Legislation and Legislative Advocacy

The American Hospital Association (AHA) shares resources on health care legislation being considered by the U.S. House and Senate and legislative advocacy opportunities for hospitals and health systems.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee June 12 passed AHA-supported legislation during a markup of bills that passed the Health Subcommittee in May.
The AHA praised House and Senate leaders in letters June 12 for reintroducing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation that would streamline prior authorization requirements under Medicare Advantage plans.
The AHA June 7 submitted comments on a discussion draft of the Drug Shortage Prevention and Mitigation Act, bipartisan legislation proposing to provide Medicare incentive payments to hospitals.
The House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations subcommittee June 4 hosted a hearing to discuss oversight of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. AHA sent a letter to the subcommittee for the hearing, urging Congress to protect the program and highlighted its value to hospitals and health…
A coalition of 230 national associations, including the AHA, submitted a letter the week of May 20 to the Federal Trade Commission requesting a stay on the Sept. 4 effective date of the Non-Compete Clause Final Rule to allow for judicial review.
The AHA praised Congress May 23 for their support and introduction of the bipartisan Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act, which would grant a five-year extension to the hospital-at-home program. 
The AHA May 23 submitted statements for a House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health hearing on challenges for private physician practices, and a House Budget Committee hearing on the budgetary effects of consolidation in health care.
The AHA shared a series of proposals to strengthen rural health care with the Senate Finance Committee for a hearing May 16 titled, “Rural Health Care: Supporting Lives and Improving Communities.”
The House May 15 passed legislation reauthorizing the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program (H.R. 6960) for an additional five years, providing funding for equipment and training to help hospitals and paramedics treat pediatric emergencies.
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health May 16 passed a number of bills during a markup session, including AHA-supported legislation.