IHA Daily Briefing: October 9

AHA Joins MHA, Safety-Net Hospitals in Filing Lawsuit to Stop Costly 340B Rebate Program

Today, the American Hospital Association (AHA), Maine Hospital Association (MHA) and four safety-net hospitals filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine challenging changes by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the 340B Drug Pricing Program that would expand the use of a proposed rebate model previously halted by the courts. Estimates show the new program could impose more than $1 billion in annual administrative costs on already-strapped hospitals.

The lawsuit seeks to prevent implementation of the new program, which is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Among other things, the lawsuit alleges that HHS again failed to fully consider the evidence submitted by hospitals regarding the operational, financial and patient care consequences of the program. Click here to view the press release, which includes links to the complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief and the motion for a temporary restraining order with incorporated memorandum of law.

IHA submitted comments on the rebate model in April, expressing significant concerns given the lack of hospital input into the program requirements, the financial strain a rebate program would put on covered entities and their patients, and the troubling actions on the part of pharmaceutical manufacturers in other aspects of the 340B program.

New Fees Proposed for Visa Holders Pursuing Optional Training

The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule to establish new fees for foreign students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows F-1 students to work in the U.S. in positions related to their field of study after graduation. DHS is proposing a fee of $70,000 for an initial OPT authorization and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT authorization. DHS said the rule was issued in response to concerns about fraud, program integrity and protection of U.S. workers. The agency is accepting comments on the proposed rule through Nov. 9.

The proposal could have significant implications for hospitals and health systems that rely on international graduates, including nurses, physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, as OPT often serves as a pathway into the healthcare workforce. IHA will review the proposed rule and evaluate its potential impact on workforce recruitment and retention.

REGISTER: IAHA's Annual Health Law Symposium on Nov. 5

The Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys (IAHA) will hold its 44^th Annual Health Law Symposium-the premier health law educational event for Illinois attorneys-on Thursday, Nov. 5 in Chicago. Titled "Policy to Practice: Federal Healthcare Reform at the State Level," the symposium is offered in a hybrid format featuring a full day of in-person educational sessions, completed by 13 recorded sessions that will be available for viewing at your convenience through Jan. 31, 2027.

The event features a number of distinguished voices in healthcare leadership, including Kimberly Brandt, Deputy Administrator & Chief Operating Officer for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), who will presenton three converging federal priorities-interoperability; fraud, waste and abuse enforcement; and artificial intelligence-and the legal and compliance implications for healthcare providers and their counsel. Other session topics include medical malpractice reform; artificial intelligence; reproductive health; immigration in healthcare; compliance; vaccine policy; and the False Claim Act.

The symposium offers an opportunity to learn from and network with over 300 healthcare attorneys, as well as to earn up to 18.25 CLE credit hours. Click hereto visit IAHA's website for more information and to register. You are encouraged to register soon-early bird pricing ends Oct 16.

Illinois Expands Restaurant Meals Program for Eligible SNAP Customers

The Illinois Dept. of Human Services (IDHS) announced yesterday that the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) has reached 50 participating restaurants in 16 counties, and that the state is expanding the program statewide. The program allows eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers to purchase meals at participating restaurants using their Link card. The program provides access to prepared meals to over 400,000 households who may have difficulty purchasing and preparing meals themselves. RMP serves SNAP households where all members are one or more of the following: age 60 and older; have a disability; are spouses of eligible elderly or disabled customers; or are experiencing homelessness. Click here for information about the expansion and RMP details.

Menopause Awareness Week Events: Oct. 11-17

In recognition of Illinois' second annual Menopause Awareness Week, Oct. 11-17, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and its partners are hosting a series of live virtual conversations with menopause experts. The webinars will feature doctors and specialists, who will discuss managing symptoms, treatment options, advocating for yourself in the workplace, and more. For the full list of upcoming events and to RSVP, click here . If you cannot attend the virtual conversation, you can still RSVP to receive a recording via email after the event.

Illinois Respiratory Disease Surveillance Data

The Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard from the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) provides the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity and demographic data. IDPH also tracks COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus information through the Illinois Wastewater Surveillance System dashboard.

Briefly Noted

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality launched a $7.95 million prize initiative Oct. 7 aimed at using artificial intelligence, which the administration is calling "super intelligence," to speed medical evidence reviews and expand the use of federal healthcare data. For the full timeline, competition details and registration, click here.

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