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Weekly Healthcare Policy Round-Up
May 2, 2025
In this week’s Health Policy Round-Up, ALF shares the most up to date news happening in Washington DC.
- The American Liver Foundation’s (ALF) Liver Life Advocacy Summit was held in Washington, D.C. on April 29–30, 2025, bringing together patients, caregivers, and families from across the country to champion ALF’s 2025 legislative priorities.
- ALF advocates held more than 75 meetings with Members of Congress on Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to prioritize liver health. Advocates called on lawmakers to take bold action and support ALF’s legislative priorities, the Living Donor Protection Act, Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, Safe Step Act, Honor Our Living Donors Act, HELP Copays Act, and critical funding increases for NIH and CDC liver disease programs. Take action for liver patients today.
- Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, continues to serve as a key champion in the fight for liver health. Senator Cassidy was honored with ALF’s Congressional Champion Award for his dedication to helping liver patients as a gastroenterologist, and for his commitment to promoting legislation and policies that positively affect individuals living with liver disease, in particular those affected by steatotic (fatty) liver disease. His work in the Senate has elevated liver disease as a national health priority.
- Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) was also recognized with ALF’s Congressional Champion Award for his long-standing commitment to protecting living donors and promoting transplant access. As a lead sponsor of the Living Donor Protection Act, Rep. Nadler has been a tireless advocate for policies that reduce barriers for living organ donors and provide vital protections for transplant patients. His leadership has helped bring national attention to the needs of those navigating liver disease and transplantation.
- On April 30th, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) 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, codify guidance that covers living donors under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in the private and civil service, remove barriers to organ donation, and provide certainty to donors and recipients. Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Don Bacon (R-NE) lead this legislation in the House of Representatives. Read more about the bill and a quote from Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of American Liver Foundation here.
- Don Melillo of Ohio was awarded the Liver Life Advocate Award for his long-standing advocacy and dedication to supporting liver patients. A liver transplant recipient and cancer survivor, Don has worked tirelessly to dispel stigma, advance research, and support fellow patients. As a member of ALF’s public policy committee, research patient group, and a peer mentor, Don is a vital voice in the liver community.
- Tammy Sperling of Florida was presented with the Rising Advocate Award for her outstanding efforts as a new Advocacy Ambassador. Diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), Tammy quickly became an integral part of ALF’s advocacy team, participating in multiple Congressional meetings and serving as a peer mentor in ALF’s Caring Connections program. Her passion, courage, and rapid impact as a first-time advocate embody the spirit of liver disease advocacy.