Glossary of bills


Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act 2021


This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research on, and take other actions to address, uterine fibroids. These are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and may cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive issues.


In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and appropriate federal agencies, HHS must undertake research activities on uterine fibroids.


In addition, HHS must establish a database of services furnished to individuals diagnosed with uterine fibroids under Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program and must develop a report on federal and state expenditures for such services.


Additionally, HHS must disseminate information on uterine fibroids to the public and to health care providers, including information on the elevated risk for minority women and available treatments.


Status: introduced


Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2021


This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for qualifying hospitals, including hospitals in rural areas and health professional shortage areas.


Current law provides for an increase of up to 200 positions per fiscal year beginning in FY2023, with a total increase of 1,000 positions; each hospital may receive up to 25 additional positions. The bill provides for an additional increase of 2,000 positions per fiscal year from FY2023-FY2029; during this period, each hospital may receive up to 75 additional positions in total under the bill and current law.


The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on strategies to increase the diversity of the health professional workforce, including with respect to representation from rural, low-income, and minority communities.


Status: Introduced


Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act


This bill establishes grants and requires other activities to improve mental and behavioral health among health care providers.


plans to address it, she is aware of the situation. And I also brought to her attention that we need her support for the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2021, which seeks to increase the residency slots.


IRQ: How did you become involved in IR advocacy efforts? AK: I live in the Washington D.C. area, so I’m very aware of what is going on in Congress. In addition, I used to do the billing for my group—so I would look every year to see what codes were downgraded, what payments were going up and what the newest hurdles for clearance would be. My group would


look to SIR for guidance on those issues, and so it was an obvious extension for me to be involved in this.


Then in 2016, there was a shooting at a Congressional baseball game and Rep. Steve Scalise, R-LA, was involved. He was rushed to my hospital, and I was on the team that saved his life. As a result, I was asked by SIR to take several visits at the Hill to advocate for IR and provide information about patient care.


IRQ: Why should others join SIR’s advocacy efforts? AK: It’s important for the specialty. Given the size of SIR, the budget we


Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to hospitals, medical professional associations, and other health care entities for programs to promote mental health and resiliency among health care providers. In addition, HHS may award grants for relevant mental and behavioral health training for health care students, residents, or professionals.


Additionally, HHS must conduct a campaign to (1) encourage health care providers to seek support and treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns, and (2) disseminate best practices to prevent suicide and improve mental health and resiliency among health care providers.


HHS must also study and develop policy recommendations on


• improving mental and behavioral health among health care providers,


• removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and


• identifying strategies to promote resiliency.


Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which relevant federal grant programs address the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among health care providers


Status: Passed into law


have for PAC or advocacy efforts is small, comparatively. We need to make membership aware of what we’re doing, and how it benefits them. Every year we have a request for membership donations to SIRPAC, and it’s important for every member to contribute. That will be my one request to those sitting on the sidelines—join our efforts or contribute to SIRPAC and SIR Foundation so we can advocate on your behalf. Because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.


Interested in joining the SIR advocacy efforts? Visit sirweb.org/advocacy.


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