) One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) Hospital at Home Program Vaccines for Children Program S.1677/H.R.3277 - Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) MediKids Act Patients First Act Nutrition Infant Formula Medicaid Immigration Child Welfare Vaccines Healthcare Workforce Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 6291/S. 836) Kids Online Safety Act (H.R. 6484/S.1748) KIDS Act (H.R. 7757) Artificial Intelligence and Child Health Legislation to Protect Young People Online Funding for Title X Family Planning Program Funding for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program Reauthorization, Funding, and Program Implementation Tobacco Product Regulation/Enforcement Tobacco Control Program Funding & Implementation Biomedical Research Funding (NIH, NICHD, AHRQ, etc.) Funding for NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program Funding for Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program PDUFA Reauthorization MDUFA Reauthorization Pediatric Device Consortia Funding Pediatric Trials Network Funding Healthcare for LGBTQ Youth FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill: Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program, Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention Research, Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program, Emergency Medical Services for Children, National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Global Immunization, Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, Antimicrobial Resistance, Maternal and Child Health, Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act IDEA Full Funding Act (H.R.2598) Artificial Intelligence Autism Vaccines Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (S.830/H.R.2560) FASD Respect Act (S. 139) Family Vaccine Protection Act (H.R.3701) VACCINE Act HEADS UP Act (H.R.3409) Protecting Free Vaccines Act PREVENT HPV Cancers Act (H.R. 6561) Vaccine Transportation Access Act Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6347) Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations bills (Labor HHS and SFOPS/NSRP) Protecting Sensitive Locations Act (H.R.5166 / S.455) Early Childhood Development programming H-1Bs for the Physicians and Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status, Docket No. FR-6524P-01 [RIN 2501-AE16] Help Separated Children Act (S.4389) Family Detention / DHS policies Unaccompanied Children's Program / Office of Refugee Resettlement Visas for International Medical Graduates National Defense Authorization Act (Mercy Amendment)

Reported lobbying issue

Medicare/Medicaid: Support Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, specifically reform of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Support the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act (H.R. 8163), which would reform outdated physician fee schedule budget-neutrality requirements, including raising the existing $20 million budget-neutrality trigger to $54.3 million. Support the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act (H.R. 7520), which would pause the new Medicare -2.5% efficiency adjustment and require CMS to issue a report with data justifying a one-time efficiency adjustment application and only if certain conditions are met. Oppose the Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act (S. 1692 / H.R. 5737) which requires the consultation of appropriate use criteria for advanced diagnostic imaging in the Medicare program Health Issues: Oppose the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act (S. 2355 / H.R. 5582). The bill requires price transparency, including discounted cash price and payer-specific negotiated rates, from all imaging providers, including physician practices. Support the he H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961), which would exempt healthcare professionals from the $100,000 H-1B petition fee

Reported lobbying issue

Medicare/Medicaid: Provided comments on CMS Request for Information: Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CMS-6098-NC) regarding hospital efforts to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Provided comments on CMS-1827-P - SNF PPS, CMS-1845-P - IRF PPS, and CMS-1847-P - IPF PPS about proposed revisions to the prospective payment systems for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehab facilities. Urged support for H.R. 5454/S.2879, the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act, which would put payment timelines in place for Medicare Advantage claims. Opposed H.R. 9504 (Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act) that would implement onerous reporting requirements for non-for-profit and other hospitals. Health Issues: Expressed support for The H-1Bs for the Physicians and Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961), legislation that would exempt physicians and other health professionals from the new $100,000 H-1B fee. Provided comment to the Health Resources & Services Administration on its Request for Information: 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program, HHS Docket No. HRSA-2026-03042, related to the negative impacts of a 340B rebate model pilot program.

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: Oppose H.R. 1 limitations on Affordable Care Act premium tax credit eligibility and support legislatively delaying implementation. Support permanently extending Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits. Support 340B Drug Pricing Program with Congressional staff and discuss certain changes: oppose 340B ACCESS Act, SECURE 340B Act, support PATIENTS Act, oppose HRSA back-end rebate models, support enforcement action against manufacturer claims data policies. Support recommendations to address workforce shortages for nursing and ancillary health care workforce: faculty recruitment and retention, additional financial support for supervision and precepting students, Medicare payment for nursing and allied health, testing new workforce models, establishing incentives and early recruitment strategies, providing funding for clinical training sites, and immigration reforms that expedite entry for foreign health care workers. Support SAVE Healthcare Workers Act (H.R. 3178/S. 1600). Support revisions to Conrad 30 waiver program to increase the number of foreign physicians that may remain in the US after completing GME: S.665/H.R.4942, S.2719/H.R.6980, H.R. 4875. Support Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (S. 4532/H.R. 8702). Support SEPSIS Act (S.1929). Discuss New York State transition from Affordable Care Act Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver to Section 1331 Basic Health Plan. Discuss legislative proposals to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in health care settings with Congressional staff. Discuss non-profit tax-exempt status of hospitals and examples of community benefit for IRS purposes. Discuss price transparency regulations and legislative proposals: Lower Costs, More Transparency Act; Patients Deserve Price Tags Act; Prices on the Wall Act; Transparency in Billing Act. Support commercial insurance reforms. Oppose HSA and price transparency provisions in H.R. 8324. Discuss antitrust exemption for National Resident Matching Program. Medicare/Medicaid: Discuss with Congressional staff and HHS staff support for Medicare GME expansion and changes to GME program: the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, the Pathway to Practice Act of 2021, the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act, additional GME slots in CAA, 2021 and CAA, 2023; Rural Residency Planning and Development Act. Discuss with Congressional staff distribution methodology for Medicare GME slots created in the CAA, 2021. Discuss rural reclassification for Medicare wage index and Medicare GME purposes with Congressional staff. Discuss COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Medicare flexibilities with Congressional staff and HHS staff and support legislative proposals to permanently extend PHE telehealth flexibilities and two-year extension of Acute Hospital Care at Home Waiver. Oppose Medicare site-neutral payment policies. Oppose unique national provider identifier (NPI) requirement for hospital outpatient departments and discuss implementation - H.R. 7148-Sec. 6225. Support Medicare Advantage reforms - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S. 1816), MA Prompt Pay Act (H.R. 5454/S.2879). Discuss Medicare wage index issues with CMS. Discuss proposals that stabilize long-term care and post-acute care providers: establish a temporary per diem Medicare payment to ease capacity issues and address financial challenges from slow discharges (support), make permanent three-day hospital stay waiver (support) and other COVID-19 PHE regulatory flexibilities. Oppose Medicaid program and financing changes in H.R.1: work requirements as a condition of coverage, changes to state-directed payments, reductions to Federal matching funds, reductions to the safe harbor threshold for provider taxes, sunset of broad-based and uniform provider tax waivers, rescission of Medicaid Eligibility rule and Medicaid/CHIP Access rule, reductions to retroactive coverage. Discuss Medicaid Section 1115 waiver with Congressional staff and HHS. Oppose proposed rule - Medicare and Medicaid Conditions of Participation: Limiting Participation Based on the Performance of Sex Trait Modification Procedures on Children with Congressional staff. Budget/Appropriations: Discuss Medicare GME funding in CAA, 2021 and CAA, 2023 with Congressional staff and HHS staff. Support health extenders in H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026: extend COVID-19 Medicare-covered telehealth flexibilities, Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver, Medicaid DSH cut elimination; Medicaid DSH cap calculation changes. Discuss support for increased Hospital Preparedness Program funding with Congressional staff. Immigration: Oppose September 19 Presidential Proclamation imposing $100,000 fee on employers petitioning for new H-1B visas; support health care sector exemption; endorse H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961). Discuss H.R.1689, designating Haiti for Temporary Protected Status, with Congressional staff.

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: Health care quality; physician and hospital quality; health care innovation; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act/health care reform implementation; unique device identifier policy and post-market surveillance for medical devices; clinical trial design; HIPAA and registries; federal funding/appropriations for HHS, NIH, AHRQ, CDC, FDA, HRSA and the Childrens Hospital Graduate Medical Education payment program, the Prevention & Public Health Fund, medical research, and prevention; research and scholarly communication policy; implementation and oversight of 21st Century Cures Act; data blocking/interoperability of electronic data; artificial intelligence/machine learning; algorithm transparency; health disparities; reduction/oversight of prior authorization and other administrative burdens; digital health; Sect. 1557 Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities; cardiomyopathy education and awareness; peripheral arterial disease (PAD) education and awareness; VA Mission Act implementation; COVID-19 and implementation of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Coronavirus Provider Protection Act, and clinician mental health and wellbeing; patient identification; Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness; MCIT/TCET/Breakthrough devices; Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act (H.R. 307); Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act (H.R. 2028/S. 942); Implementation and funding for the Cardiomyopathy Health, Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act (P.L. 118-176); provide AEDs in transportation facilities with the Public Access to Defibrillation in Transportation Facilities Act (H.R. 5897); Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 929/S. 266; Physician Led and Rural Access to Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 2191/S. 1390); Section 232, National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients; and to protect health care workers from violence with the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R. 3178/S. 1600), Front of Package Food Labeling, The Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act (H.R. 5439/S. 2834); The Nursing is a Professional Degree Act (H.R. 8691/S. 4568), H.R.9260 - Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027; and the H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961). Medicare/Medicaid: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1; Medicare physician payment including, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 879); the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6160), the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act (S. 4935); the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act (H.R. 8163); and the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act (H.R. 7520); new/alternative payment models; Medicare coverage, hospital payment of cardiovascular services; access to Medicare claims data; physician and hospital quality; Quality Payment Program; clinical data registries; health care quality; medical imaging and prior authorization; the Stark Law and the in-office ancillary services exception; Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act implementation and oversight; Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 and Medicare site of service policy; graduate medical education policy including the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 3890/S. 2439); provide a specialty physician loan repayment program with the SPARC Act (H.R 4681/S. 1380); provide deferred interest payments for residents on student loans with the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act (H.R. 2028/S. 942); oversight and implementation of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014, including Appropriate Use Criteria; physician-owned hospital policy including the Physician Led Rural Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 2191/S. 1390) and the Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act (H.R. 4002); COVID-19 public health emergency and the implementation of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act; implementation of the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act; Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act; the expansion of telehealth services, including the CONNECT for Health Act (H.R. 41894206/S. 1261), the Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home At (H.R. 783/S. 248), and the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 5081/S. 2709); Improving maternal health, including Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Act (Connected MOM Act) (H.R. 4977/S. 141), Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1909), and Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act (H.R. 1254/S. 380), and the Womens Heart Health Expansion Act (H.R. 7417/S. 3944) ; prior authorization reform, including the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S. 1816), the Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act (H.R. 2433), and the Safe Step Act (H.R. 5509/S. 2903); clinician-led registry access to federal claims data, including the Access to Claims Data Act (H.R. 4331); and expanding in home prescribing coverage provided in the Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025 (H.R. 6894/S. 717), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation payment models. Tobacco: Tobacco use prevention and smoking cessation; FDA regulation of tobacco; electronic cigarettes and nicotine products; tobacco and electronic cigarette policy in House and Senate Appropriations; Federal funding for the CDCs Office of Smoking and Health and chronic disease prevention.

Reported lobbying issue

Medicare/Medicaid: S. 2761 / H.R. 5269, the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act, all provisions; H.R. 5142, The Home Health Stabilization Act, all provisions; S. 1261 / H.R. 4206, CONNECT for Health Act of 2025, all provisions; H.R. 1805, Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals (ARCH) Act, all provisions; H.R. 2191, Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act, all provisions; S. 335, Rural Hospital Support Act, all provisions; S.1816 / H.R.3514, Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act, all provisions; S. 502, Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act, all provisions; S. 2439 / H.R. 4731, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025, all provisions; H.R. 4002, Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act, all provisions; H.R. 5454/S. 2879, the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act, all provisions; H.R. 6240, Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2025, all provisions; DRAFT, Rural Teaching Hospital Relief, all provisions; S. 2793, Ensuring Access to Essential Providers, all provisions; H.R. 8375/ S. 4384, Medicare Advantage Improvement Act, all provisions; H.R. 8967 / S. 4460, Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization, all provisions; H.R. 9468, Saving Today's Acute Care Resources (STAR) Act, all provisions; H.R. 8261, Chronic Care Management Improvement Act, all provisions; DRAFT, HCA Mission Act, all provisions; DRAFT, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of certain information in Medicare Advantage Encounter Data, all provisions; DRAFT, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the compensation that may be paid to agents and brokers by Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations, all provisions; DRAFT, Preserving Patient Access Act, all provisions; H.R. 8891, Rural Maternity Options for Medial Support (Rural MOMS) Act, all provisions; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Issues pertaining to Medicare Part C & D Reporting Requirements; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Issues pertaining to the FY2027 proposed rule for the hospital inpatient prospective payment system; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Issues pertaining to the proposed Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded Model (CJR-X); Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) & Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Issues pertaining to the interoperability standards and prior authorization for drugs; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Issues pertaining to the FY2027 proposed rule for the long-term care hospital prospective payment system; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Issues pertaining to hospital food and nutrition; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Issues pertaining to the FY2027 proposed rule for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs); Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Issues pertaining to the FY2027 proposed rule for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs); Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Issues pertaining to the FY2027 proposed rule for inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs); Medicaid Program, Issues pertaining to Medicaid program and how states finance programs, reimburse providers, and determine beneficiary eligibility, and implementation and mitigation of H.R. 1 provisions related to state directed payments, provider taxes and community engagement requirements; Site Neutral Payments, Issues related to site neutral payment cuts and facility fees; Rural Hospitals, Issues pertaining to the sustainability of MDHS, CAHs, SCHs, REH's, implementation of Rural Health Transformation Program, rural reclassification policy; Physician Payments, Issues pertaining to alternative payment models, mental health of workforce, physician reimbursement cuts, Medicare Access & CHIP Reauthorization (MACRA) Reforms; Health Plan Accountability, Issues specific to prior authorization, patient access to care, adequate provider networks, inappropriate denials, reducing account receivables, prompt pay and cost-based reimbursement for critical access hospitals under Medicare Advantage, Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) model, transparency in plan denial signatures, inappropriate downcoding, reducing administrative burdens; Provider Reimbursements, Issues related to provider reimbursement, site neutral payment cuts, Medicare/Medicaid program funding, facility fees; Post Acute Care, Issues pertaining to expanding patients' access to crucial services provided by long-term care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospital at home, and home health agencies. Health Issues: H.R. 4581 / S.2372, 340B PATIENTS Act, all provisions; H.R. 3178 / S. 1600, The Save Healthcare Workers Act, all provisions; H.R. 929 / S. 266, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act, all provisions; H.R. 1585 / S. 709, Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act, all provisions; S. 1874, Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act, all provisions; S. 2169, Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, all provisions; H.R. 5283 / S. 2759, Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, all provisions; S. 3315, Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2025, all provisions; H.R. 5256, 340B Access Act, all provisions; S. 2355 / H.R. 5582, Patients Deserve Price Tags Act, all provisions; H.R. 7961, Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, all provisions; S. 3435 / H.R. 6607, The Future Advancement of Academic Nursing, all provisions; S. 4637, Physician Workforce Optimization Act, all provisions; S.3788 / H.R. 8269, Consumer Labeling for Enhanced API Reporting and Legitimate Accountability for Base Entity Listings Act, all provisions; DRAFT, Issues pertaining to post-market surveillance of devices; S.Res.230, A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 11 through May 17, 2025, all provisions; DRAFT, Issues pertaining to medical debt; S. 4568 / H.R. 8691, Nursing is a Professional Degree Act, all provisions; S.J. Res 196, A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations", all provisions; H.R. 6718, Professional Student Degree Act, all provisions; DRAFT, Lower Costs More Transparency Act of 2026, all provisions; DRAFT, To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to require hospitals to post prices on the walls, all provisions; DRAFT, To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act and title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure health insurer accountability through publishing of overhead costs and claim payments, all provisions; DRAFT, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to require the displaying of claim denial rates, all provisions; DRAFT, To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require mandatory reporting with respect to certain health-related ownership information, all provisions; S. 1482, National Nursing Workforce Center, all provisions; S. 4027, Healthy Competition for Better Care Act, all provisions; H.R. 5629, To provide that the final rule of the Department of Health and Human Services titled Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder, except for the portion of the final rule relating to accreditation of opioid treatment programs, shall have no force or effect; all provisions; H.R. 8726, the Protecting Authority and Restoring Tools Necessary for Enforcement by Regulatory States Act of 2026 PARTNERS Act, all provisions; S.3364, Fast Track Healthcare Apprenticeships Act, all provisions; S.4252, WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act of 2026, all provisions; H.R. 4470, Removing Burdens From Organ Donation Act, all provisions; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services / Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Issue pertaining to standardized set of data elements intended to support nationwide, interoperable electronic data exchange to help ensure consistent health information exchange throughout a patient's health care journey; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Issue pertaining a revised version of a 340B rebate model pilot program; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Issue pertaining to Eli Lilly 340B program decisions; Federal Trade Commission & Department of Justice, Issues pertaining to the effectiveness of the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) premerger notification form and implications for hospital field; Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, Extension of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits; Rural Health Care Access, Issues to protect access to rural health care; 340B Program, Issues pertaining to protecting 340B Program, including 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program; Maternal and Child Health, Access to maternal and child health care and addressing related workforce shortages, conditions of participation (COP); Behavioral Health, Issues related to expanding access to care and reducing regulatory barriers; Workforce, Issues pertaining to workforce development programs, supporting health care workforce and physician shortages, loan repayment programs for providers in rural and underserved areas, Graduate Medical Education program; Health Plan Accountability, Issues specific to prior authorization, patient access to care, adequate provider networks, inappropriate denials, reducing account receivables, prompt pay, white-bagging and brown-bagging policies; Health Care Resiliency & Preparedness, Issues pertaining to natural disasters, strengthen health care cybersecurity, cybersecurity workforce, and securing drug supply chains, hospital preparedness program, PAHPA reauthorization; Healthcare Price Transparency, Issues related to health care price transparency; Affordability, Issues and policy solutions pertaining to health care affordability and rising costs of health care; Tax-exempt status, Issues pertaining to not-for-profit hospitals' tax exempt status and tax-exempt private activity bonds; Immigration, Proposed H1-B Visa Program changes and impact to health care workforce; AI in Healthcare, Issues pertaining to the use of AI in healthcare; Professional Degree Program Changes, Issues pertaining to new student loan borrowing limits and professional degree programs changes; Drug Prices, Issues pertaining to lowering drug prices, securing drug supply chain, and transparency; Rural Health Transformation Fund, Issues pertaining to implementation of the Rural Health Transformation program. Budget/Appropriations: Funding Priorities for Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Request Letter, LHHS, House/Senate, Strengthening the health care workforce, maternal and child health, rural health, disaster preparedness, behavioral health and medical research. Taxation/Internal Revenue Code: DRAFT, Issues pertaining to reporting requirements for nonprofit hospitals; H.R. 9504, Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act, all provisions; Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, Extension of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits; Tax-exempt status, Issues pertaining to not-for-profit hospitals' tax exempt status; Tariffs, Issues pertaining to impact of tariffs on hospitals and health systems. Immigration: H.R. 7961, Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, all provisions; DRAFT, Issues pertaining H-1B visa program; Immigration, Proposed H1-B Visa Program changes and impact to health care workforce.

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: Womens health research (general); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); CDC Office on Smoking and Health; National Institutes of Health (NIH); NIH workforce training programs; National Center for Health Statistics; Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); NIH Office of Research on Womens Health; Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); Safe Motherhood and Infant Health Program (CDC); IHS funding (general); National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDC); Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women (PRGLAC); inclusion of pregnant and lactating people in clinical trials (general); Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP); Title X family planning program; Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant; Title VII Health Professions and Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs; Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (CDC); Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program (THCGME); Healthy Start; National Maternal Mental Health Hotline; maternal mental health programs; Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM); stillbirth prevention; Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies Network (SET-NET); firearm injury and prevention research; menopause education; Womens Reproductive Health Research (WRHR); National Center for Environmental Health; Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Pregnant and Postpartum Womens Residential Services Grant Program; State Pilot Program for Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW-PLT); SPRANS; Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program; CDC newborn screening; ovarian cancer detection (general); NIH ECHO Program; Neglected Surgical Conditions; Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program; Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; WIC; OMB Rule of Federal Financial Assistance. Defense: FY27 National Defense Authorization Act; IVF coverage for servicemembers and dependents (general) Health Issues: Abortion access (general); Access to mifepristone (general); Contraception (general); Maternal mortality and morbidity (general); H.R. 8651/S. _____, Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act; Obstetric and gynecologic care in rural and underserved areas (general); impact of closures of labor and delivery units in rural hospitals on patient access to care and maternal morbidity and mortality; abortion training in obstetrics and gynecology residency programs (general); Teaching Health Center Graduate Medication Education program (general); implementation of P.L. 119-21, One Big, Beautiful Bill Act; implementation of Sec. 6501 of P.L. 119-75, Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act; Telemedicine (general); S. 380/H.R. 1254, Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act; S. 1834/H.R. 3762, Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act; H.R. 7973, Momnibus Act; H.R. 7830, WELLS Act; H.R.8159, Gynecologic Pain Management Study Act; H.R.8160, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Awareness and Research Act; H.R. 9441, SAFE Training for OBGYNs Act; H.R. 9061, PREEMPT Act; H.Res. 1282, a resolution recognizing ACOGs 75th anniversary; H.R. 8358, Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act; S. Res. 710, a resolution recognizing Maternal Mental Health Day; H.R. 9090/S. 4503, Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Womens Health Act; H.Res. 1323, a resolution recognizing National Menstrual Health Awareness Month; H.R. 8500, Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act; H.R. 7694, Gwenns Law; S. 4878, Reproductive Health Care Training Act; H.R. _____/S. _____, Right to IVF Act; S. 4494, America Cures Act; maternal mortality review committees (general); Patient-physician relationship (general); Obstetrician-gynecologist workforce (general); Substance use disorder during pregnancy (general); Maternal mental health (general); Insurance coverage for infertility (general); Protections for in vitro fertilization (general); Vaccination (general); childhood vaccine recommendations (general); Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women (PRGLAC) recommendations (general); inclusion of pregnant and lactating women in clinical trials (general); pregnancy exposure registries (general); NIH/NICHD womens health research (general); access to fertility services and treatments (general); Restorative Reproductive Medicine (general); Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); COVID vaccine during pregnancy (general); S. 4550/H.R. 8807, Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act; United States Preventive Services Taskforce (general); hormone therapy for menopause symptoms (general); acetaminophen use during pregnancy (general); SSRI use during pregnancy (general); Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS); Maternal Mortality Review Information Application (MMRIA); FACE Act implementation; Nexplanon REMS; chaperones during sensitive procedures (general); FDA regulation of flavored e-cigarettes (general); ORR policies regarding pregnant minors (general); breast cancer risk assessment (general). Immigration: Treatment of pregnant and postpartum people in immigration detention (general); access to medical care in immigration detention (general); H.R. 1061/S. 455, Protecting Sensitive Locations Act; H-1B and J-1 visa delays/disruptions for physicians and trainees (general); H.R. 7961, H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act Medicare/Medicaid: Physician payment under Medicare (general); Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Efficiency Adjustment (general); Graduate medical education (general); S.1816/H.R. 3514, Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act of 2025; Prior authorization in Medicare (general); Medicaid (general); Physician payment under Medicaid (general); Medicaid work requirements (general); CMS billing and coding procedures (general); preserving postpartum Medicaid extension (general); implementation of P.L. 119-21, One Big, Beautiful Bill Act; telehealth (general); H.R. 7520, Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act; H.R. 8163, Provider Reimbursement Stability Act; FMAP for Puerto Rico; unbundling of obstetric codes in Medicare Foreign Relations: H.R. 8582/S. 4436, Protecting Human Rights and Public Health in Foreign Assistance Act Veterans: Abortion access at the VA (general); H.R. 7841, Warrior Infertility Act

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: Appropriations related to clinical laboratory workforce, PFAS, and cardiovascular disease testing Health Issues: H.R. 5444 - Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2025 H.R. 7961 - Physicians and Healthcare Workforce Act S. 2355/H.R. 5582 - Patients Deserve Price Tags Act H.R. 9393 - Lower Costs, More Transparency Act of 2026 Federal policies related to prior authorization for medical services S.1816/H.R. 3514 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 H.R. 8890 - The Enhancing Clinical Laboratory Innovation and Access (Enhancing CLIA) Act of 2026 H.R. 8413 - SECURE Data Act CMS HealthTech Ecosystem and Interoperability AI policies related to health care Medicare/Medicaid: S.2761 and H.R. 5269, the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services Act of 2025 H.R. 5571 - Expanding Seniors Access to PFAS Testing Act H.R. 6130 - Alzheimers Screening and Prevention Act of 2025 Federal policy related to coverage and reimbursement of clinical laboratory services under the Medicare program

Reported lobbying issue

Arts/Entertainment: National Endowment for the Arts Budget/Appropriations: H.R. 4754, S. 2431 - Fiscal Year 2026 - Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act H.R. 4754, S. 2431 - Fiscal Year 2026 - Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, National Institutes of Health, student aid, graduate education, international education, Title VII and Title VIII of Public Health Service Act, HRSA, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Institute for Museum and Library Services H.R. 10545 - American Relief Act FY 2027 President's Budget Request H.R. 1 - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Facilities and Administrative Costs, FAIR Model FY26 Appropriations FY27 Appropriations H.R. 9022, Fiscal Year 2027 - Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act H.R. 9495, Fiscal Year 2027 - Defense Appropriations Act H.R. 8845, Fiscal Year 2027 - Departments of Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Act H.R. 9171, Fiscal Year 2027 - Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act H.R. 9260, Fiscal Year 2027 - Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Education: Student financial aid - Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study, Perkins Loan, LEAP, TRIO, and GEAR UP; Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS Loans Graduate education programs - Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need program Title VI International education programs - Fulbright-Hays and Gilman Scholarship program National Endowment for the Humanities Model Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) IPEDS Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) Professional degree definition and loan limits H.R. 4771, Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act H.R. 8691/S. 4568, Nursing is a Professional Degree Act H.R. 7892, No Aid for Ghost Students Act Energy/Nuclear: National Nuclear Security Administration DOE Office of Science Fusion Energy Sciences ARPA-E Issues pertaining to Energy research, high energy density laboratory plasmas, lasers, Inertial Confinement Fusion, Inertial Fusion Energy, energy efficiency Artificial Intelligence/Genesis Mission, Quantum Information Science Health Issues: Health Information Technology Health workforce shortage issues, Title VII and Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act, nursing, graduate nursing education, nursing-managed health clinics Health wellness and prevention programs Research tobacco, e-cigarettes and flavorings University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Rural Centers of Excellence H.R. 3178/S. 4771, Save Healthcare Workers Act (SAVE Act) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders H.R. 5684, Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act of 2025 Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program Immigration: Immigration Reform H1B Visas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Optional Practical Training American Dream and Promise Act Great Lakes Authority J-1 Visa Waivers Northern Border Regional Commission Nursing as a STEM-related field Duration of Status H.R. 7961, H-1B for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act Manufacturing: Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program Economic Development Administration Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs: National Institutes of Health, cancer/NCI, NEI, ARPA-H Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program Medicare/Medicaid: 340B Drug Discount Program Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act SUSTAIN 340B Act Graduate Medical Education Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments Childrens Health Insurance Program Medicare Dependent Hospital Program (MDH) Medicaid Low Volume Payments (LV) Federal Medical Assistance Percentage Extension Inpatient Prospective Payment System Outpatient Prospective Payment System Physician Fee Schedule Bad debt/charity care Hospital Outpatient Department payments Site Neutral Payment Policies Acute Hospital Care at Home Program Telehealth coverage Medicaid DSH 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Machine Perfusion Hospital Billing Code Rural Health Transformation Program H.R. 9599, SECURE 340B Act H.R. 9504, Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act Science/Technology: University-based scientific research and development Facilities and Administrative Costs/Indirect Costs Federal Financial Assistance/2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) Regional innovation Workforce development Research infrastructure Public Access Issues pertaining to artificial intelligence, machine learning, high energy density physics, laser science and technologies, immersive technology, extended reality, AR/VR, quantum science and Inertial Fusion Energy. Planetary Defense / Near Earth Objects / NEO Surveyor ARPA-H P.L. 115-368 - National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018 H.R. 8462, National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act P.L. 117-167 - CHIPS and Science Act S. 579 Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 S. 3597 National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026 Defense: Issues pertaining to the National Nuclear Security Administration and Inertial Confinement Fusion, lasers, directed energy Defense Science & Technology (S&T) Funding National Defense Education Program Defense Medical Scientific Research H.R. 8800, S. 4784 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Disaster Planning/Emergencies: FEMA reimbursement Tobacco: FDA Tobacco Marketing

Reported lobbying issue

Medicare/Medicaid: Issues related to implementation delay of H.R. 1 provisions regarding New York State's Essential Plan and State Directed Payments. Health Issues: H.R. 7961 - H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act: Provisions regarding H-1B visas for physicians and health care workers. H.R. 6718 - Professional Student Degree Act: Provisions regarding higher student borrowing limits for nursing and other health professions. H.R. 9504 - Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act: Provisions regarding additional reporting and transparency requirements for tax-exempt hospitals.

Reported lobbying issue

Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs: APA response to NIH-Wide strategic plan framework for fiscal years 2027-2031 Budget/Appropriations: Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill Response to OMB proposed rule, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance Health Issues: H.R. 929/S.266 - Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization H.R. 593 - Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act H.R. 879/S.1640 - Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act H.R. 1153 - Rural America Health Corps Act H.R. 1227/S.475 - Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act H.R. 1735/S.779 - EARLY Minds Act H.R. 1448 - PEER for Mental Health Act H.R. 1585/S.709 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act H.R. 1909/S.2621 - Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2025 H.R. 957 - Parity Enforcement Act H.R. 2509/S.931 - COMPLETE Care Act H.R. 4206/S.1261 - CONNECT for Health Act H.R. 1305 - Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act H.R. 1902 - Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act H.R. 2223 - Building Capacity for Care Act H.R. 2586 - Reentry Act of 2025 H.R. 3884/S.2011 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2025 H.R. 3266/S.1673 - Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2025 H.R. 4619 - Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act S. 1062 - Suicide Prevention Act H.R. 912 - 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Act H.R. 2587 - Youth Mental Health Research Act H.R. 2483/S.2121 - SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 H.R. 2630 - Youth Suicide Prevention Research Act H.R. 3655 - STAR Plus Scholarship Act H.R. 3890/S. 2439 - Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 H.R. 3885/S.3989 - Community TEAMS Act H.R. 1867 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology H.R. 3164 - Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act H.R. 4681/S. 1379 - Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act H.R. 4723/S. 2446 - Mental Health for Latinos Act Conversations with Congressional offices on Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) H.R.3505 - Barriers to Suicide Act H.R.6249 - Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act H.R.7394/S.3783 - Mental Health Career Promotion Act H.R. 5074 - Protecting Young Minds Online Act H.R. 5434/S. 2826 - 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act H.R.5509 /S.2903 - Safe Step Act H.R. 5557 - Mental Health Services for Students Act H.R.1197 - PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 H.R. 3514/S.1816 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act H.Res.792 - Youth Mental Health Day and Suicide Prevention Day Resolution H.R.5725 - Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2025 H.R.5706 - Mental Health Emergency Responder Act S. 3064 - Relief of Chronic Pain Act H.R. 6226 - Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act H.R. 5482 - Prevent Youth Suicide Act H.R.6672 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act Letter to Letter to Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Treasury regarding mental health parity enforcement H.R. 3492 - Protect Children's Innocence Act H.R. 498 - Do No Harm in Medicaid Act H.R. 6817/ S. 1056 - Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act Communication with Congressional offices on SAMHSA grant terminations Input on Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) modernization Communication with Congressional offices on ghost networks S. 3486 - Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act H.R.7324/S. 683 - More Behavioral Health Providers Act H.R. 786/S. 1460 - Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act H.R. 4331 - Access to Claims Data Act H.R.5281 - REAL Health Providers Act H.R.7875 - Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support (POINTS) Act Letter to Congress on Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) funding H.R. 6396 - Kid PROOF Act H.R. 6468 - Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2025 H.R. 8234 - Save Money, Save Lives Act H.R.7092 - RAYS Act H.R.7787 - Mental Health Workforce Act Letter in support of funding for gun violence prevention research at CDC, NIH and NIJ. S.4076 - Removing Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Limitations Act of 2026 Letter supporting funding for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Programs (MMHSUD) and National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. H.R. 5629 - To provide that the final rule of the Department of Health and Human Services titled Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder except for the portion of the final rule relating to accreditation of opioid treatment programs, shall have no force or effect H.R. 7994 - The HERO Act H.R. 8124 - STOP Suicide Act S.1924 / H.R.3624 - Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act H.R.8261 - Chronic Care Management Act Letter in support of funding for the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access program H.R. 8201 - Expanding Community Access to Health Services Act Letter supporting increased funding for Childrens Hospital Graduate Medical Education Letter expressing concerns over H.R. 5629 and H.R. 5630 S. 1874 - Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 S. 4110 - EMPOWER for Health Act H.R. 9044 - Minority Fellowship Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 H.R. 8163 - Provider Reimbursement Stability Act H.R.8961 - Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act H.Res.1329 - Expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month H.R.8989 - Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 H.R.8122/ S.4640 - 9-8-8 Connect Act H.R.8811/S.4552 - Moms Matter Act H.R.9257 - Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act H.R.8487/S.3401 - Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act Joint letter to SAMHSA regarding the planned removal of SAMHSAs buprenorphine practitioner locator and pharmacy locator. Veterans: H.R. 1107 - Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act H.R. 1987/ S. 926 - Saving Our Veterans Lives Act Support for VA physician exemptions to return to office H.R. 3863 - VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act H.R. 4837 - Written Informed Consent Act H.R.8044 - Get Justice-Involved Veterans Behavioral Assistance and Care for Key Health Outcomes to Maintain Empowerment (BACK HOME) Act Medicare/Medicaid: Letter to CMS outlining recommendations for the Medicaid Community Engagement Provisions of H.R.1 Letter to CMS regarding Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender affirming care proposed rule Letter to CMS regarding conditions of participation for gender affirming care proposed rule Response to CMS Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D 2027 proposed rule Letter to CMS regarding hospital signage guidance Letter to CMS regarding Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Benefit and Payment Parameters 2027 proposed rule Letter to CMS regarding support for Suicide Safety Planning, and The Collaborative Care Model Letter to CMS in response to RFI on Step Therapy Letter to CMS regarding Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization proposed rule Letter to CMS regarding Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Quality Reporting Program 2027 proposed rule Letter to CMS regarding Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting Program and Prospective Payment System 2027 proposed rule Joint letter to HHS, Treasury, and Labor regarding implementation and CMS enforcement of the No Surprises Act Coalition letter to Senator Cassidy, Senator Smith, Representative Tonko, and Representative Huizenga regarding support of Removing Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Limitations Act (S.4076) and the Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act (H.R. 4619) Joint communication to CMS regarding the implementation of Medicaid eligibility and community engagement requirements under H.R. 1. Education: H.R. 2028/ S. 942 - Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act) Letter supporting funding for Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration (MHSP) and School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) grant programs Immigration: Letter to DHS Secretary regarding physician J-1 visas Letter to DHS Secretary for physician exemption to H-1B visa fee H.R. 7961 - H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act

Reported lobbying issue

Medicare/Medicaid: Medicare Physician Payments: H.R. 8163- The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act; would help stabilize Medicare physician payment by raising the budget neutrality trigger from $20 million to $54 million, tying reimbursement to the Medicare Economic Index, and capping annual reductions at 2.5%. The legislation would also require CMS to use real utilization data and allow later adjustments for new or revised codes. H.R. 7520- Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act; the CY 2026 MPFS introduced a 2.5% reduction in work Relative Value Units (RVUs) for non-time-based procedures with additional reductions scheduled every three years. The Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act would delay the implementation of the policy until 2030 and require CMS to provide a justification and improved implementation report to Congress. Educating members on the need for updates to the physician fee schedule with an annual update based on a portion of the growth in the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). Educating members about the harm caused by CMS reducing the indirect practice expense (PE) allocated per work RVU allocated to facility services to 50% of the amount allocated for non-facility (office-based) services. Medicaid Cuts: Urging Congress to preserve Medicaids vital role in the healthcare system and explore solutions that maintain access to high-quality care, particularly for underserved communities. Access to Care: H.R. 2433- Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act; requires Medicare coverage decisions, including prior authorization requirements and adverse coverage decisions, to be based on written clinical criteria that is developed in consultation with physicians. H.R. 4331- The Access to Claims Data Act; would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a program that allows clinician-led clinical data registries access to Medicare claims data for research, quality of care measurement, and reporting. Educating CMS about the importance of continuing Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) through the STS/ACC TVT Registry to support the safe and evidence-based expansion of TAVR. Educating HHS and members on the need to protect the scientific integrity of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Education: Expanding GME opportunities: H.R. 3890- Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act; adds 14,000 new residency slots over seven years. Loan Repayment: H.R.2028/ S.942- Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act; would permit a pause on student loan interest accrual and principal loan repayment for the duration of medical residencies and fellowships. Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs: Lung Cancer: H.R.4417/ S. 2927- Mobile Cancer Screening Act; would establish a competitive grant program through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to fund mobile cancer screening units, grants of up to $2 million would help providers acquire vehicles, imaging equipment, and essential software to reach more patients where they live. H.R. 2319/ S.1157- Women in Lung Cancer Research; would provide additional funding for prevention and treatment of lung cancer in women, particularly non-smokers. NIH Funding: Requesting that Congress fund NIH for FY27 at at least $51.303 billion; an 8.7% increase over the enacted funding level for FY26. CDC Funding: Requesting full funding for CDC's Firearms Violence Research and the Office of Smoking Health. OMB Uniform Grant Guidance: Submitted comments urging that scientific merit remain the top priority in funding decisions and that safeguards be added to protect ongoing cardiothoracic research from funding disruptions. Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace: Workforce: H.R. 1585/ S.709- The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act; would modify the Conrad 30 Waiver program, which incentivizes qualified foreign physicians to serve in underserved communities. H.R.3178- The Save Health Care Workers Act; would make it a federal crime to assault or intimidate hospital workers. S. 2031- Workforce Mobility Act; would prohibit certain noncompete agreements. H.R. 7961- H-1Bs for the Physicians and Healthcare Workforce Act; would exempt physicians and health professionals from the $100,000 H-1B filing fee imposed by the Department of Homeland Security. Defense: H.R.2414- To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a military and civilian partnership for trauma readiness grant program (aka Mission Zero); would reauthorize a military and civilian partnership for trauma readiness grant program. Securing Defense funding for Lung Cancer Research. Educating members about the need for military readiness of surgeons.

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: Q2 Lobbying Report (April 1-June 30) HCR FEMA re: COVID-19 related reimbursement Critical Access Hospital Relief Act (H.R. 538) Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 335) Expanding Medical Education Act (H.R. 2106) Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites Act (H.R. 3778/S.1860) Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Prompt and Fair Pay Act (H.R. 4559) Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (H.R.5454) Apples to Apples Comparison Act of 2025 (H.R. 4093) Protect Our Hospitals Act (H.R. 4807) Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (H.R. 4731/S.2439) H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961) Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act (H.R. 9504) MMM Graduate Medical Education (GME) funding Telehealth flexibilities and payment Californias Medicaid Hospital Quality Assurance Fee Program Medicaid 340B Restoring Rural Health Act (S. 3047) Rural Hospital Fairness Act (H.R. 5821) Defend Rural Health Act of 2026 (H.R.7409) BUD FY 2025 budget FY 2026 appropriations One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1)

Reported lobbying issue

Medicare/Medicaid: P.L. 119-21 (H.R. 1): One Big Beautiful Bill; provisions related to provider tax, community engagement requirement, and implementation issues H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025; all provisions H.R. 6160: Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act; provisions related to Medicare physician payments H.R. 8163: Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026; provisions related to provider taxes S. 1816: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025; all provisions Health Issues: H.R. 3164: Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act; all provisions H.R. 4710: No Surprises Act Enforcement Act; all provisions H.R. 7945: Nitrous Oxide Safety Act of 2026; all provisions S. 2420: No Surprise Act Enforcement Act; all provisions Immigration: H.R. 7961: H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act; provisions related to waiving $100,000 H-1 B Visa filing fee

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: FY2027 Appropriations Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, H.R. 7148 FY2027 Budget Medicare/Medicaid: Telehealth Prior Authorization Reform Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments Medicaid provider assessment Medicaid state directed payments Medicare site neutral payments Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act (H.R. 1924) Medicare Dependent Hospital Program Low Volume Hospital Program Hospital at Home Program Health Issues: Transparency FEMA COVID Assistance Funds Save Healthcare Workers Act, H.R.3178 Behavioral health CHGME Health care consolidation, mergers and acquisition H1-B Visas H.R. 9393, Lower Costs, More Transparency Act of 2026 H.R. 9390, Prices on the Wall Act Critical Access Hospital Relief Act (H.R. 538) Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 335) Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (H.R.5454) Protect Our Hospitals Act (H.R. 4807) Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (H.R. 4731/S.2439) H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961) Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act (H.R. 9504) Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs: NIH facilities and administrative costs Education: Loan limits for professional students