Trump Picks Dr. Mehmet Oz to Lead CMS: President-elect Donald Trump has selected celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If his nomination is confirmed by the Senate, Oz would oversee Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. At least 145 million Americans are enrolled under one of the three programs, according to federal data. Oz has been an outspoken supporter of increased Medicare Advantage uptake.  
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DEA Extends Telehealth Prescribing Rules: Last Friday, the Drug Enforcement Administration extended pandemic-era virtual prescribing rules for another year. The agency said the move allows DEA and HHS more time to propose and finalize regulations "that are consistent with public health and safety” while “avoided disruptions in access to care.”

House Passes “Terrorist Supporting” Nonprofit Bill: On Thursday, the House passed the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages, legislation that would allow a president to abolish the tax-exempt status of nonprofits deemed to be “terrorist supporting.” Democrats expressed concern the bill did not include adequate due process protections, with Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) saying an “expansive” interpretation of terrorist organizations could have negative effects.  

Major PBMs Sue the FTC: On Wednesday, Express Scripts, Caremark, and Optum Rx filed a countersuit against the Federal Trade Commission, arguing the FTC has no right to interfere with private contracts and transactions. In September, the FTC sued industry for “anticompetitive practices” and “artificially” raising the price of insulin drugs. The FTC’s suit was brought forward before an administrative law judge.

House Judiciary Committee Grills HHS Sec. Becerra: On Wednesday, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement about his department's Refugee Resettlement Office. Republican members accused the Biden administration of rushing migrant children out of HHS custody and into the hands of unvetted sponsors, worsening the current immigration situation. Refugee Resettlement Office policy is expected to greatly change under a new Trump Administration.  

Bicameral Group Introduces Drug Shortage Legislation: On Thursday, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), alongside U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced the End Drug Shortages Act. The legislation would require drug manufacturers to notify the FDA when there is a surge in demand of a drug, and is supported by the American Hospital Association, American Society of Health System Pharmacists, and Association of American Medical Colleges.