- Star Grassroots Advocates
- In June, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to advance its annual funding bill for the Department of Health and Human Services to the full Senate. The report accompanying the bill included language highlighting the clinical training site shortage, which Bill Kohlhepp, DHSs, PA-C submitted to the office of Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). Thanks for your advocacy, Bill!
- Advancing PAEA’s Advocacy Agenda
- Throughout the month, PAEA’s Government Relations team met with staff from the offices of key members on the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) Appropriations subcommittee to describe the on-the-ground impact of Title VII health workforce funding for PA education and to advocate for continued investments in FY19.
- PAEA Government Relations staff participated in a meeting of the nccPA Health Foundation Mental Health Steering Committee from June 3-5 to share the association’s work on its MAT Initiative, share PAEA’s advocacy efforts surrounding substance use disorder workforce policy, and identify opportunities for ongoing interorganizational collaboration.
- Health Care News in Washington
- On June 12, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5102 – the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Act – along with an extensive slate of other opioid-related legislation. This is a significant victory for PA education and the PA profession as the bill includes PAs working in substance use disorder treatment capacities as eligible providers for loan repayment. The bill now awaits Senate consideration.
- Following a narrow 210-206 vote in the House of Representatives, the Senate failed to pass the Trump administration’s proposed rescissions package by its June 22 deadline. Had the Senate approved the package, approximately $15 billion in previously-approved funding, including that for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, would have been cancelled.
- Opportunities for Action
- PAEA is currently accepting applications for its annual Student Health Policy Fellowship. Interested PA students seeking to develop their leadership skills and learn about the political process can apply for this exciting opportunity. Applications are due by July 13 at 5 PM EST.
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