3 minute read
For 2023
from Repertoire Jan 23
Legislative Look Ahead For 2023
The 2022 midterm elections resulted in a narrow Democratic margin in the Senate and a narrow Republican
majority in the House. But for proponents of pandemic preparedness, a bipartisan cohort of lawmakers were returned to office. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the lead Democratic sponsor of the PREVENT Pandemics Act, won re-election to a sixth term in office, and will chair the powerful Appropriations Committee in the next Congress. In the House, Representatives Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), the bipartisan authors of the Strengthening America’s Strategic National Stockpile Act, both won re-election.
At the end of 2022, Congress left several legislative loose ends with respect to healthcare distribution and the medical supply chain. As we enter a new year with a new Congress, HIDA is advocating for several legislative priorities.
Expediting Medical Supplies
After monitoring the medical supply chain for one full year, only slight reductions in the length of shipping delays and the volume of delayed medical containers have been reported. Over 90% of survey respondents reported the situation has stayed the same or worsened over the last three months. HIDA supports Congressional and executive actions that would create a “fast pass” process to expedite medical supplies throughout the nation’s transportation system. HIDA has drafted legislative language for the creation of a Fast Pass Critical Cargo Pilot Program for medical supplies.
Supporting Lab Services
In 2014, Congress passed a law to align Medicare’s clinical laboratory fee schedule with rates paid by private insurers. But because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) used an unrepresentative sample of labs to set rates, many services were cut by 10%. These cuts were paused during the pandemic, but even deeper cuts were poised to snap into effect. HIDA supports the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA), which spares labs from cuts and creates a more representative, sustainable, and market-based fee schedule for clinical laboratories.
Wyeth Ruthven, Director of Public Affairs, Health Industry Distributors Association
Preparing For Future Pandemics
Throughout 2022, HIDA supported the PREVENT Pandemics Act, legislation to strengthen the nation’s public health preparedness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was approved by the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee on a broad bipartisan basis, but was never considered on the Senate floor. The PREVENT Pandemics Act recognizes the vital role of public-private partnerships in managing medical supplies during a pandemic. In 2023, Congress is expected to reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPRA). HIDA is advocating for the PREVENT Pandemics Act to be made a part of the PAHPA reauthorization process.
HIDA greatly appreciates the enthusiasm and dedication of our member advocates, who are crucial to making our industry heard on Capitol Hill. As we head into a new Congress, we will continue to educate elected officials about the value of distribution.
With the same great protection you get from a Wolf barrier, this model features the ability to position the clear lead at any level between 45.25” and 74” for the ultimate in patient and operational visibility. It’s great for dozens of applications.
Best of all, the internal counter balance mechanism makes it easy to lift or lower…it requires minimal
• Overall width: 30.5”
• Opaque portion of the shield has .8mm lead equivalent protection
• Clear panel provides .5mm lead equivalent protection
• 25” legs with casters provide strength, durability and easy transport within the clinic
• The perfect right size solution for any environment: OR, ER, CT, X-ray,
Urology, Pain Management, and
Surgical Centers
• When lowered allows rapid transport to any location in hospital or clinic and easy-to-store
Mobile Adjustable Height Lead Acrylic Window Barrier 56610 Product Weight: 176 lbs
