Trump signs bill that funds HHS, avoiding a government shutdown
President Donald Trump has signed an $854 billion spending bill that includes funding for health programs, avoiding a government shutdown despite earlier threats to veto.
The spending bill was sent to Trump’s desk last week. It includes a boost in funding for the Department of Health and Human Services, including an additional 5% in funding for the National Institutes of Health.
Trump threatened to veto the measure, which also includes defense, education and labor spending, because it did not include as much funding as he wanted for a wall at the southern border, a central tenet of his campaign. (The Associated Press)
House passes consensus opioid package
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a legislation package aimed at combating the opioid epidemic.
The consensus bill, which unites individual measures passed in both chambers of Congress, will head to the Senate for a vote following a 393-8 approval in the House. The Senate is expected to pass the legislation and send it to the president in short order.
The consensus bill includes a number of policy changes aimed at improving access to addiction treatment and slowing the flow of drugs into the U.S. Provisions include steps to hinder fentanyl importation and to boost states’ prescription drug monitoring programs. (The Hill)
Geisinger, Evangelical Community Hospital enter strategic partnership
Geisinger Health System and Evangelical Community Hospital announced that they would partner to enhance services and expand access.
The 132-bed ECH will remain independent under the partnership. The two providers will invest $265 million to improve care in central Pennsylvania. Geisinger will assist Evangelical with its transition to a new, unified IT system, while Geisinger Health Plan members can seek care at Evangelical facilities at a lower out-of-pocket cost.
“What we are announcing today strengthens the way care is delivered in the communities we both serve,” Geisinger CEO David Feinberg, M.D., said. (Announcement)
Police kill unarmed patient making threats at Orlando Regional Medical Center
Orlando police said Monday that they shot and killed an unarmed Orlando Regional Medical Center patient who was threatening to “shoot anyone who comes near him.”
Chief John Mina said that when officers approached the man he made a move that appeared to be reaching for a gun, which led three officers to shoot.
The officers have been placed on leave while the shooting is investigated. No one else was injured. (CNN)