MHA Today | March 13, 2024

Staff Contact: Andrew Wheeler

President Biden released a proposed budget for FY 2025. Although the President’s Budget is likely dead on arrival, it includes notable information that may guide regulating agency actions in 2025. The budget includes total receipts of $5.485 trillion and total outlays of $6.135 trillion for a deficit of $1.694 trillion. HHS’ requested budget includes a request of $1.6 trillion in discretionary and mandatory funding for CMS during FY 2025. MHA published an issue brief with additional information.

Staff Contact: Jane Drummond

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit upheld an Arkansas law granting protections for hospitals and other entities participating in the 340B program. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America claimed the law, which prohibited drug manufacturers from restricting the use of contract pharmacies, was preempted by the federal 340B statute. The court ruled that the Arkansas statute was harmonious with federal law.

MHA joined with several other state hospital associations in an amicus brief filed by the American Hospital Association. MHA is pursuing legislation in the Missouri General Assembly – SB 751 and HB 2267 – which were modeled after the Arkansas law.

Staff Contact: Sarah Willson

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program developed a Bed and Service Availability dashboard. Hospitals and the public can view how many beds facilities have available, and which residents they can serve. The goal of the dashboard is to communicate bed availability and services throughout the state to those who need the information for planning and discharge purposes. Facilities are not required to update the dashboard weekly, however, hospitals can communicate with local facilities about their desire to have accurate information available. More information is available on its website.

Staff Contact: Jill Williams

Health professional students studying to become physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives or physician assistants can apply for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program. Recipients of the scholarship agree to provide service commitment in an underserved community for each year of scholarship support received. There is a two-year minimum service commitment, and participants can receive a maximum of four years of support. Applications are due by 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25.