Policy Corner: December 11, 2020

Congress Passes Funding Measure to Avoid Government Shutdown

Congress has passed a continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a looming government shut down as the previous CR was set to end today. The measure has been sent to the president for his signature. The bill, “Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act,” H.R. 8900, extends funding and Medicare and Medicaid extenders until Dec. 18. This includes an extension of spousal impoverishment protections for spouses receiving home and community-based services (HCBS) and the Money Follows the Person Demonstration program, which some states have used to transition persons with brain injury who are Medicaid eligible from nursing homes to community-based services. Congress also passed a veto-proof National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizing FY2021 appropriations for the Department of Defense program. The president has threatened to veto the defense appropriations bill.

Meanwhile, the Senate seems to be at a standstill on another COVID-19 relief package. A bipartisan group of Senators have worked on a $900 billion bill, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said he wouldn’t support $160 billion in state and local funds in the bill, which the House also supports.

House Moves Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Forward

Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) introduced the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization bill, H.R. 8906, which the full House proceeded to pass. The bill is the companion bill passed by the Senate earlier this year. It authorizes $50 million for lifespan respite program over five years ($10 million annually) through FY2024. The Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administers the State Lifespan Respite Programs or projects that are run by a designated state government lead agency, which works in collaboration with a state respite coalition and an aging and disability resource center/no wrong door system for purposes of implementing a statewide system of coordinated, community-based respite for family caregivers caring for individuals with special needs of all ages.

Senator Drafts Bill to Help Law Enforcement Encountering People with Disabilities

Sen. Robert Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.) is introducing the Safe Interactions Act to award competitive grants to nonprofit disability organizations to administer enhanced training programs to law enforcement officers who may encounter or provide services to individuals with mental health, dementia, disabilities, or chronic health conditions. The bill’s purpose is to increase the awareness, knowledge, and understanding of law enforcement officers with regard to individuals with these needs and to reduce the incidences of violence between law enforcement officers and individuals with disabilities.

NIH Seeks Candidates for Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity

The Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of chief officer for scientific workforce diversity (COSWD) to lead and oversee NIH efforts to improve biomedical research and the Nation’s health through a more diverse scientific workforce. The COSWD will report to the NIH Director, and will manage the development and execution of initiatives designed to enhance diversity throughout the biomedical research workforce, including the extramural and intramural components of the NIH. Click here for the detailed vacancy announcement.

BIAA gratefully acknowledges the Centre for Neuro Skills and Avanir Pharmaceuticals for their support for legislative action. Click here to read past issues of Policy Corner.