Committee advances bill supporting health care workers

The House Energy and Commerce Committee this week passed legislation to reauthorize through 2029 the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 7153). The AONL-supported bill would provide grants to help health care organizations offer behavioral health services for front-line health care workers and reauthorize a national campaign providing hospital leaders with evidence-based solutions to support worker well-being. Without congressional action, the law will expire on Dec. 31. In addition, the committee passed legislation (H.R. 6960) to reauthorize the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program, which provides funding for equipment and training to help hospitals and paramedics treat pediatric emergencies. The American Hospital Association advocated for funding the program at $28 million for fiscal year 2024. (AHA News article, 3/13/24)