HIDA Government Affairs Update
Linda Rouse O’Neill
By Linda Rouse O’Neill, Vice President, Government Affairs
The U.S. healthcare system is at a crossroads. The White House and new GOP majorities in Congress are working to repeal many of the policies enacted under the previous administration, which creates uncertainty within the healthcare industry. The best way to counter this is for industry leaders to connect with elected representatives and help them understand how policy decisions impact their businesses. Given all the recent uncertainty, it has never been more important to engage with policymakers in Washington – your voice can make a difference.
HIDA’s annual Washington Summit provides that opportunity to have an impact. Among some recent examples:
- Last year, HIDA members met with FDA and key Capitol Hill offices about the challenges the unique device identifier (UDI) requirements places on their businesses.
- RESULT: The FDA extended the compliance deadline for certain Class II single use devices by two years to September 24, 2018.
- In 2015, HIDA members shared their concerns regarding the negative impact of the medical device tax and added to industry efforts calling for its repeal.
- RESULT: Congress passed a two-year reprieve from paying the tax. The proposed repeal-and-replace legislation would permanently eliminate the tax.
This year, HIDA members will once again have the opportunity to make the connection between some of the biggest healthcare supply chain issues and the various stakeholders affected. Here’s a preview of some of these issues.
Pandemic Preparedness
Pandemic/emergency preparedness has been a key element of HIDA’s advocacy efforts in recent years. Our members have collaborated with the Strategic National Stockpile to develop innovative public-private partnerships to increase elasticity in the supply chain. We have also provided valuable input at Hill briefings throughout the year and we are a trusted resource to leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
HIDA’s Washington Summit will also give members a unique opportunity to meet with legislative and federal agency leaders who are beginning work to reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act. This legislation will have an impact on our work to ensure the supply chain can respond to demand spikes for necessary products like personal protective equipment, diagnostic tests, and devices used to administer vital therapies.
ACA repeal
Lawmakers cancelled their initial vote on legislation replacing significant portions of the Affordable Care Act, though they have promised repeal and replace discussions will continue. During this year’s event, HIDA members will meet with policymakers to discuss the impact any future health reforms may have on the supply chain and customers.
Get involved
HIDA’s 2017 Washington Summit, June 6-7, is your next best opportunity to meet with political leaders in person and encourage them to continue their efforts in solving supply chain issues most important to you. The scheduled Capitol Hill meetings allow members to put a human face on the medical supply chain and discuss the value we provide to the healthcare system.
If you can’t make it to D.C., but would like to get involved in HIDA Advocacy or industry coalitions dedicated to a particular issue, please email us at HIDAGovAffairs@HIDA.org.