Weekly Healthcare Policy Round-Up

In this week’s Health Policy Round-Up, ALF shares the most up to date news happening in Washington DC.

• On July 23^rd, U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to protect the rights of living organ donors. The Living Donor Protection Act would ensure living donors do not face discrimination from insurance companies, remove barriers to organ donation, and provide certainty to donors and recipients. The House of Representatives decided to remove the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) portion of the Living Donor Protection Act and introduce it separately as a stand-alone bill. The FMLA piece was the sticking point due to multiple committees of jurisdiction. Read more about the bill and a quote from Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of American Liver Foundation here. Take action here.
• U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY) introduced the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) portion of the Living Donor Protection Act on July 23^rd. The Living Donor FMLA Protection Act guarantees that living organ donation qualifies as a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act, so donors can take the time they need to recover. Take action here.
• On July 21^st, American Liver Foundation Board Chair, Emmanuel Thomas, MD, PhD, FAASLD, and ALF CEO, Lorraine Stiehl, sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, expressing the importance of the hepatitis B vaccine. Recently, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) questioned whether newborns should still receive the hepatitis B vaccine before hospital discharge. Since the universal birth dose recommendation was implemented in 1991, childhood hepatitis B infections have declined by 95%. Rolling back this policy would put thousands of infants—especially those with undiagnosed maternal infections—at risk for lifelong, chronic liver disease. ALF continues to monitor this issue and work with partners and policymakers to ensure that hepatitis B prevention remains a national priority. Take action here.
• The House of Representatives is on August recess. The Senate is scheduled to break for recess on August 2^nd. Both chambers will return to Washington D.C. on September 2^nd. While Congress is on summer recess, it’s a great time to connect with them. Stay tuned for some August outreach activities coming your way!