Association Endorses Newborn Screening Legislation
America’s Essential Hospitals has recently endorsed the Surge to Save Newborns Act (H.R. 10571), sponsored by Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23). The legislation would provide states with federal resources to implement newborn screening for conditions included on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), ensuring more newborns benefit from early detection and timely care.
Senators Call for PBM Study Release
Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) released a letter calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to complete a four-year-old study on pharmacy benefit managers and publicly release a final report with recommendations to Congress. The FTC did release an interim final report but would like to see more done to hold PBMs accountable.
Federal Data Privacy Bill Movement
A national framework regulating data privacy is facing steep odds of passing once Congress returns after the midterm elections. Lawmakers and industry leaders have been pushing for comprehensive data privacy legislation to harmonize requirements passed by states after major data breaches and security and privacy incidents, but a rift over state preemption has left congressional and industry observers feeling pessimistic.
House Republicans introduced a national data privacy framework this spring called the SECURE Data Act (H.R. 8413), a bill that would give Americans the right to access, correct, and delete their online information while requiring companies to create security guardrails. A Democrat-led bill, the Online Privacy Act of 2026 (H.R. 8014), was introduced in March and would set a minimum standard for privacy protections and allow states to add on stronger privacy requirements in their own jurisdictions. Both bills aim to keep the Health Insurance and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other existing health privacy regulations while broadening protections for areas that aren’t covered, such as wearable smart watches. However, the bills differ in how they see fit to accomplish that: The Republican bill would create an exemption for HIPAA, while the Democratic bill would prevent the new law from superseding it.
Committee Activity This Week
The House and Senate are both adjourned until after the midterm elections.
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With the 2026 midterm elections just around the corner, the stakes are significant for the future of our nation’s essential hospitals. That’s why America’s Essential Hospitals also offers this election advocacy toolkit to support engagement in the 2026 elections. This toolkit includes helpful tips, sample materials, and legal guidelines that answer key questions you have about your organization’s participation in the electoral process.
Due to the upcoming Midterm elections, the next edition of On the Hill will be delayed until Wednesday, November 4th at 5pm.
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