The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on actions to improve COVID-19 infection prevention and control in nursing homes. GAO convened an expert roundtable to discuss actions by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that could improve infection prevention and control. The experts identified six actions that HHS should continue: Require data reporting to the National Healthcare… (McClurg, March 20, 2023) #COVID-19, #Long-Term Care

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a proposed rule on the use of federal property to assist the homeless. The rule modifies certain aspects of the Title V program that makes suitable federal properties categorized as underutilized, unutilized, excess, or surplus available to states, local governments, and non-profit organizations for use to assist people experiencing homelessness. This… (McClurg, March 17, 2023) #Social Determinants of Health

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued notices to implement conforming changes to its guidances and regulations under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to implement the amended definition of “tobacco product”, pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2022. The amended definition of “tobacco product” to be reflected in such guidance and regulations will now include products that… (Slifer, March 17, 2023) #Tobacco

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released its March 2023 Report to Congress, with recommendations to (1) improve the collection and reporting of Medicaid race and ethnicity data, (2) increase transparency and improve the collection of nursing facility payment data, and (3) give states the option to align Medicaid coverage of specialty drugs that have limited evidence… (Llamas, March 15, 2023) #Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH), #Health Equity, #Prescription Drugs, #Skilled Nursing Facilities

Today, the Biden administration announced (press release; fact sheet) it will begin enforcing a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on April 1 that penalizes drug companies for raising prices on Medicare prescription drugs faster than inflation. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) estimate that Medicare beneficiaries who take the 27 Part B drugs and biologics subject… (Testa, March 15, 2023) #Cost-Sharing, #Drug Pricing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases (BSC, DDID) – a federal advisory committee that advises the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, CDC Director, and the Directors of CDC’s three infectious disease national centers concerning strategies, goals, and priorities for the programs… (Llamas, March 14, 2023) #Public Health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) released a several mental health-related funding opportunities. The grants intend to provide mental healthcare for individuals experiencing homelessness, community collaborations for school-based trauma, and the promotion of the mental health of youth and families in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. Treatment for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness, Serious Emotional Disturbance, or Co-Occurring Disorders… (McClurg, March 14, 2023) #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Pediatrics, #Social Determinants of Health

Ahead of the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget release, President Biden provided details on the Administration’s plan to extend Medicare solvency by 25 or more years and lower costs for beneficiaries. The White House details that the budget will feature the following proposals to extend the solvency of Medicare’s Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund: Moderately increasing the Medicare tax… (Slifer, March 7, 2023) #Budget, #Drug Pricing, #Mental and Behavioral Health

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of L’Tonya Davis as its first permanent Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO). The CDIO will lead USDA’s ongoing efforts to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and oversee the implementation of the USDA’s DEIA strategic plan. Davis will replace Leslie Weldon, who was named acting CDIO in March 2022…. (McClurg, March 6, 2023) #Health Equity, #Nutrition

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) convened a session to examine implementation considerations for states preparing to provide pre-release Medicaid services to justice-involved adults. Senior Analysts Lesley Baseman and Melinda Becker Roach presented an overview of California’s recently approved Section 1115 demonstration to provide a set of pre-release services to certain individuals leaving incarceration (WHG Summary). Staff… (Colocho, March 3, 2023) #Demonstration Programs, #Health Equity