Health Policy Reports

Dr. John Schuler Pens Letter to the Editor on SB 125 in Oregon Following his testimony to the Oregon Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue, Dr. John Schuler, a radiation oncologist at Compass Oncology, penned a letter to the editor (LTE) in the Southwest Connection in support of SB 125. If passed, SB 125 would…

Nevada Legislature Passes SB 189The Nevada Governor recently signed SB 189 into law, which establishes licensure for genetic counselors in the state. Genetic counseling is a growing field, and oncology genetic counselors work with patients with a current diagnosis or family history of cancer to assess the likelihood of genetic risk factors.  However, Nevada did…

Maryland Oncology Hematology Attends Bill Signing Ceremony at Maryland Capitol On May 20, The Network’s government relations team and Maryland Oncology Hematology (MOH) attended a bill signing ceremony at the Maryland State Capitol. During the ceremony, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed HB 1243 and SB 975 into law, which will permit cancer patients to access…

The US Oncology Network Participates in the Community Oncology Alliance’s Annual Conference The US Oncology Network attended the Community Oncology Alliance’s (COA) annual conference on April 29th and 30th. This year’s theme, “Empower & Advocate: Independent Community Oncology,” provided a vibrant platform for discussions focused on enhancing access to community cancer care. Ben Jones, our…

House Energy & Commerce Committee Holds Markup on the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act On April 29, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a markup on six healthcare bills, including H.R. 2484, the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act. In a vote of 38-7, the committee advanced the bill, which would establish an…

CCCN Holds Day at the Capitol On April 2, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) held its Day at the Capitol in Carson City, Nevada. Throughout the day, CCCN physicians, providers, patients, and administrative staff met with more than 20 members of the Nevada Senate and General Assembly, as well as Governor Joe Lombardo’s health…

Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) Introduce Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act On March 31, Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced H.R. 2484, the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act. If passed, the bill would clarify that patients can access medications through mail delivery, courier, or pickup by a…

Maryland House Advances HB 1243The Maryland House of Delegates recently voted to advance HB 1243, which creates a limited exception to current law to permit cancer patients to access specialty drugs from community oncology practices.  During a February hearing on this bill in the House Health and Government Operations Committee, Dr. Kash Firozvi of Maryland…

Texas Oncology Holds Advocacy Day at the Capitol On February 19th, Texas Oncology, a leader in community-based cancer care, gathered at the Texas State Capitol for their Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. Ninety physician leaders and advocates met with over 50 legislators to promote accessible, high-quality, affordable cancer care, underscoring Texas Oncology’s commitment to…

In Forbes Article, Dr. Curry McEvoy Highlights Challenges Facing Independent Practices In a recent Forbes article on the need to boost Medicare physician pay, Dr. Curry McEvoy of Southern Cancer Care highlighted the pressures that independent physician practices are facing. Dr. McEvoy highlighted how the 340B Drug Pricing Program and higher reimbursements for hospitals puts…