Nov. 18-19: The American Medical Association is taking over San Diego for this year’s interim meeting. The House of Delegates has a swath of policy issues to discuss, including drug prices, vaping and training future physicians in healthcare finance during their residencies. Delegates will also discuss their stance on net neutrality, the perennial bugaboo that the AMA thinks could help reduce health disparities.
Nov. 19: A House Armed Services subcommittee will discuss reforming the Military Health System. Witnesses include the surgeons general of the military branches as well as the director of the Defense Health Agency and the Defense Department’s assistant secretary for health affairs. Just last month, the DHA took control of the Military Health System as it looks to streamline the administration of service members’ healthcare.
Nov. 19-20: It’s time to remember what really drives the industry: people. Healthcare leaders will congregate in Chicago for the National Center for Healthcare Leadership’s human capital investment conference, where topics will be burnout, the future of the healthcare workforce, and what’s working in diversity and inclusion efforts. Tuesday’s dinner will honor Dr. Rod Hochman, CEO of Providence St. Joseph Health, for his leadership in healthcare.
Nov. 20: President Donald Trump has set his sights on accelerating flu vaccine development. Now it’s Congress’ turn. The House Science, Space and Technology Committee will hold a hearing on flu vaccine science and innovation. Trump has asked for alternative vaccine production methods and wants to ramp up capacity.
Nov. 20: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may soon have a new leader. Stephen Hahn, Trump’s nominee to lead the agency, will appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The acting nominee, Dr. Ned Sharpless, stepped down this month after filling in for Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who had abruptly announced his resignation in March.
Nov. 21: Congress will wrap up its business before taking a Thanksgiving break until Dec. 2. While it’s unlikely healthcare issues will take center stage, lawmakers need to avert a government shutdown this week. Lawmakers are expected to pass a short-term fix before Friday and leave their appropriations battle for December.
