Welcome to Duke Health Government Relations.
Duke Health Government Relations works to build and strengthen relationships with policy makers and others whose understanding and support are vital to Duke Health. Our office is the primary liaison between Duke Health and the U.S. Congress and the Executive Branch. We facilitate the development, implementation, and advocacy of Duke Health's federal agenda. Learn More
Our office continues to engage lawmakers in Congress on key health care issues impacting Duke. Check out our Resources page for links to how you can find your rep!
Update on 2024 Government Shutdown
Duke Health Government Relations is closely monitoring the government funding negotiations in Washington to determine the implications of a possible federal government shutdown. We are also coordinating with the Duke University Office of Government Relations.
Over the last week, Congress has tried to approve a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded but has failed to garner enough support to pass a bill. If a bill does not pass by midnight tonight (December 20, 2024), a government shutdown will begin.
During a shutdown, Social Security and Medicare checks will be sent out, although operations could be slower, and Medicare payments to hospitals, physicians, and other providers would continue to be made. CMS has said it will have sufficient funding for Medicaid to fund the first quarter of FY 2025, based on the advance appropriation provided for in the FY 2024 appropriation. CMS contingency plans can be viewed here. All Veterans Health Administration facilities are expected to remain open and fully functional during a government shutdown. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue essential work, including monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks and managing high-risk recalls and drug shortages.
HHS Contingency Plans state that 45 percent of the HHS workforce would be furloughed. According to NIH, activities will continue to be largely centered on the ongoing operations at its biomedical research hospital, the NIH Clinical Center, to maintain the safety and continued care of its patients. NIH's contingency plans can be viewed here.
As noted in our newsletter this week, we recognize the severity of what is at stake. Should a government shutdown become a reality, our office is available to the Duke Health community and prepared to answer questions or share resources from agencies about the impact.
Congresswoman Foushee Visits Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis
On August 14, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), visited Duke University to meet with Mary Klotman, MD, executive vice president of health affairs at Duke University and dean of the School of Medicine, as well as leadership of the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis (DCBSM). Rep. Foushee presented a copy of the resolution she introduced to Congress to establish Brain and Spine Metastasis Awareness Month. Learn more here.
Duke Health Joins Effort to Expand Nursing Student Work Authorizations Through STEM Optional Practical Training Program
Duke Health Government Relations recently joined the health system's nursing clinical operations director and international nursing recruitment coordinator in DC to update congressional offices on the health system's international recruiting work and challenges. Following that conversation, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee's Office (NC-04) wrote a letter to the Department of Homeland Security asking the Department to explore ways to include nursing in STEM optional practical training (OPT). Duke Health provided information and data included in the letter, and will continue exploring other options to support our nursing workforce.
