The medical innovation package recently passed by the House and Senate includes several measures that will boost and expand services to the medically underserved. The 21st Century Cures Act packages together health policy provisions related to cancer research, speeds up the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval process for prescription medication, funds mental health services and efforts to fight substance abuse. The bill also contains key provisions that will in effect expand health centers services, staff and strengthen training for providers, especially in the area of treating opioid addiction.
“Health center professionals are deeply appreciative of the tools this key legislation provides which will help them better protect public health, fight the disease of addiction, and serve their elderly patients with quality primary care services,” said Tom Van Coverden, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). “We thank the lawmakers for their hard work putting together this legislation and for their bipartisan leadership.”’
The key Community Health Center provisions include:
The 21st Century Cures Act is heading for signature into law by President Barack Obama, following passage yesterday by the U.S. Senate.