June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026

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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Healthcare channel? Don't miss this week's updates in Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Healthcare - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 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 Health: Hearing on Coordination of VA and HHS Programs: On June 30, the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health will meet in Cannon House Office Building, Room 360, addressing legislation, draft proposals, and coordination between VA and Health and Human Services on Community Care Program and hospital billing.
• House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions: Hearing on Direct Contracting: On July 1, the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee will convene in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2175, examining 'Direct Contracting: A Prescription for Lower Health Care Costs.'

Legislative Updates

Workforce Development Bills Introduced for Reproductive and Direct Care

Two separate bills were brought forward: Bill 9441, amending the Public Health Service Act to cover expenses for strengthening the reproductive health care workforce, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce; Bill 4889, providing grants for creation, recruitment, training, education, retention, and advancement of the direct care workforce, as well as support for family caregivers, was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Bill to Conduct National Education Campaign on Cell and Tissue Transplants

Bill 4885 seeks to mandate the Secretary of Health and Human Services to launch an evidence-based national education campaign targeting risks and benefits of human cell and tissue product transplants. The Senate referred the bill twice to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Medicare Prior Authorization Rule Faces Congressional Disapproval

Bill 198, a joint resolution, addresses the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' rule regarding prior authorization for select services within the WISeR Model. The latest action placed this joint resolution on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (No. 446).

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill Proposes Guaranteed Funding for Rural Emergency Rooms

Bill 4927 would establish a guaranteed funding mechanism to keep emergency rooms operational at rural hospitals. It was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, potentially affecting emergency medical services access in rural regions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Coordination of VA Veterans Community Care Program with HHS Proposed

Bill 9476 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in administering the Veterans Community Care Program. The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, as well as the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce, will review provisions for cross-agency coordination in veteran health care delivery.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Health Care Roundup: Market Talk: Market trends in pharmaceuticals and health care discussed.
• The Doctor, the Patient and … the Podcaster?: Analysis of how podcasts influence patient-clinician communication.
• As Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak rages, knowledge gaps still challenge response: The ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak highlights response challenges.
• 455 people, including doctors, charged in $6.5B health care schemes: Federal prosecutors charged 455 individuals for involvement in health care fraud.
• Tetanus cases are on the rise. A doctor explains what to know and how to protect yourself: Rising tetanus cases prompt preventative guidance from physicians.
• Opinion | $0 co-pays could save billions: Editorial discusses potential savings from zero co-pay initiatives.
• UNICEF, Gavi call to speed Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine access: UNICEF and Gavi urge rapid rollout of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine supplies.
• Exclusive | Justice Department Unveils $6.5 Billion Healthcare Fraud Crackdown: U.S. Justice Department announces major healthcare fraud crackdown.

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