• H.R. 2815, Training the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act of 2019: Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) seeks to reauthorize section 380H of the Public Health Service Act. This would maintain and expand primary care resident training in community health center (CHC) settings by reauthorizing the CHC fund, Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program (THCGME), and National Health Service Corp (NHSC). All three are vital towards increasing primary care access to the underserved: residency training at a CHC as opposed to a hospital (THCGME), funding to financially support CHCs (CHC fund), and loan forgiveness to incentivize graduating medical students to do primary care (NHSC). 
• H.R. 2328, the Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence (CHIME) Act of 2019: Representative Tom O’Halleran (D-AR), through the CHIME Act, would provide five years of stable funding for the Community Health Center fund starting at $4.2 billion for the FY2020, including $200 million in annual growth. CHIME also provides five years of funding for the NHSC starting at $325 million for the FY 2020, including $15million in annual growth. 
• H.R. 1943, Community Health Center and Primary Care Workforce Expansion Act of 2019: Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC), through the Community Health Center and Primary Care Workforce Expansion Act, seeks to expand CHC funding originally given by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This act would give $6.1 billion in 2020, including a 10% annual growth over 5 years ending in 2024, as well as an additional $4.6 billion for health center capital funding. This act would also includes significant commitment to expand the NHSC funds, starting at $850 million with a 10% annual growth over 5 years ending in 2024. 

• The House Energy and Commerce, Health Subcommittee held a briefing this month with witnesses that represent that sides of healthcare that produce surprise medical bills. ACEP President Vidor Friedman, MD explained how EMTALA inadvertently contributes to the lack of transparency when it comes to out-of-network status. Meanwhile, Sherif Zaafran, MD, Chair, Physicians for Fair Coverage, explained that providers often times do not know their network status with every patient. Dr. Zaafran explained that a provider could be in network with an insurance company, but may be out of network with a patient’s insurance plan. Other witnesses further alluded to the complications surrounding surprise medical bills.

• In order to improve federal programs addressing substance abuse in the Hispanic community, Dr. Rios emphasized the importance of empowering Hispanic physicians and psychiatrists into decision-making positions at the national and state public health agencies. Funding for a leadership development program targeting Hispanic physicians five years post-residency training would best achieve these recommendations. Mr. Chaudhary expressed that Representative Engel (D-NY) would be strongly interested in aligning with the NHMA recommendations. 

• Letter to thank Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) for introducing the Public Health Funding Restoration Act, restoring funds to the Prevention Fund. 
• Letter to support the request $165 million in funding for the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program to Representatives Chairman Shelby, Ranking Member Leahy, Chairman Blunt, and Ranking Member Murray. The letter on the senate side was sent to Senators Chair Lowey, Ranking Member Granger, Chair DeLauro, and Ranking Member Cole. 
• Letter to thank Representatives Schrier, Burgess, Engel, Bilirakis, Schrader and Guthrie for introducing the Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety (VACCINES) Act of 2019 (H.R. 2862)
• Letter to the Administrator of the EPA, the Honorable Andrew Wheeler, to reject any propositions, which will weaken protections for Latino community water, health and livelihood. 
• Letter to urge Governor Roy Cooper to veto HB 370 and any similar legislation that require local law enforcement to participate in federal immigration enforcement. 
• Sign On Letter requesting that representatives vote YES on Rep. Shrier’s amendment #63 to the Interior-EPA Omnibus Appropriations Bill, H.R. 3055, which would prevent the EPA from undermining investments made by the power sector and pollution control. 
• Letter to support the Expand Navigators’ Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity (ENROLL) Act of 2019, along with 64 organizations. Navigators are essential to helping families enroll in health care coverage that meets their needs.

• Opportunities to mentor college students
• Discounts at the NHMA Annual Conference
• Opportunities to share your research by being a poster presenter at our annual conference
• Network with healthcare professionals at one of NHMA Regional Events and Annual Conference