Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
New York Drivers Pay Fourth-Highest Auto Insurance Costs in the Nation, Triple-I Finds
NEW YORK, Jan. 25 [Category: Insurance] -- The Insurance Information Institute issued the following news release:
* * *
New York Drivers Pay Fourth-Highest Auto Insurance Costs in the Nation, Triple-I Finds
*
MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 26, 2026 -New York households paid an estimated $1,935 on average for personal auto insurance in 2024, the highest level on record for the state and the fourth-highest expenditure nationwide, according to the Insurance Information Institute's (Triple-I's) latest Outlook, New York Personal Auto Insurance Premium and Cost Drivers.
Triple-I estimates New Yorkers allocated
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 25 [Category: Insurance] -- The Insurance Information Institute issued the following news release:
* * *
New York Drivers Pay Fourth-Highest Auto Insurance Costs in the Nation, Triple-I Finds
*
MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 26, 2026 -New York households paid an estimated $1,935 on average for personal auto insurance in 2024, the highest level on record for the state and the fourth-highest expenditure nationwide, according to the Insurance Information Institute's (Triple-I's) latest Outlook, New York Personal Auto Insurance Premium and Cost Drivers.
Triple-I estimates New Yorkers allocated2.23% of median household income to personal auto insurance in 2024, up from $1,753 (2.15%) in 2023, when New York already ranked as the fourth least affordable state for auto insurance as a share of income.
Recent reform proposals, including strengthening insurer anti-fraud programs, limiting damages for individuals engaging in unlawful behavior or who are at fault in an accident, lowering the serious injury threshold, and leveraging technology, could make meaningful positive changes to the cost of insurance.
The issues brief compares New York's personal auto insurance expenditures with national trends and identifies key cost drivers pushing premiums higher. Four of New York's six major cost drivers rank among the most expensive in the country, contributing to sustained affordability challenges for drivers statewide.
"Auto insurance affordability is ultimately driven by the underlying costs," said Michel Leonard, Ph.D., CBE, chief economist and data scientist at the Insurance Information Institute. "In New York, elevated repair costs, severe injury claims, high claims-handling expenses, and frequent accidents all combine to put persistent upward pressure on premiums. With personal auto insurance approaching $2,000 a year, New York remains one of the most expensive states in the nation to drive," he said. "By tackling these cost drivers, New Yorkers could see meaningful steps toward improving long-term insurance affordability."
Key Findings
* New York households paid an estimated $1,935 on average in personal auto insurance in 2024, equal to 2.23% of median household income.
* This represents an increase from $1,753 in 2023, when New York ranked fourth highest nationally as a share of median income.
* In 2023, U.S. households spent an average of 1.59% of median household income on personal auto insurance, whereas New York spent 2.15%.
* New York ranks among the highest-cost states for multiple insurance cost drivers:
* Third-highest auto repair cost severity
* Third-highest carrier expense ratio
* Third-highest injury claim severity
* Eighth-highest accident frequency
About the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)
Since 1960, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has been the trusted voice of risk and insurance, delivering unique, data-driven insights to educate, elevate, and connect consumers, industry professionals, policymakers and the media. An affiliate of The Institutes, Triple-I represents a diverse membership accounting for nearly 50% of all U.S. property/casualty premiums written. Our members include mutual and stock companies, personal and commercial lines, primary insurers and reinsurers - serving regional, national and global markets.
About The Institutes
The Institutes(r) are a global not-for-profit comprising diverse affiliates that educate, elevate and connect people in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through products and services offered by The Institutes' nearly 20 affiliated business units, people and organizations are empowered to help those in need with a focus on understanding, predicting and preventing losses to create a more resilient world.
The Institutes is a registered trademark of The Institutes. All rights reserved.
***
Original text here: https://www.iii.org/press-release/new-york-drivers-pay-fourth-highest-auto-insurance-costs-in-the-nation-triple-i-finds-012626
Treating Cancer With Medication Before Surgery Continues to Increase, Report Shows
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 24 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Treating Cancer with Medication Before Surgery Continues to Increase, Report Shows
Second annual report from the National Cancer Database shows a notable increase in the use of medication therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer before surgery
Key Takeaways
* New report shows growing use of medications, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, given before surgery to treat many types of cancer, potentially making surgery less invasive and
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 24 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Treating Cancer with Medication Before Surgery Continues to Increase, Report Shows
Second annual report from the National Cancer Database shows a notable increase in the use of medication therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer before surgery
Key Takeaways
* New report shows growing use of medications, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, given before surgery to treat many types of cancer, potentially making surgery less invasive andhelping clinicians assess how a patient's cancer responds to medication to guide the most effective treatment options.
* The report also provides in-depth data on esophageal, melanoma, and prostate cancers, including the median age at diagnosis and the most common surgery performed for each cancer.
* Researchers call for more attention to esophageal cancer, which lacks effective screening options and is diagnosed at an advanced stage in roughly half of patients.
*
The second annual report from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) documents a substantial rise in medication treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, used before surgery to treat many cancers, often allowing less invasive surgery and helping clinicians assess how a patient's cancer responds to medication to guide the most effective treatment options.
The report (https://journals.lww.com/journalacs/abstract/9900/national_cancer_statistics__american_college_of.1526.aspx), published this week in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS), shows the most notable increases in neoadjuvant systemic therapy, which involves treatments that travel throughout the bloodstream and are given before surgery, for pancreatic, gynecologic, and abdominal lining cancers.
A comprehensive cancer database jointly run by the ACS and the American Cancer Society, the NCDB collects data on nearly 75% of cancer cases across the United States and includes metrics not often found in other cancer databases, such as tumor biology and length of hospital stay.
The report summarizes data from more than 22 million cancer cases diagnosed at 1,250 ACS Commission on Cancer (CoC) hospitals from 2004 to 2022, the most recent years for which complete data is available. It also describes in-depth data on esophageal, melanoma, and prostate cancers.
"The NCDB report includes clinically relevant data intended to inform not only researchers but also the public on recent observations of cancer involving the latest treatment, surgical options, and cancer outcomes," said Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS, medical director of ACS Cancer Programs, and co-author of the JACS study. "As care at CoC-accredited facilities continues to advance, our hope is that this report reflects the vastly changing clinical landscape of cancer treatments using the latest evidence-based treatments."
Big Picture Cancer Observations
Use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy increased notably for certain cancers. The researchers found that from 2010 to 2022, the use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy for gynecologic cancers rose nearly fivefold, from 7% to 34%. Substantial increases in neoadjuvant systemic therapy were also seen for pancreatic cancer, which more than tripled (12% to 40%), and for rarer cancers (peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery) that affect the abdominal lining and tissue, which nearly doubled (23% to 47%).
"Historically, when we thought about treating solid tumors, the first expected treatment was to have surgery to remove the tumor. Now, we are seeing treatment more frequently with targeted medication before surgery," said Judy C. Boughey, MD, FACS, senior author of the JACS study, chair of the ACS Cancer Research Program, and chair of the Division of Breast and Melanoma Surgical Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Dr. Boughey noted the main advantage of neoadjuvant systemic therapy is twofold: first, it shrinks the tumor, ideally allowing for less invasive surgery; and second, it allows clinicians to better understand the tumor's response to systemic treatment, which can help clinicians determine the most effective treatment for a patient.
"If a patient's tumor responds to systemic therapy, they generally will do well with treatment; if that doesn't happen, it tells the clinical team that they need to think about different therapy," she said.
In-Depth Data on Three Cancers
The report also examined three cancers in depth: prostate cancer, a common (high-volume) cancer; esophageal cancer, a less common (low-volume) cancer; and melanoma, selected as a special interest cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Patients with prostate cancer, the most common cancer diagnosed in men, are increasingly being treated with non-surgical options, especially for patients with Stage 1 prostate cancer, according to the report. In 2022, roughly 60% of patients with prostate cancer were treated with methods other than surgery, a rise from 54% in 2018. Of patients who had surgery, removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy) was the most common surgery, occurring in 85% of patients who had surgery.
Risk factors for dying from prostate cancer are also described in the report. Men who had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level over 20 at the time of diagnosis, as well as a higher cancer stage and grade of tumor, were more likely to die from the disease.
Esophageal Cancer
The number of patients with esophageal cancer who received immunotherapy rose sharply, increasing from 8% to 30% between 2018 and 2022. While the use of immunotherapy to treat esophageal cancer is growing, the disease is often detected at an advanced stage. About half of patients already have stage 4 disease at the time of their diagnosis.
In the JACS study, the authors call for an effective, widely used screening method to detect esophageal cancer earlier in more patients.
"If patients with esophageal cancer are diagnosed at less advanced stages, we theorize that more patients could be treated with surgery or other less invasive treatment options," said Elizabeth B. Habermann, PhD, MPH, chair of the ACS Cancer Data Modeling Pillar, professor of health services research at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and first author of the JACS study.
Melanoma
Melanoma, a skin cancer that can be deadly if not detected early, most often affected the torso (30%) or the upper limb and shoulder region (25%). Patients with scalp and neck melanomas had the lowest overall survival rates among all invasive melanomas. Ulceration, which occurs when the top layer of the skin involved by melanoma breaks down, was also associated with poorer survival, according to the report.
Future reports will focus on three other cancers to provide the public and researchers with unique data points not often included in other cancer reports, the authors added.
Co-authors of the JACS study are Courtney N. Day, MS; Bryan E. Palis, MA; Daniel Boffa, MD, FACS; Tina J. Hieken, MD, FACS; and Shaheen Alanee, MD, MBA, MPH, FACS.
This study is published as an article in press on the JACS website.
Citation: Habermann E, Day C, Palis B, et al. National Cancer Statistics: American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs Annual Report from 2022 Participant User File. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2026. DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001747
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 90,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/treating-cancer-with-medication-before-surgery-continues-to-increase-report-shows/
[Category: Medical]
Southern Shrimp Alliance: Congressional Hearing Highlights Threat to American Seafood Security From Unfair Foreign Seafood Imports
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, Jan. 24 -- The Southern Shrimp Alliance issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
* * *
Congressional Hearing Highlights Threat to American Seafood Security from Unfair Foreign Seafood Imports
SSA commends Rep. Ezell's and Dr. Kingma's testimony on the Crisis Facing American Seafood Producers
*
On Wednesday, a House Natural Resources Committee hearing focused on the alarming threat unfairly traded foreign seafood imports pose to America's commercial fishermen, communities, and the country's ability to produce seafood.
The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
... Show Full Article
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, Jan. 24 -- The Southern Shrimp Alliance issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
* * *
Congressional Hearing Highlights Threat to American Seafood Security from Unfair Foreign Seafood Imports
SSA commends Rep. Ezell's and Dr. Kingma's testimony on the Crisis Facing American Seafood Producers
*
On Wednesday, a House Natural Resources Committee hearing focused on the alarming threat unfairly traded foreign seafood imports pose to America's commercial fishermen, communities, and the country's ability to produce seafood.
The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigationshearing titled "America First: U.S. Leadership & National Security in International Conservation," included powerful testimony from Dr. Eric Kingma, the Executive Director of the Hawaii Longline Association, and strong advocacy from Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS) on behalf of U.S. shrimpers. Watch it here (https://www.youtube.com/live/HrXa8ThdqfQ?si=7Uu4tA5vCy_6Q91t&t=2443).
Rep. Ezell Sounds Alarm for U.S. Shrimpers
During the hearing, Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS) delivered a powerful statement on behalf of U.S. shrimpers, explaining that family-owned fishing boats and small processors are being squeezed out by unfair pricing, "not by better products or practices." He directly addressed the root causes of the crisis: "That price gap is not an accident. It's driven by dumping, government support, and serious allegations of labor abuse abroad." He stressed that American shrimpers are "not asking for special treatment. We're asking for a level playing field."
Blake Price, deputy director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, welcomed the comments: "Rep. Ezell understands that allowing double standards to destroy American fisheries and undermine our ability to access sustainable local seafood must end. We appreciate his advocacy for fair trade on behalf of U.S. shrimpers."
Dr. Eric Kingma Expands Crisis to All U.S. Fisheries
Dr. Kingma's written and oral testimony detailed how American fishermen operate under stringent environmental regulations while competing with foreign fleets that benefit from government subsidies, lower labor costs, and minimal oversight. He noted that the result is a $20 billion annual seafood trade deficit, with an estimated 15% of wild-caught seafood imports stemming from Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
In response to Rep. Ezell, Dr. Kingma stated, "I think you can replace Gulf shrimp with every single major fishery in those remarks. We are losing, and we're losing rapidly."
The policy recommendations he advocated mirror those of the Southern Shrimp Alliance:
* Restrict imports from subsidized and IUU fisheries
* Ensure that foreign fisheries meet U.S. environmental and labor standards
* Expand supply chain tracking for all imported seafood
* Require country-of-origin labeling in restaurants
"We look forward to working closely with Dr. Kingma and the Hawaii Longline Association to advance our shared agenda, working towards long-term relief for our U.S. commercial seafood industries, " said Price. "Whether it's shrimp, tuna, or any other seafood species, the solution is the same: use America's market power to demand that seafood imports meet our standards for labor, environmental protection, bycatch mitigation, and honest competition. That's how we protect both American workers and maintain ocean conservation."
Additional resources:
Dr. Kingma's written testimony - https://shrimpalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HHRG-119-II15-Wstate-KingmaE-20260121.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://shrimpalliance.com/congressional-hearing-highlights-threat-to-american-seafood-security-from-unfair-foreign-seafood-imports/
[Category: Food/Beverage]
NFIB Urges U.S. Court of Appeals to Abide by Loper Standard in Reviewing Agency Actions
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
* * *
NFIB Urges U.S. Court of Appeals to Abide by Loper Standard in Reviewing Agency Actions
This case concerns the review courts must engage in regarding agency interpretation of statutes
*
NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case Relentless Inc. et al. v. U.S. Department of Commerce at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The case concerns the obligation of courts to review agency interpretations of statutes after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loper
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
* * *
NFIB Urges U.S. Court of Appeals to Abide by Loper Standard in Reviewing Agency Actions
This case concerns the review courts must engage in regarding agency interpretation of statutes
*
NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case Relentless Inc. et al. v. U.S. Department of Commerce at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The case concerns the obligation of courts to review agency interpretations of statutes after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in LoperBright v. Raimondo, which eliminated Chevron deference. NFIB's brief argues that courts must independently and thoroughly review whether a statute provides an agency the authority that it claims.
"This case will reveal whether the lower federal courts are following the Supreme Court's command in Loper, or whether they continue to place a thumb-on-the-scale in favor of federal agencies, to the detriment of small businesses," said Beth Milito, Vice President and Executive Director of NFIB's Small Business Legal Center. "The district court failed in its obligation to assess the challenged statute independently and thoroughly. NFIB urges the court to reverse the decision below in favor of promoting faithful compliance with the new Loper standard."
NFIB's brief argues several points: 1) Loper requires Courts to perform both an independent analysis and thorough review to determine the best reading of a statute, 2) The district court's analysis failed to comply with this obligation to provide a sufficiently independent and thorough judgment, instead relying on deference-based reasoning to uphold the agency action, and 3) The notion that regulated entities are responsible for the costs of being regulated has no legal basis and is harmful for small businesses.
The NFIB Small Business Legal Center protects the rights of small business owners in the nation's courts. NFIB is currently active in more than 40 cases in federal and state courts across the country and in the U.S. Supreme Court.
***
Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/nfib-urges-u-s-court-of-appeals-to-abide-by-loper-standard-in-reviewing-agency-actions/
MHA Offers Hospitals Innovative Data Solutions That Enable Better Decisions
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 24 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
* * *
MHA Offers Hospitals Innovative Data Solutions That Enable Better Decisions
The Missouri Hospital Association strengthens hospitals' ability to make smarter, faster and better decisions through the advanced analytics and data services of the Hospital Industry Data Institute. As the association's data and analytics company, HIDI equips member hospitals with powerful tools that enhance performance, elevate quality and support long-term planning in an increasingly complex health care environment.
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 24 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
* * *
MHA Offers Hospitals Innovative Data Solutions That Enable Better Decisions
The Missouri Hospital Association strengthens hospitals' ability to make smarter, faster and better decisions through the advanced analytics and data services of the Hospital Industry Data Institute. As the association's data and analytics company, HIDI equips member hospitals with powerful tools that enhance performance, elevate quality and support long-term planning in an increasingly complex health care environment.
Through HIDI, MHA members gain access to a suite of interactive dashboards, benchmarking tools and analytic insights -- many offered at no additional cost. These resources help hospitals improve critical aspects of care, including patient safety, maternal health outcomes, operational efficiency and financial sustainability. By transforming raw data into actionable intelligence, HIDI enables leaders to identify trends, anticipate challenges and drive measurable improvement.
In its latest effort to support hospitals' evolving needs, MHA and HIDI have launched the Payer Performance Initiative in partnership with Hyve Health. At the center of this initiative is the Vitality Index Payer Scorecard, an innovative tool designed to help hospitals strengthen their payer strategies through clear, data driven insights.
The scorecard provides hospitals with a comprehensive view of payer performance, enabling leaders to evaluate contract value, identify opportunities for improvement and negotiate more effectively. To accelerate adoption and reduce barriers for members, HIDI is covering the full Hyve setup cost for participating hospitals for the next three years -- a significant investment in the financial and operational health of Missouri's hospital community.
As health care continues to evolve, MHA and HIDI remain committed to delivering the intelligence hospitals need to navigate change and seize opportunity. By pairing robust data resources with strategic expertise, the association ensures its members are equipped to improve care, strengthen operations and advance the health of the communities they serve.
Learn more about the value of MHA membership, HIDI's full suite of analytics tools and how HIDI continues to be a trusted partner for Missouri's health care leaders now and in the years to come.
* * *
About Missouri Hospital Association
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 135 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/mha-offers-hospitals-innovative-data-solutions-that-enable-better-decisions
[Category: Health Care]
Bipartisan Appropriations Bill Includes Critical Aviation Safety Provisions
MCLEAN, Virginia, Jan. 24 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following statement on Jan. 23, 2026:
* * *
Bipartisan Appropriations Bill Includes Critical Aviation Safety Provisions
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement today in support of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 7148). The bill includes critical funding and policy provisions that will improve aviation safety and strengthen the pilot workforce.
"ALPA strongly supports H.R. 7148, which will provide significant
... Show Full Article
MCLEAN, Virginia, Jan. 24 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following statement on Jan. 23, 2026:
* * *
Bipartisan Appropriations Bill Includes Critical Aviation Safety Provisions
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement today in support of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 7148). The bill includes critical funding and policy provisions that will improve aviation safety and strengthen the pilot workforce.
"ALPA strongly supports H.R. 7148, which will provide significantresources for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to upgrade aging technology and increase air traffic controller hiring. The bill also includes important directives to enhance air safety and improve the piloting profession including:
* Directing the FAA to ensure a minimum of two qualified, fully rested pilots on commercial airline flight decks at all times.
* Including additional resources to improve the FAA's aeromedical process, reduce the backlog of pilot and controller medical certificates, and provide new flexibility to hire and retain skilled medical professionals.
* Providing critical funding for the National Mediation Board, which promotes collective bargaining in the airline and rail industries.
* Urging the Department of Transportation to review its outdated Statement of International Air Transportation Policy, internal guidance that in the past has been used to justify detrimental labor policy for international aviation, including air service agreements, joint ventures, and licensing cases.
"ALPA urges Congress to swiftly pass this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will advance aviation safety, strengthen our national airspace system, and improve the pilot profession."
* * *
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.alpa.org/press-room/2026/01/bipartisan-appropriations-bill-includes-critical-aviation-safety-provisions
[Category: Transportation]
ATA ACTION COMMENTS ON TODAY'S HOUSE VOTE TO SEND THE MINIBUS - PARTICULARLY THE KEY TELEHEALTH EXTENSIONS - TO THE SENATE FOR PASSAGE
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 24 -- The American Telemedicine Association issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
* * *
ATA ACTION COMMENTS ON TODAY'S HOUSE VOTE TO SEND THE MINIBUS - PARTICULARLY THE KEY TELEHEALTH EXTENSIONS - TO THE SENATE FOR PASSAGE
ATA Action, the affiliated policy and legislative advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, commented on today's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the multi-bill FY26 funding package released by the House Appropriations Committee earlier this week. This bill contains several important telehealth provisions,
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 24 -- The American Telemedicine Association issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
* * *
ATA ACTION COMMENTS ON TODAY'S HOUSE VOTE TO SEND THE MINIBUS - PARTICULARLY THE KEY TELEHEALTH EXTENSIONS - TO THE SENATE FOR PASSAGE
ATA Action, the affiliated policy and legislative advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, commented on today's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the multi-bill FY26 funding package released by the House Appropriations Committee earlier this week. This bill contains several important telehealth provisions,and includes legislation related to Labor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, Defense, and Transportation legislation.
"The U.S. House stood tall today for telehealth, passing legislation in the minibus package with broad bipartisan support, which includes years-long extensions for several critical telehealth provisions. Telehealth has proven it's a valuable, relied-upon, and trusted option for healthcare delivery. Confirming these extensions is the right thing to do, and we trust that our telehealth champions in both chambers will continue to do the right thing to preserve access to care for millions of Americans needing care, including our most vulnerable and underserved populations," said Alexis Apple, deputy executive director, ATA Action and vice president of federal affairs at the ATA. "These extensions transcend partisan divisions, and we are hopeful that the major winter storm forecasted for this weekend will not impede a prompt Senate vote required to advance this urgent bill to President Trump for signature.
"While these extensions are an important step forward, ATA Action continues to emphasize the need for long-term certainty and permanency. Telehealth flexibilities were originally put in place under President Trump's leadership, working with a bipartisan Congress," added Apple. "We look forward to continuing to work with President Trump and leaders in both parties to build on that foundation and deliver durable, permanent telehealth policy that provides patients, clinicians, and health systems the certainty they need."
* * *
About ATA Action
Founded in 2022, ATA Action is the leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing policy and accelerating the adoption of technology-enabled healthcare. Working collaboratively with federal and state legislators and policymakers, ATA Action drives industry momentum by influencing legislative and regulatory developments in telehealth, virtual care, remote patient monitoring, artificial intelligence in health, health data privacy, private sector healthcare investment, and more.
Representing a diverse membership - including hospital systems, technology companies, professional associations, direct-to-consumer digital health providers, payers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, digital therapeutics developers, and remote monitoring organizations - ATA Action facilitates member-led coalitions focused on initiatives such as Advancing Digital Health and Prescription Drug Use-Related Software (PDURS), Virtual Foodcare, and Cross State Care.
ATA Action is a registered 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade organization engaged in lobbying efforts to shape industry-related legislation and serves as an affiliated trade association of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). The ATA, a 501(c)(3) entity, is recognized for its leadership in advancing innovation and leading transformation in virtual care, digital health, hybrid care, artificial intelligence, and next generation connected care.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.americantelemed.org/press-releases/ata-action-comments-on-todays-house-vote-to-send-the-minibus-particularly-the-key-telehealth-extensions-to-the-senate-for-passage/
[Category: Medical]
