The advisory aims to combat the youth mental health crisis that worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the surgeon general recommends health care professionals focus on prevention and trauma-informed care principles, routinely screen children for mental health risk factors, and more.

CMS issued a request for information seeking input on coordinating care from out-of-state providers for medically complex children who are eligible for Medicaid coverage. The agency will use the information collected to produce guidance to state Medicaid directors.

A letter circulating in Congress calling for a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts has gained more than 110 bipartisan signatures. The president signed a Medicaid extenders package, which includes a provision identical to the Advancing Care for Exceptional (ACE) Kids Act.

The House also will mark up a dozen bills aimed at lowering health care and prescription drug costs. House and Senate committees move forward on work to address surprise billing.

A change brought by passage of the 21st Century Cures Act will ensure coverage for early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services for children under age 21 receiving inpatient psychiatric hospital services.

Telehealth Network Grant Program will award up to 20 grants for a maximum of $300,000 annually to expand services; applications are due April 8.

Congress concluded business until after the Nov. 4 election, passing legislation to fund the government through Dec. 11. Bills funding children's health services and addressing postacute care quality were also sent to the president's desk.