WHITE HOUSE:

The White House focused this week on new relations with American Tribal Nations, avoiding a rail strike and announcing the second “Summit for Democracy” while reviewing efforts they’ve taken over the last twelve months. Two indirect items of note:

• They published their annual report on US Investment in global health security. While it obviously has a strong international focus, they do discuss their national plans regarding pandemic preparedness. It’s a valuable insight into where the Administrations wants to continue to devote resources. You can access the full report here (PDF).

• They released an updated guide to their strategy to tackle AIDS & HIV, both domestically and internationally. You can download a copy of the national strategy here (PDF) and the global strategy here (PDF). As this funding is tied into public health efforts and infection control tools, it’s a potentially valuable resource to monitor.

CONGRESS:

Congress acted to avoid a rail strike by passing a resolution that imposes a contract agreement for the next two years till the next collective bargaining agreement. For our purposes, what is particularly notable about the Congressional Action is that an effort to impose paid sick leave for railroad employees failed to pass the Senate, which provides insight into what Congress is willing to do as it relates to unions and workers.

With the rail strike in the rearview mirror, Congress turned its attention to the must-pass government funding bill (generally referred to as an Omnibus bill). In addition to its basic mission of funding the government, the year-end bill is seen as a chance to include several other important priorities. Notable advocacy efforts include a push to prevent looming Medicare cuts to providers, mental health and electoral reform, as well as more funding for VA healthcare. With the December 16^th funding deadline fast approaching, there’s tremendous pressure to get something done. In the meantime, a few other items from Congress:

• As expected (and discussed in earlier digests), Congressman Hakeem Jeffries was elected to take over House Democratic leadership from Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. Politico has an interesting look at the behind the scenes maneuvering leading to the election.

• On the Republican side, the rocky path to Speaker for Congressman Kevin McCarthy continues. Alternatives are being suggested, but the likelihood remains that the Congressman will be elected Speaker.

• After fighting mail-in voting for the last two years, Republicans in PA are exploring how to embrace the trend and encourage Republicans to participate in the process.

• Although unlikely to change the outcome, a recount was formally ordered (as required by state law) in Colorado House District Race 3, which was won by Congresswoman Laurent Boebert by 550 votes. For our purposes, in addition to emphasizing the value of every vote, it’s also notable for continuing the trend that we saw in the Midterms: voters appear to favor moderate candidates over extremists on either side.

• With the Georgia Senate run-off this Tuesday, it’s important to note that even though the Democrats control the Senate, there is significant value, politically, in obtaining a 51^st seat. It also has an impact on a potential oversight agenda by Democrats.

• Politico explored efforts by 2024 presidential candidates to develop their relationships with “dark money” groups.

• We discussed redistricting a lot over the last six months. 538 explored if it had an impact on flipping the House. They also explored split-ticket voting.

AGENCIES:

HHS expanded on their Behavioral Health Integration roadmap that they released back in September in a blog post at Health Affairs this week.

The OIG at HHS released a new report on telehealth use during the pandemic. You can access the complete report here (PDF).

CMS released a new QSO on workplace violence at healthcare providers. While specifically directed at hospitals, the QSO does mention that nursing homes are included in the directive. You can access the QSO here (PDF).

The Congressional Research Service prepared a report for Congress on federal support for financially distressed hospitals. While focused on hospitals, the report contains relevant information on federal resources for Medicare providers. You can download a copy here (PDF).

OTHER:

On the non-agency front:

• New Hampshire’s Commission on Aging took a long look at the SNF staffing shortage in the state. The full state report can be accessed here (PDF).

• An important update to political contribution limits in New York state.

• On the heels of yet another USA Today piece focused on nursing homes, AHCA publicly pushed back in McKnight’s.

• JAMA has a study on how the expiration of state waivers is impacting the provision of telehealth.

• ProPublica takes a long look at for-profit hospice.

Questions? Email us at support@myzpax.com.

z-INTEL WhatsApp info:

• Group Invite Link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EoNiPi8ezrOBV6SW1Gf7nD
• Status Link: https://wa.me/message/WMSWZATTB5D6E1