Here are four legislative changes and potential updates for surgeons to keep on their radar from the North American Spine Society’s Spine on the Hill:
1. The North American Spine Society joined the Alliance of Specialty Medicine to urge Congress to pass meaningful legislation to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. The Alliance sent a letter to Congress, but some members of Congress aren’t optimistic they’ll reach a solution. The mid-term Congressional election in November could make an impact on SGR reform.
2. President Barack Obama nominated the Sylvia Mathews Burwell to replace Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions committee held a confirmation hearing for Ms. Burwell last week, and she earned the support of some prominent Republican Senators. According to the blog post, her confirmation is expected. She is opposed to the Independent Payment Advisory Board.
3. A group of four Republican Senators sitting on the HELP committee sent a letter to the FDA expressing concern about the use of draft guidelines to make substantive policy changes. In the past, the FDA has used draft guidance as actual guidance, the letter alleges. The Senators are waiting for a response from the FDA.
4. The House Energy and Commerce committee released a second paper on the 21st Century Cures initiative that examines recommendations from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology 2012 Report on Propelling Innovation and is now requesting feedback about how the goals will be accomplished.
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