Policy Corner: October 5, 2018

President Signs Spending Bill

President Trump signed fiscal year 2019 appropriations for the Departments of Defense (DoD), Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), including a Continuing Resolution (CR), which temporarily funds the remaining government programs until Dec. 7, 2018. The Violence Against Women Act programs, set to expire Sept. 30, were also extended until Dec. 7.

This is the first time in more than 20 years that Congress has passed a LHHS appropriations bill and the first time in more than 10 years that it has passed a DoD appropriations bill prior to the end of the fiscal year. As reported previously, Congress appropriated level funding for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act programs with regard to the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) State Partnership Grant and Protection and Advocacy TBI Grant programs combined, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Injury Center’s TBI program. The bill provides a $4 million increase to the ACL’s National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitative Research (NIDILRR) to fund competitive research grants that help individuals with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on seniors, to maintain or improve independence. The DoD appropriations included additional funding for TBI and psychological health research.

Senate Passes Final Version of Opioid Legislation

The Senate agreed to three House bills this week, one of which was H.R. 6, is a package of bills introduced to address opioid prevention and treatment. The legislation includes extending support for Medicaid patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction from 15 to 30 days, covering all substance use disorders; and permanently allowing more medical professionals to treat people in recovery to prevent relapse and overdoses. The bill is on its way to President Trump for his signature.

Senate Agrees to the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act

The Senate agreed to H.R. 302, the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, Oct. 3. This bill protects physical therapists and other health care providers who travel across state lines with a sports team. It has now been sent to President Trump for his signature. H.R. 302 extends the liability insurance coverage of a state-licensed medical professional to another state when the professional provides medical services to an athlete, athletic team, or team staff member pursuant to a written agreement. Prior to providing such services, the medical professional must disclose to the insurer the nature and extent of the services. This extension of coverage does not apply at a health care facility or while a medical professional licensed in the state is transporting the injured individual to a health care facility. In its original form, the coverage was restricted to only physicians and athletic trainers. Through advocacy, physical therapists were included. BIAA supports this bill.

House Reconvenes After November Election

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) announced last Friday that the House will reconvene on Nov. 13, after the elections. This means all members of the House will be in their districts campaigning if running for re-election. Meeting with all candidates is a great way to advance brain injury issues. There are several ways to do so, such as attending Candidate Forums and other public events, as well as scheduling visits with candidates through their in-home district offices or campaign offices. Click here to find public policy materials related to brain injury that you can use during your visits.

BIAA gratefully acknowledges the Centre for Neuro Skills and Avanir Pharmaceuticals for their support for legislative action.