This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning healthcare providers, doctors, physicians, clinicians, pharmacies and pharmacists, dental care providers, oral care providers, naturopaths, and old-age care providers. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations: Review of multiple veterans’ legislation including certification standards for healthcare workers: The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing on March 25, 2026, at 2:15 p.m. ET in room 360 of the Cannon House Office Building to review legislative proposals related to management, oversight, and certification requirements within the Department of Veterans Affairs, with healthcare workforce impact items on the agenda.
• House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health: Hearing on Illicit Drug Threats: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will convene on March 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET in Rayburn 2123 to discuss policies focused on protecting communities from illicit drug threats, an area closely watched for its implications on emergency care and substance use services.
• House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel: Hearing on Military Health System Restructure: On March 25, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel will examine changes in Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and the potential impact on military readiness and beneficiary access.
• Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Business Meeting on bills affecting mental health, fentanyl access, and technology: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will meet on March 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET in Russell 253 to consider multiple measures, among them S.1885 to require mental health warning labels and S.3618 to mandate an FTC report on youth fentanyl access.

Legislative Updates

To increase global health security and support frontline health workers

Bill 8011 was introduced to clarify U.S. backing for frontline health workers within global health and humanitarian programs. It has been referred to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Intelligence.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Family Caregiving Research and Innovation Act

Bill 3232, addressing research and innovation in family caregiving, was the subject of hearings by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act

Bill 2287 seeks to expand education and training in palliative care and hospice services. Hearings were conducted by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act

Bill 380, the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act, was reviewed in a hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. This proposal targets improvements in maternal health in rural areas.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To address social determinants of maternal health

Bill 8008 aims to address social determinants related to maternal health and decrease national maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, and has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Governor Abbott Celebrates Healthcare Graduates And Workforce Training In The Rio Grande Valley: Texas Governor recognizes newly graduated healthcare professionals at a workforce development event in the Rio Grande Valley.

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