The ACP Advocate is a bi-weekly e-newsletter that provides ACP members with news about public policy issues affecting internal medicine and patient care.
May 17, 2024
Advocacy in Action
ACP Urging HHS, State Governors and UnitedHealth Group to Take Action to Alleviate Financial Strain Resulting From Cyberattack
Since the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, medical practices have continued to face cash-flow issues that threaten patient access to care and practice viability.
ACP Policy News
ACP Calls for Multipronged Effort to Recognize and Treat Alcohol Use Disorder
In updated policy brief, ACP recommends addressing alcohol use disorder as a treatable chronic medical condition using evidence-based initiatives.
Administration News
HHS Issues Final Rule Protecting Patient Data Privacy Related to Reproductive Health Care
The rule updates HIPAA to prohibit disclosure of public health information on anyone seeking, obtaining, providing or facilitating legal reproductive health care.
In Case You Missed It
New Sirius XM Doctor Radio episode featuring ACP President Dr. Opole
New ACP President Isaac O. Opole, MBChB, Ph.D., MACP speaks with Doctor Radio host Rabia de Latour, M.D, about his thoughts on the recent internal medicine meeting, the year ahead and how he is working to help both doctors and patients. Sirius XM's Doctor Radio station broadcasts health and medical information programmed by the NYU Langone Medical Center.
BHI Collaborative Releases Updated Compendium on Behavioral Health Services for Physician Practices
The updated Compendium offers a framework for delivering integrated behavioral care and now includes specific guidance on child and adolescent patients, new practice case studies and an expanded section on financial sustainability. The Compendium gives physicians the tools to learn about behavioral health integration and provide timely, equitable, and holistic care. The BHI Collaborative brings together the AMA, ACP, and six other medical associations to focus on the effective and sustainable integration of behavioral and mental health care into physician practices.
Advocacy News from ACP
ACP Letter of Support for Extending Telehealth Flexibilities Implemented During COVID-19 Due to Expire at Year-End
Letter supporting legislation extending telehealth flexibilities, such as removing geographic restrictions for telehealth services for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.
ACP Letter in Opposition of B25-0545, the Health Occupations Revision General Amendment Act of 2023
Letter expressing opposition to legislation being considered by the city council in Washington, DC that would undermine team-based collaborative care by reforming governing standards of health care practitioners. B25-0545 would enact significant changes such as allowing non-physician clinicians to provide independent patient care, despite not having the equivalent education and training of a physician.
ACP Advocate is copyrighted ©2023 by the American College of Physicians.
