Capitol Hill Report

October 7, 2024

Your Advocacy Impact

Issue in Focus

The 2024 elections will be here before you know it! As neurologists and health care professionals, you are in a prime position to drive civic engagement, starting with a simple yet powerful action—registering to vote. Your vote can influence policies that directly affect the health care system, your patients, and the broader community. At all levels of government, there are candidates who can affect your patients, your practice, and your profession. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you are registered to vote and know the rules and regulations for voting in your area. If you recently moved, need a refresher, or just want to be 100% sure you’re set for Election Day, please visit vote.gov and learn more.  

BrainPAC is Fighting for the Profession Every Day

Are you familiar with BrainPAC? BrainPAC is the political action committee affiliated with the AAN, and the only political action committee serving neurology and its patients. Eligible AAN members in the US can contribute to BrainPAC, and 100% of those funds go to bipartisanly support the champions of neurology running for the US Congress. BrainPAC not only helps those champions return but allows us to build stronger relationships with them— both in Washington, DC, and in their home states—and to educate them about the issues facing the practice of neurology. From access to care, to the neurology workforce, to administrative burdens like prior authorization and step therapy, BrainPAC is working tirelessly on the Hill to help you and your patients. Learn more about our work and how we fight for neurology every day on Capitol Hill.  

Want to Do More?  

Take your advocacy to the next level by applying for Neurology on the Hill when applications open on October 10^th. It’s your chance to meet with lawmakers and shape the future of neurology and patient care. This program gives you the skills you need to meet with your lawmakers, then sends you to Capitol Hill to put your training into practice. Together, we can make a difference—from the clinic to Congress—by registering to vote, learning about BrainPAC, and attending Neurology on the Hill.  

If you have any questions about BrainPAC or AAN advocacy programs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at advocacy@aan.com. 

Latest Advocacy News

California NeuroRights Bill Signed into Law 
Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1223, known as the NeuroRights bill, into law. The new law, supported by the AAN, passed both the State Assembly and Senate without opposition. It amends the state’s current personal privacy law by specifically including protections for neural data. This is the second bill of its kind in the US, following similar legislation passed earlier this year in Colorado. 

AAN Submits Comments in Support of Electronic Prior Authorization 
On October 3, the AAN submitted comments in response to a proposed rule from the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) updating policies related to electronic health record (EHR) conditions of certification and the statutory prohibition on information blocking. The AAN’s comments supported requirements relating to EHR support for electronic prior authorization transactions and real-time prescription benefit information. The AAN also provided technical feedback on proposals impacting the various exceptions to the information blocking prohibition. 

Government Funded Through December 20 
On September 25, 2024, both the House and Senate passed a continuing resolution to provide government funding through December 20, 2024. This will allow the government to remain open until a final FY2025 appropriations package can be negotiated.  

AAN Urges CMS to Address Telehealth Reporting Requirements 
On October 2, in coordination with over 150 partner organizations, the AAN urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to address inappropriate reporting requirements for providers without a physical practice other than their home. In urging CMS to resolve this issue, the letter noted that it is not practical, workable, or safe to require a provider to report their home address as their practice location and that Medicare providers who deliver care via telehealth should not be compelled to do so. 

What We're Reading

•    The Medicare Advantage Influence Machine (KFF Health News)   
•    Inflation Reduction Act rebates yield savings for 54 Medicare Part B drugs (The Hill)