We’re Speaking Out on Health Issues

NCHR scientists and health policy experts provide written and oral statements on a wide range of topics.

Here are many of the ways we have been Speaking Out on Health Policy Issues for the last few years. Whether the topic is legislation intended to cure diseases, proposed bans on BPA or other chemicals that disrupt your hormones, the importance of including women, people of color, and patients over 65 in clinical trials, or many other topics, you’ll gain a better understanding of our evidence-based analyses by reading these letters, statements, and testimony.

Here are the ways we have been Speaking out on Medical Treatments and Products, such as prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA is considering approving, or is considering taking off the market because of serious risks. Whether the topic is Chantix, Addyi, Yaz, Essure, or medical products you’ve never heard of, you can find out more about what is known and not known about the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of products by looking through this section of our website.

Testimony of Dr. Diana Zuckerman at CMS MEDCAC Meeting On Coverage with Evidence Development

February 13, 2023: In testimony before CMS MEDCAC, NCHR strongly supported the new proposals to improve the quality of research needed to decide Medicare coverage evidence. We especially appreciate the focus on clinically meaningful benefits for patients that are representative of Medicare beneficiaries

Testimony of Dr. Diana Zuckerman About Jemperli (Dostarlimab) FDA Advisory Committee Meeting

February 9, 2023: Dr. Diana Zuckerman of NCHR urges the FDA Oncology Advisory Committee to require randomized trials of Jemperli for rectal cancer instead of single arm trials, so that patients and physicians can make informed decisions about the best treatment.

NCHR Comments on USPTO-FDA Collaboration and Engagement

February 6, 2023: NCHR’s public comments strongly support FDA’s decision to prioritize USPTO-FDA collaboration. Access to generic drugs and biosimilars is critically important and abuse of the patent system remains a major barrier. We are hopeful that meaningful collaboration between the FDA and the USPTO will result in substantial improvements.

NCHR Comments on HHS Proposed Rule Regarding Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records

January 31, 2023: NCHR’s public comment criticizes the HHS plan to align privacy standards with HIPAA instead of Part 2. We are concerned that loss of privacy for patients with substance abuse disorder (SUD) could stigmatize them or discourage them from seeking treatment.

NCHR Comments on the CDC proposed new Recommendations for Hepatitis C Testing Among Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children

January 27, 2023: Hepatitis C infections have dramatically increased among pregnant women, which exposes babies during birth. National Center for Health Research supports CDC’s recommendations for HCV testing of all infants and children born to pregnant mothers with confirmed or probable HCV.