The opioid crisis continues to be a focus for Congressional committees. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held hearings on prevention and public health solutions to the opioid crisis, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s role in combating the opioid epidemic. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing focusing on leadership and innovation at the state level.  In other policy areas:

• The HELP Committee reviewed the 340B drug discount program, focusing on whether the program is fulfilling its purpose and whether statutory changes should be made.
• The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on implementation of Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) physician payment policies.
• The Energy and Commerce Committee examined the current influenza season and how public health agencies prepare for and respond to the seasonal influenza.
• The House Education and the Workforce Committee held a hearing on the Administration’s proposed rule on association health plans.