Policy Corner: May 28, 2021

Lawmakers Announce Introduction of the Keeping All Students Safe Act

Sen. Pat Murphy (D-Conn.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) announced plans to introduce the Keeping All Students Safe Act (KASSA) to make it illegal for any school receiving federal funds to seclude a child or use dangerous restraint practices that restrict breathing, such as prone or supine restraint. The bill would also prohibit schools from physically restraining children, except when necessary to protect students and staff. The bill would better equip school personnel with the training they need to address school-expected behavior with evidence-based proactive strategies. The U.S. Civil Rights Data Collection continues to show that of the 101,990 students who were restrained at school or were placed in seclusion – 78% were students with disabilities. Although Black students comprise 15% of the student population, they represent 22% of students subjected to seclusion and 34% of students subjected to mechanical restraint.

BIAA Supports a Comprehensive Plan to Address Long-term Symptoms After COVID-19

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) joined more than 70 organizations representing providers, clinicians, patients, patient caregivers, and other stakeholders calling for a national plan to address coordinated, multidisciplinary resources needed to treat the influx of individuals infected with COVID-19 who develop Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (“PASC” or “Long COVID-19”). Often referred to as “Long COVID,” these symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, “brain fog,” sleep disorders, fevers, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, and depression, which can persist for months and can range from mild to incapacitating. The statement calls for a comprehensive national plan to address three major priorities: (1) resources to build necessary clinical infrastructure to address the needs of individuals with PASC; (2) equitable access to care for all individuals affected by PASC; and (3) continued funding for research that advances a fundamental understanding of PASC and rapid dissemination of best practices to mitigate its effects. Due to the high infection rate in the United States, up to 10 million Americans are likely to experience the varied and often debilitating PASC symptoms, preventing them from fully recovering and preventing America from restoring economic stability. A comprehensive federal plan is needed to defeat this national crisis.

Lawmakers Introduce the Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act

Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Reps. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) and Markwayne Mullen (R-Okla) introduced the Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act (S. 1679 and H.R. 3340), to increase opportunities for individuals underrepresented in the professions of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, respiratory therapy, and audiology. The legislation would provide funding to accredited education programs for these professions toward using evidence-based strategies to increase the recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation of students who are currently underrepresented, such as racial and ethnic minority populations, individuals with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Address the Need for Assistance for Family Caregivers

Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Reps. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) and Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) have introduced the Credit for Caring Act., S. 1670 and H.R. 3321, to provide for those who are taking on added financial responsibilities as family caregivers supporting a loved one. The nonrefundable tax credit of up to $5,000 could be used toward expenses such as transportation, home modifications to accommodate a family member, medication management services, and training or education for the caregiver. Under the bill, qualifying care recipients must have been certified by a health care practitioner to be in need of long-term care for at least 180 consecutive days. Eligibility is limited to a caregiver of a qualified care recipient who must pay for caregiving expenses and has earned income in excess of $7,500. Credit is phased out when income exceeds $150,000 for joint filers or $75,000 for individual filers.

Congress Adjourns for Memorial Day Weekend Recess

Congress adjourned for the Memorial Day weekend. The House of Representatives is scheduled to return for a committee work week beginning June 7 with no votes planned until June 14. The Senate will return the week of June 7.

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.