Republicans Urged to Publish Spending Bill Before Deadline
Las Vegas – Amid concerns of a potential government shutdown, Republicans are expected to release the text of a spending bill before the March 14 deadline, as reported by Politico.
Implications of Proposed Budget Cuts
The proposed budget aims to reduce expenditures by $880 billion within the energy and trade committee. While the bill does not explicitly reference cuts to Medicaid, reductions to this vital program are anticipated.
Insights from HIMSS Leadership
At the HIMSS25 conference, Tom Leary, Vice President and Head of Government Relations for HIMSS, expressed skepticism about the severity of the anticipated cuts. Leary emphasized that the reductions from the proposed bill may not be as extensive as the $880 billion figure suggests.
Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring
Leary highlighted uncertainty regarding whether the spending bill would extend provisions for telehealth and remote patient monitoring, which are set to expire on March 31. For years, HIMSS has advocated for a permanent extension of these critical services that facilitate patient care from home.
“We hear strong confidence that telehealth will be extended,” Leary commented, noting bipartisan support for such measures.
Government’s Direction Under Current Administration
Leary remarked on the ongoing uncertainty regarding the policy direction of the Trump administration, which complicates the landscape for healthcare funding and technology initiatives. The industry’s stakeholders remain watchful for any shifts that may impact telehealth services and other key areas.
HIMSS Focus Areas for the Year
Looking ahead, several pivotal areas have been identified by HIMSS for this year, including the global perspective on artificial intelligence (AI), the responsible use of AI, cybersecurity advancements, digital health transformation, and workforce issues. The integration of these components is vital for the evolution of healthcare delivery.
Global Considerations Affecting U.S. Policies
Leary pointed out that developments around the globe are increasingly influencing U.S. healthcare policies. The European Union’s implementation of an AI executive framework signifies a trend where global companies prefer unified regulations rather than adapting to varying standards across multiple countries.
The same logic applies to cybersecurity, where the EU’s legislative actions are shaping strategies that will affect not just European nations but also their partnerships with the U.S.