The new top lawyer for the Department of Health and Human Services is targeting new public health threats with unprecedented policies, and will step into thousands of high-profile legal challenges to test the scope of authority.
The Senate cast 49-43 votes on Thursday confirming that Samuel Bagenstos had been nominated as a legal counsel. He will protect the agency from proceedings over mandatory vaccines, efforts to end unexpected medical bills, and reduced payments to hospitals participating in the federal drug discount program.
The experience of Bagenstos’ predecessor highlights the challenges faced by HHS legal counsel, including the Covid-19 pandemic, affordable care practices, and 9/11.
“Each of us probably started with some kind of vision of what we wanted to do,” he said. Robert CharlowHe is a corporate lawyer for the Trump administration and is currently a shareholder of Greenberg Traurig LLP. “Each of our visions was confused by some sort of catastrophe.” Read more from Allie Reed.
What’s happening on the hill
The main senators are trying to link mental health to gun efforts: The influential Senate Finance Committee chairman wants to work on a bipartisan gun violence package where Medicaid and telemedicine policies are being discussed, perhaps accelerating the major mental health law timeline. , Alex Luoff reports.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Told reporters Thursday that he suggested expanding the scope of remote mental health and strengthening Medicaid as part of a gun violence package. He did not provide details, but pointed out the policy previously revealed by the treasury members.
“In the coming weeks, we have the opportunity to work on mental health in a valuable way,” Weiden said.
This year, the Finance Commission is pushing for bipartisan mental health legislation, issuing a series of recommendations on policies that could clear the Senate. Weiden and Sen in May. Mike Crapo (R-Ind.) Has released a slate of recommendations for expanding the scope of Medicare and Medicaid in telemedicine services.
According to Weiden, if these policies were incorporated into a package of gun violence, it would mean a swift law that was initially in the spotlight later this year.
The Asbestos Ban Bill criticized the need to make chlorine: A timeline for legislation aimed at reducing the fatal effects of asbestos and a bill banning chemicals could boost drinking water costs and hinder drug production at the Senate hearing on Thursday. A rope between concerns.
Asbestos is used to make chlorine, which is used to disinfect drinking water. Chlorine can be made in other ways, but the bill’s requirement to phase out asbestos imports in two years would reduce the supply of chlorine and increase costs, Vice Chairman of the US Chemistry Council. Robert J. Simon said at the Senate Environment and Public Commission. We will hold a hearing of the subcommittee on the 2022 Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (S. 4244). Pat Rizzuto has more.
Other things you need to know
The drug company asks the Court of Appeals to limit “off-the-rail” discounts: Pharmaceutical companies should be allowed to impose restrictions on significant discounts offered to offsite pharmacies under a federal program designed to help low-income patients buy drugs, 2 Two pharmaceutical companies told DC Circuit.
The proceedings filed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and United Therapeutics are one of many issues raised by pharmaceutical companies against the Department of Health and Human Services. Allie Reed disassembles the case.
FTC evaluates drug rebates on June 16 and AI fights online harm: The Federal Trade Commission’s public meeting will take effect on June 16th at 1:00 pm (Eastern Time), with public time to address the Commission, officials said Thursday. The Commission will vote on whether the drug company will issue a policy statement on rebates and fees paid to pharmacy benefit managers and other intermediaries in exchange for dislike of low-cost medicines. read more.
Most Valuable Contract Opportunities: The Bloomberg Government presents potential new businesses to federal contractors. Opportunities range from the $ 89 billion cap on the management of Frederick-based cancer laboratories to USAID’s $ 2.5 billion healthcare supply chain and Comprehensive Technical Assistance (COMP TA) contract for drug management. is. Read more from Paul Murphy.
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To contact reporters about this story: Giuseppe Makuri In Washington gmacri@bgov.com
