CMS issued an interim final rule to allow periodic assessment furnished by OTPs to be furnished during the public health emergency (PHE) for the COVID-19 pandemic via two-way interactive audio-video communication technology, and in some cases, via audio-only phone calls. Additionally, CMS expanded the list of services that it will pay for when delivered via audio-only methods.

ASAM commends lawmakers for sending a bipartisan letter to House and Senate leadership calling for at least $38.5 billion in COVID-19 emergency aid for behavioral health organizations.

The Partnership to Amend 42 CFR Part 2 sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar urging him to quickly issue a rule on the 42 CFR Part 2 provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Safety Act.

ASAM has released a new public policy statement on third party payment for addiction treatment.

ASAM, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and 51 other organizations sent a letter to the FDA urging it to provide more information on its premarket review process for tobacco products.

ASAM recommends employers implement strategies to prevent substance use and the progression to substance use disorder among employees and support the process of recovery among employees with addiction.

ASAM, the AMA, and 136 other organizations urged Congress to adopt additional measures to protect and strengthen America's health care workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ASAM and the the National Council for Behavioral Health have requested a $38.5 billion infusion of emergency funds for behavioral health organizations (BHOs) to avert a large-scale public health calamity.