Healthcare

Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act This bill prohibits institutions of higher education or other research institutes that are conducting gain-of-function research from receiving federal research grants. Gain-of-function research means research that (1) involves the genetic alteration of specified viruses, agents, and toxins (e.g., coronavirus) to change or enhance their functions, such as their ability to cause or spread disease; or (2) may reasonably be anticipated to give new traits to such organisms that enhance such functions or otherwise threaten public health or national security.

Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act This bill prohibits administration, implementation, or enforcement of the rule titled Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting , which was issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on May 10, 2024. Specifically, the bill prohibits administration, implementation, or enforcement of provisions that, among other changes, (1) establish minimum staffing standards for nurses in Medicare and Medicaid long-term care facilities, including requiring a nurse to be onsite 24/7 and requiring a minimum of 3.48 total nurse staffing hours per resident per day; and (2) require state Medicaid programs to report on payments to direct care workers and support staff of nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Also, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish an Advisory Panel on the Nursing Home Workforce. The panel must report annually to Congress, including on workforce shortages and barriers to accessing nursing homes in rural and underserved areas.

Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2025 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to (1) assess cybersecurity threats in the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector, and (2) conduct annual crisis simulation exercises for food-related emergencies or disruptions. The agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector includes (1) any activity relating to the production, processing, distribution, storage, transportation, consumption, or disposal of agricultural or food products; and (2) any entity involved in any of these activities. Specifically, USDA, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, must conduct a risk assessment every two years on the cybersecurity threats to, and security vulnerabilities in, this sector. The risk assessment must include any recommendations for federal legislative or administrative actions to address related threats and vulnerabilities. USDA must also conduct an annual simulation exercise relating to a food-related emergency or disruption in coordination with DHS, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Among other things, the exercise must (1) involve a realistic and plausible scenario that simulates a food-related emergency or disruption that affects multiple sectors and jurisdictions, and (2) incorporate input from experts and stakeholders from various disciplines and sectors (e.g., agriculture, public health, emergency management, transportation, and energy).  USDA, in consultation with DHS, HHS, and ODNI, must submit a report to Congress on each simulation exercise, including recommendations to enhance the cybersecurity and resilience of the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector.

Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act This bill provides for coverage of certain cancer diagnostic and laboratory tests under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of microarray analysis, DNA and RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and other next-generation sequencing for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must establish an education and awareness program for physicians and the public about genomic testing and the role of genetic counselors.

Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act This bill requires states to establish a process through which qualifying out-of-state providers may temporarily treat children under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) without undergoing additional screening requirements.  Specifically, states must establish a process through which qualifying out-of-state providers may enroll for five years as participating providers to treat individuals under the age of 21 without undergoing additional screening requirements. A qualifying out-of-state provider (1) must not have been excluded or terminated from participating in a federal health care program or state Medicaid program; and (2) must have been successfully enrolled in Medicare or a state Medicaid program based on a determination that the provider posed a limited risk of fraud, waste, or abuse. The bill’s changes take effect three years after enactment.

SOLAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Securing Our Lands and Resources Act or the SOLAR Act This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture from providing financial assistance for certain projects that would result in the conversion of covered farmland for solar energy production. Under the bill, covered farmland generally refers to prime farmland, unique farmland, and farmland that is of statewide or local importance. Conversion means any activity that results in the covered farmland no longer meeting certain requirements for agricultural production, activity, or use. The bill includes an exception for certain smaller projects that result in the conversion of (1) less than 5 acres of covered farmland, or (2) less than 50 acres of covered farmland if the majority of the energy produced by the project is for on-farm use. The bill also includes an exception for projects that have the approval or support from the local county and municipality. For these projects, the applicant must (1) develop a farmland conservation plan for the project (e.g., implementing best practices to protect future soil health and productivity), and (2) ensure that sufficient funds are provided for the decommissioning of the solar energy production system and the remediation and restoration of the farmland.

Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Kids' Access to Primary Care Act of 2025 This bill modifies payments for Medicaid primary care services. Specifically, the bill applies a Medicare payment rate floor to Medicaid primary care services that are provided after the date of enactment of the bill and extends the payment rate to additional types of practitioners (e.g., obstetricians). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must conduct a study on the number of children enrolled in Medicaid, the number of providers receiving payment for primary care services, and associated payment rates before and after the bill's implementation.

9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 This bill modifies the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), including by updating the formula for determining the program’s annual funding amounts and authorizing mental health providers to provide certain evaluations under the program. The WTCHP is a federal health care program (terminating in FY2090) providing responders and survivors with monitoring and treatment of certified medical conditions related to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Under current law, the program’s annual federal funding is determined based on the amount specifically appropriated in the previous fiscal year, adjusted for inflation. The bill establishes a new federal funding formula for FY2026-FY2090 that is generally based on annual changes in the number of enrollees. The bill also increases the amounts the program may spend annually on medical research and activities relating to data collection. The bill requires the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which administers the program, to submit a report to Congress on the program’s projected budgetary needs and expenditures. In addition, the bill authorizes licensed mental health providers to perform initial health evaluations with respect to mental health conditions for purposes of determining eligibility under the WTCHP. NIOSH must issue regulations specifying the categories of mental health providers that may perform these activities.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services under the Medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

This bill permanently allows audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to furnish telehealth services under Medicare.

Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2025 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to (1) assess cybersecurity threats in the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector, and (2) conduct annual crisis simulation exercises for food-related emergencies or disruptions. The agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector includes (1) any activity relating to the production, processing, distribution, storage, transportation, consumption, or disposal of agricultural or food products; and (2) any entity involved in any of these activities. Specifically, USDA must conduct a risk assessment every two years on the cybersecurity threats to, and security vulnerabilities in, this sector. The risk assessment must include any recommendations for federal legislative or administrative actions to address related threats and vulnerabilities. USDA must also conduct an annual simulation exercise relating to a food-related emergency or disruption in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Among other things, the exercise must (1) involve a realistic and plausible scenario that simulates a food-related emergency or disruption that affects multiple sectors and jurisdictions, and (2) incorporate input from experts and stakeholders from various disciplines and sectors (e.g., agriculture, public health, emergency management, transportation, and energy).  USDA, in consultation with DHS, HHS, and ODNI, must submit a report to Congress on each simulation exercise, including recommendations to enhance the cybersecurity and resilience of the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector.

Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act This bill provides for coverage of certain cancer diagnostic and laboratory tests under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of microarray analysis, DNA and RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and other next-generation sequencing for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must establish an education and awareness program for physicians and the public about genomic testing and the role of genetic counselors.

FIRE Cancer Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Firefighter Investments to Recognize Exposure to Cancer Act of 2025 or the FIRE Cancer Act of 2025 This bill expands the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to include cancer prevention programs (e.g., multi-cancer early detection testing) for firefighting personnel. It also establishes a joint cancer research program between FEMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through which firefighting personnel may voluntarily share the anonymized results of preventative cancer testing so the CDC can study trends or causes of cancer in such personnel.

TREATS Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act or the TREATS Act This bill permanently allows health care practitioners to prescribe certain controlled substances for treating substance use disorders via telehealth without evaluating the patient in person. Generally, a health care practitioner may not prescribe a controlled substance via telehealth unless they first conduct an in-person medical evaluation. Federal regulations currently provide a temporary exception to this requirement, allowing practitioners to prescribe schedule II-V controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes (such as treating substance use disorders) via telehealth without an in-person evaluation. However, this temporary regulatory flexibility expires on December 31, 2025. The bill permanently allows practitioners to prescribe schedule III-V controlled substances for the treatment of a substance use disorder via telehealth without conducting an in-person evaluation. In such instances, a practitioner may conduct a telehealth evaluation using audio-only or audio and video equipment.  

Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act This bill removes certain age limitations for the Medicaid buy-in program for disabled, working individuals.  Current law allows disabled, working individuals ages 16 to 64 whose income exceeds applicable income limits to buy into Medicaid at the option of the state. The bill allows those age 65 or over to also buy into Medicaid.

Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act This bill allows a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to fulfill documentation requirements for coverage, under Medicare, of special shoes for diabetic individuals. Under current law, such requirements may be satisfied only by a physician.

Reciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Reciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments Act of 2025 This bill establishes a reciprocal marketing approval process that allows for the sale of a drug, biological product, or medical device that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if the product is approved for sale in another country and there is an unmet need for the product. Specifically, in order to receive reciprocal approval, the bill requires the product's sponsor to demonstrate, among other things, that (1) the product has been approved in one of the countries specified in the bill, (2) neither the FDA nor any of the specified countries have withdrawn approval for the product because of safety or effectiveness concerns, and (3) there is a public health or unmet medical need for the product. The FDA may decline approval if it determines that the product is not safe or effective. The FDA may condition reciprocal approval on the conduct of postmarket studies. The FDA must issue a decision on whether to grant a request for reciprocal marketing approval within 30 days of receiving the request. Congress may pass a joint resolution to grant reciprocal marketing approval of a product that the FDA declines to approve through the reciprocal process.

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to seek to enter into an agreement with an independent and objective organization to study the difference in quality of mental health and addiction therapy care provided by the VA compared to non-VA providers across various modalities. The organization must publish its findings publicly.

Helping Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Helping Heroes Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Veteran Family Resource Program to address social determinants of health challenges experienced in veterans’ family units and ensure veterans and their families have access to services and resources to support wellness within the family units. In implementing the program, the VA must (1) appoint at least one family coordinator in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (regional VA health care administrative areas), and (2) ensure adequate staffing and resources to ensure family coordinators are able to carry out their duties and functions. Under the bill, a family coordinator’s function is generally to serve at a VA medical center as a point person regarding VA and community resources for veterans, their families, and caregivers and survivors of veterans. The VA may expand the program to additional medical centers as appropriate. Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill, and not less frequently than once every five years after, the VA must survey disabled veterans and their families to identify and better understand their needs.

Innovation in Pediatric Drugs Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Innovation in Pediatric Drugs Act of 2025 This bill expands the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) authority with respect to research on rare pediatric diseases, including by permitting the FDA to require pediatric studies on certain orphan drugs and to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to satisfy pediatric study requirements. Specifically, the bill would impose pediatric study requirements on drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan drugs) if the FDA determines that (1) the drug could improve the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of a disease compared with currently available products for the relevant pediatric population; or (2) there is a need for additional options within the drug’s class or indication. (Under current law, pediatric study requirements generally do not apply to orphan drugs.) The FDA must issue guidance describing how these changes will be implemented, including information on how waivers will be granted.  The bill also permits the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to comply with pediatric study requirements, if such sponsors demonstrated a lack of due diligence in satisfying the requirements. Additionally, the bill authorizes the National Institutes of Health to allot a certain amount of funds for priority pediatric research, including research on drugs with no remaining patents on which pediatric studies are needed. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the bill’s impact on rare disease drug development and on the availability of pediatric information on orphan drugs.

Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act This bill modifies the Conrad 30 Waiver program, which incentivizes qualified foreign physicians to serve in underserved communities. It also extends statutory authority for the program for three years from this bill's enactment. Individuals coming to the United States under a J-1 nonimmigrant visa to receive medical training typically must leave the country and reside for two years abroad before being eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence. The Conrad program waives this requirement for individuals who meet certain qualifications, including serving for a number of years at a health care facility in an underserved area. The bill increases the number of waivers that a state may obtain each fiscal year from 30 to 35 if a certain number of waivers were used the previous year, and provides for further adjustments depending on demand. A physician may be employed at an academic medical center to meet the Conrad program's employment requirements if the physician's work is in the public interest, even if the medical center is not in an underserved area. Employment contracts for physicians under the Conrad program shall contain certain information, such as the maximum number of on-call hours per week the physician shall have to work. Certain physicians (along with the physician's spouse and children) shall be exempt from the direct annual numerical limits on immigration, including those physicians that have met certain requirements related to visas for physicians to serve in underserved areas.

Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025 This bill expands coverage of cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under Medicare. Specifically, the bill allows physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to administer these programs in their offices, prepare and sign treatment plans, and prescribe exercise.

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act This bill allows state Medicaid programs to establish health homes to provide coordinated care for individuals with sickle-cell disease. (Under current law, state Medicaid programs may establish health homes to provide coordinated care for individuals with specified chronic conditions.) States must ensure that such care includes dental and vision services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must issue best practices for states on how to design and implement such health homes.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the operations of the National Institutes of Health should not experience any interruption, delay, or funding disruption in violation of the law and that the workforce of the National Institutes of Health is essential to sustaining medical progress.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Hospital Transparency Compliance Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Hospital Transparency Compliance Enforcement Act This bill increases the monetary penalties for noncompliance with the requirement that hospitals publish, and periodically update, a list of their standard charges for items and services. The bill increases the maximum daily penalty as follows: for hospitals with 30 or fewer beds, from $300 to $600 per day; for hospitals with 31 through 550 beds, from $10 to $20 per bed, per day; for hospitals with greater than 550 beds, from $5,500 to $11,000 per hospital, per day. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also must periodically publish the name of each hospital that is not in compliance with the price transparency requirements.

Test Strip Access Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

ALERT Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test strips for Communities Act or the ALERT Communities Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to advance the development and usage of test strips that detect the presence of certain hazardous drugs (e.g., fentanyl, xylazine). Currently, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides grants to government entities to train and provide authorized equipment to first responders and other relevant personnel for emergency treatment of opioid overdoses. The bill expands these grants to include rapid response test strips for detecting the presence of fentanyl, xylazine, and other synthetic opioids or emerging substances in people or within other drugs. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish guidance and standards for test strip manufacturers to support the development, evaluation, and authorization of test strips. Also, HHS must conduct a study and report to Congress on how the availability and usage of test strips and similar equipment impacts the frequency of overdoses and participation in substance use disorder treatment. 

More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2025 This bill provides for additional Medicare payments to health care practitioners who provide services in mental health professional shortage areas for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. The bill applies to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors.

Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025 This bill specifies that the Indian Health Service (IHS) must reimburse patients for their out-of-pocket costs for authorized purchased/referred care services within 30 days. (The IHS provides medical and dental services directly to American Indian and Alaska Native patients whenever possible. However, when services are not available, IHS beneficiaries may be referred to private providers. This is called purchased/referred care.) Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement procedures to allow a patient who paid out of pocket for purchased/referred care services authorized by the IHS to be reimbursed by the IHS for that payment no later than 30 days after the patient submits required documentation.  Additionally, the bill requires HHS to update applicable provisions of and exhibits to the Indian Health Manual, contracts with providers, and other relevant documents and administrative authorities to incorporate the provisions of the bill. The bill also replaces statutory references to contract health service with purchased/referred care .

Overdose RADAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Overdose Response Action Data for Actionable Reforms Act or the Overdose RADAR Act This bill explicitly exempts the sale of fentanyl test strips from criminal penalties under federal law. It also establishes grants and expands agency efforts to treat opioid overdoses and improve related monitoring and data. Specifically, the bill exempts the sale, interstate transportation, import, or export of fentanyl test strips from criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. (Fentanyl test strips are used to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs.) Additionally, the bill allows the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide grants for trained personnel at elementary and secondary schools to administer drugs and devices for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdoses. The bill also expands existing SAMHSA grants to allow state, local, and tribal entities to provide training to health care providers on how to administer such drugs and devices. Also, SAMHSA may award grants to state and local entities to improve data and surveillance (e.g., postmortem toxicology testing) on opioid-related overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must temporarily award grants to municipal wastewater treatment facilities to analyze the prevalence of illicit substances (e.g., fentanyl) in wastewater.  Finally, the Office of National Drug Control Policy must issue guidance for states and localities that overdose deaths should be recorded as homicides if there is evidence that the overdose was not self-induced and intentional.

PLASMA Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Preserving Life-saving Access to Specialty Medicines in America Act or the PLASMA Act This bill phases-in certain price adjustments for plasma-derived products under the Medicare prescription drug benefit's Manufacturer Discount Program. Current law requires manufacturers of covered drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit to provide a 10% discount for covered drugs during the initial coverage phase (i.e., before a beneficiary reaches the out-of-pocket spending threshold) and a 20% discount during the catastrophic coverage phase (i.e., after a beneficiary reaches the out-of-pocket spending threshold).  The bill phases-in discounts for plasma-derived products over several years, starting with a 1% discount in 2026 for both the initial and catastrophic coverage phases, and ending with a 10% discount beginning in 2030 for the initial coverage phase and a 20% discount beginning in 2032 for the catastrophic coverage phase.

Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025 This bill expands and modifies Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce training and programs. The bill provides statutory authority for the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. As background, standard AT-CTI institutions of higher education offer nonengineering aviation degrees that teach basic courses in ATC and aviation administration, and graduates complete training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy. Students at Enhanced AT-CTI schools are provided with equivalent FAA Academy ATC training and may be placed directly into an ATC facility. The bill establishes a grant program for schools participating in the Enhanced AT-CTI program and provides for a faculty annuity supplement for ATC instructors at participating institution of higher education. The FAA must convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review and provide recommendations on the (1) curricula of the FAA Academy, AT-CTI program, and Enhanced AT-CTI program; and (2) Air Traffic Skills Assessment exam. Based on the committee's recommendations, the FAA must initiate a rulemaking or make policy and guidance updates, with an exception. The bill authorizes funding through FY2031 for the procurement and placement at ATC facilities of Tower Simulator Systems, which are used to train air traffic controllers on airport tower operations. The bill also requires DOT to establish ATC recruitment and retention incentive programs, the FAA to support the development of mental health services training related to conditions for ATCs, and the FAA to submit a report to Congress on the status of the Airspace Non-cooperative Surveillance Radar program.

Delivering for Rural Seniors Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Delivering for Rural Seniors Act of 2025 This bill directs the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to award competitive grants to state agencies under a home delivery pilot program for participants in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).  As background, the CSFP works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious Department of Agriculture foods. Under the pilot program, a state agency must distribute grant funds to an eligible entity (i.e., a local agency or subdistributing agency) to operate projects that facilitate home delivery of commodities to CSFP participants. Grant funds may be used for costs associated with transportation and distribution of commodities to CSFP participants, staffing required to operate home delivery services, and home delivery outreach to CSFP participants or potential participants. A state agency must prioritize eligible entities that serve CSFP participants who reside in rural areas. A state agency must also submit an annual report to FNS about the project, including best practices regarding the use of home delivery to improve the effectiveness of the CSFP.

New Era of Preventing End-Stage Kidney Disease Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

New Era of Preventing End-Stage Kidney Disease Act This bill establishes regional centers of excellence, postgraduate fellowships, and training for health professionals relating to the diagnosis and treatment of rare kidney disease. It also requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct various studies on rare kidney disease. Specifically, it authorizes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to award funding to public and private nonprofit entities for establishing regional centers of excellence that will increase public awareness, conduct research, and develop resources for diagnosing and treating rare kidney diseases. A center may receive such funding for up to five years, unless extended by the institute.  The bill also requires health professions schools receiving a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Centers of Excellence program to award fellowships for training on preventing, diagnosing, and treating rare kidney disease in disproportionately impacted populations. Also, the bill expands the priorities of HRSA’s Primary Care Training and Enhancement program to include training for health care workers to care for individuals with kidney disease. Additionally, HHS must conduct several studies and report to Congress on topics such as treating rare kidney disease in disproportionately affected populations, eliminating the need for dialysis or kidney transplants, and increasing public awareness of rare kidney disease.

Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025 This bill allows a physical therapist to receive payment under Medicare for services provided to the physical therapist's patients by another physical therapist through a qualifying temporary arrangement, regardless of the geographic area or population served. Currently, physical therapists may only receive payment with respect to such arrangements for services provided in medically underserved, rural, or health professional shortage areas.

PREVENT DIABETES Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Promoting Responsible and Effective Virtual Experiences through Novel Technology to Deliver Improved Access and Better Engagement with Tested and Evidence-based Strategies Act or the PREVENT DIABETES Act This bill allows health care entities to provide virtual services under the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program for an additional three years. The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program offers Medicare beneficiaries who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes specialized training and education regarding diet, exercise, and other behavioral changes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued temporary authorization for entities participating in the program to provide these services virtually until December 31, 2027. The bill extends the authorization for virtual services until December 31, 2030.

Protecting Life from Chemical Abortions Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Protecting Life from Chemical Abortions Act This bill nullifies certain changes made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to dispensing requirements for mifepristone. (Mifepristone is a drug that is approved to end pregnancies through 10 weeks gestation when used in conjunction with the drug misoprostol. The procedure is often referred to as medication abortion or the abortion pill.) The FDA regulates mifepristone through the Mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. The program requires health care providers to comply with certain requirements in order to prescribe or dispense mifepristone to end a pregnancy; the program previously included an in-person dispensing requirement that required mifepristone to be directly dispensed to patients in clinics, medical offices, or hospitals. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the FDA stopped enforcing the in-person dispensing requirement, which allowed mail-order pharmacies to fill and dispense mifepristone prescriptions. In January 2023, the FDA modified program requirements so as to (1) remove the in-person dispensing requirement, and (2) require pharmacies to be program-certified in order to dispense mifepristone. The modifications allow certified retail pharmacies to dispense mifepristone pursuant to prescriptions that are written by certified prescribers. The bill nullifies the January 2023 changes and prohibits the FDA from (1) exercising any enforcement discretion with respect to program requirements, or (2) reducing program protections until every state submits certain data regarding abortions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bill also generally prohibits the declaration of a public health emergency with respect to abortions.  

Accountability in Government Efficiency Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Accountability in Government Efficiency Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the actions undertaken by the Department of Government Efficiency established by Executive Order 14158. The report shall include (1) an analysis of such actions on the long-term financial, public health, and safety interests of the United States; and (2) the extent to which such actions comply with certain laws related to government records maintained on individuals and to ethics in government.

Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act This bill expressly prohibits health care providers and other entities involved in matching donated organs with recipients from denying or restricting an individual's access to organ transplants solely on the basis of the individual's disability, except in limited circumstances. Specifically, these entities may consider an individual's disability when making decisions about transplants only if a physician finds, based on an individualized evaluation, that the individual's physical or mental disability is medically significant to the provision of the transplant. A disability shall not be considered medically significant if the individual has an adequate support system in place to comply with transplant-related medical requirements. These entities must also make reasonable changes to their policies to make transplants and related care more available to individuals with disabilities. Aggrieved individuals may bring claims of discrimination to the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill provides for expedited resolutions of these claims. In addition, the board of directors of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network may not issue policies that prohibit or hinder access to an organ transplant based solely on the individual's disability. This network is a public-private partnership linking professionals involved in the U.S. organ donation and transplantation system. 

Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act This bill expands the permitted use of electronic labeling of medical devices to allow directions for use and warning labels for all medical devices to be provided electronically, rather than physically (i.e., affixed to or accompanying the device or its container).  (Under current law, direction and warning labels may be provided electronically only for (1) prescription devices intended for use in health care facilities or by health care professionals, and (2) in vitro diagnostic devices intended for use in blood establishments or by health care professionals.) Under the bill, direction and warning labels may be provided solely electronically for all medical devices so long as (1) the electronic label is readily accessible to the device’s intended users, (2) intended users may request a paper label at no additional cost, and (3) the label affixed to the device or its packaging contains all information required under current laws and regulations.  The Food and Drug Administration may issue regulations establishing additional requirements or exceptions to these provisions. 

DOC Access Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2025 or the DOC Access Act of 20 25 This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from setting rates for items and services, except for dental cleanings, provided by a doctor of optometry, of dental surgery, or of dental medicine (or an employer of such a doctor) for which the plan does not pay a substantial amount. Additionally, an agreement between a plan and such a doctor for limited scope dental or vision benefits may last longer than two years only with the prior acceptance of the doctor for each term extension. Plans also may not restrict such a doctor's choice of laboratories or suppliers. Such doctors may elect to waive the application of the payment amount and choice of laboratories provisions of this bill. The bill does not supersede state laws regarding health insurers and dental or vision benefit plans.

Scientific EXPERT Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Scientific External Process for Educated Review of Therapeutics Act of 2025 or the Scientific EXPERT Act of 2025 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to facilitate and participate in externally led, science-focused drug development meetings to discuss the development of treatments for rare diseases and conditions.  The FDA must enter into an arrangement with the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA under which the foundation agrees to convene such meetings. Meetings must be held at least four times a year, and each meeting must focus on a different rare disease or condition.  The foundation must establish a permanent steering committee to review and recommend topics for each meeting. In evaluating potential topics, the committee must consider unmet therapeutic needs, patient population sizes for different diseases and conditions, and whether a disease or condition would benefit from clarity and alignment on drug development questions, among other factors.  In planning each meeting, the foundation must develop a list of medical experts, drug sponsors, scientific organizations, patient organizations, and other entities to be invited to participate. Representatives of the FDA’s review divisions must attend each meeting.  After each meeting, the foundation must make available a summary of the meeting noting areas of consensus, areas where additional clarification or information is needed, and next steps agreed upon with the FDA. The bill also requires the FDA to indicate whether it incorporated any input from these meetings when approving a new drug or biologic. 

PEER Mental Health Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

NIH Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

DEFUND Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2025 or the DEFUND Act of 2025 This bill directs the President to terminate U.S. membership in the United Nations (U.N.) and all formally affiliated bodies. It also ends U.S. participation in all U.N. conventions and agreements. Funds may be appropriated to facilitate U.S. withdrawal from the U.N. No funds may be made available for contributions or payments to any U.N. body. The bill prohibits U.S. participation in any U.N. peacekeeping operation. The bill also repeals diplomatic immunity for officers and employees of the U.N. and for officers and employees of foreign government missions to the U.N. The bill repeals various acts related to the U.N., including the United Nations Participation Act of 1945, the United Nations Headquarters Agreement Act, and a joint resolution establishing U.S. membership in the World Health Organization. The United States may not rejoin the U.N. or any formally affiliated body without the advice and consent of the Senate. Any agreement to rejoin the U.N. or a formally affiliated body must include the right of the United States to withdraw from the agreement.

To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to equalize the negotiation period between small-molecule and biologic candidates under the Drug Price Negotiation Program.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

This bill lengthens the amount of time for which drug products must have market approval in order for the products to qualify for negotiation under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to negotiate the prices of certain prescription drugs under Medicare beginning in 2026. Among other requirements, drugs must have had market approval for at least 7 years (for drug products) or 11 years (for biologics) to qualify for negotiation.  The bill modifies these provisions so as to require drug products to also have had at least 11 years of market approval in order to qualify for negotiation. The bill's changes apply retroactively.

To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

This bill reauthorizes from FY2026-FY2030 and expands Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) programs relating to traumatic brain injuries. It also requires HHS to conduct a study and report to Congress on traumatic brain injuries. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants to states for traumatic brain injury surveillance and registries (renaming the program after the late Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr.),  CDC research and public awareness activities to reduce traumatic brain injuries, Administration for Community Living (ACL) grants to states and American Indian consortiums for services and support for individuals living with traumatic brain injuries, and ACL grants for protection and advocacy agencies supporting individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Also, the bill generally expands the scope and requirements of these programs, including by requiring the CDC to publish information on populations at higher risk for traumatic brain injuries and strategies for preventing such injuries in these populations.  Additionally, HHS must conduct a study on long-term symptoms or conditions in people who experience traumatic brain injuries and report the findings to Congress. HHS must also submit a report to Congress on populations with a higher risk of traumatic brain injuries and outreach efforts for such populations.

Due Process Continuity of Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Due Process Continuity of Care Act This bill allows an otherwise eligible individual who is in custody pending disposition of charges (i.e., pretrial detainees) to receive Medicaid benefits at the option of the state. The bill also provides for state planning grants to support the provision of such benefits.

Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act of 2025 This bill establishes work requirements for adults ages 19 to 59 under Medicaid. It also extends work requirements to additional individuals under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, the bill prohibits federal Medicaid payment for adults ages 19 to 59 unless these individuals (1) work at least 80 hours per month or have a monthly income that is at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 80 hours, (2) participate in a work program for at least 80 hours per month, (3) engage in community service for at least 80 hours per month, or (4) participate in a combination of the aforementioned activities for at least 80 hours per month. States may choose to disenroll individuals from Medicaid if they do not meet these requirements.  The bill excludes certain individuals from these requirements, including those with disabilities, who care for children under the age of six, or who are enrolled in an educational program at least half-time.  The bill also modifies work requirements under SNAP so as to require individuals ages 56 to 60, those with children ages 6 and older, homeless individuals, and certain former foster youth to meet the work requirements for SNAP (these individuals are currently exempt from work requirements). Additionally, states may no longer request to waive work requirements for individuals in areas with high unemployment rates or that lack a sufficient number of available jobs.