Federal News & Issues

Jan 19, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On behalf of the more than 560,000 physicians and medical students represented by the combined memberships of our organizations, we strongly urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to put patients first, and reconsider its support of state waiver requests that would prohibit qualified providers from participating in the Medicaid program.

Our organizations issued joint principles on this issue, which we shared with Acting HHS Secretary Hargan and CMS Administrator Verma in a December 8, 2017 letter. These principles urge CMS to "do no harm...

Jan 30, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Recent news accounts state that the Big Horn County (Mont.) Attorney has announced a "crackdown" policy on pregnant women who use drugs or alcohol. Under the reported policy, the attorney intends to issue restraining orders against pregnant women who are found to be using alcohol or drugs with the threat of jail time if they don't comply. This stated action runs counter to the policy of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), which today issued the following statement from APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A.:

"Pregnant women who are abusing drugs or alcohol need treatment, not incarceration or punishment," Levin said. "The APA strongly believes that treating the expectant mother is best for the health of the mother and her expectant child. Putting a woman in jail who has a...