President Signs Spending Package

President Biden last week signed into law a $1.7 trillion 2023 Omnibus Package (H.R. 2617), which will fund the government through September 30. The law includes $300 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs, a $20 million increase over fiscal year 2022. The National Institute of Nursing Research received $197.7 million, a $16.8 million increase over fiscal year 2022. The law also will extend for two years telehealth flexibilities and the hospital-at-home program, as well as permanently give states the option to provide 12 months of post-partum coverage. Also included are provisions to improve access to behavioral health services and make improvements to the government’s ability to prepare for future emergencies. American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack thanked Congress for providing relief to hospitals, but pledged to continue to advocate for policies to “support our current workforce and increase the pipeline into the future,” among other priorities. (AHA News article, 12/20/22)