Current Report Articles
Federal and National News

News (Sept. 20, 2024) – U.S. House Passes Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 4758, the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act, by a voice vote Tuesday evening. This bill streamlines and reduces the burden of Medicaid provider enrollment for children's hospitals and pediatric specialists who treat patients covered by other states' Medicaid programs. The companion Senate bill, S. 2372, also enjoys broad bipartisan support but has yet to pass the Senate.

CMS Issues Guidance for Rural Emergency Hospitals and Organ Procurement Organizations
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued guidance for Rural Emergency Hospitals and Organ Procurement Organizations. The REH guidance is a revision detailing enrollment and conversion processes. The new guidance for OPOs clarifies requirements around pancreata research.

CMS Requests Public Input on Medicaid Mental Health Parity Compliance Reporting
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking public comment on its draft templates and instructional guides for states to report mental health parity performance and how these tools can be improved to ensure compliance with mental health parity laws and regulations. Comments must be submitted by email no later than Tuesday, Oct. 29.

MLN Connects Provider eNews Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the following updates to MLN Connects Provider eNews: