[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 160 (Wednesday, September 16, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S5638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                           Healthcare Heroes

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, healthcare workers have long been 
regarded as some of our Nation's most critical and courageous servants. 
During this time of challenges and uncertainty, this has never been 
more accurate.
  Each day, our healthcare professionals make tireless sacrifices to 
protect and serve our country, even when it means risking their own 
lives to take care of others. People like Jennifer Campbell, a 
registered nurse from White River Health System, are a great example. 
She is recognized as the in-house expert for all COVID-19 testing. She 
has taken ownership of the community drive-up testing and worked with 
the Arkansas Department of Health to organize community testing.

  In Malvern, Vickie Robbins, a registered nurse at Baptist Health-Hot 
Spring County, has volunteered to work extra hours, offered to operate 
drive-through screening, and volunteered to treat COVID-19 patients. 
Also, Lora Turknett, a registered nurse at Baptist Health-Conway, has 
been dependable and flexible with the hours she works to support the 
needs of different shifts. She provides compassionate care with a 
positive attitude.
  During visits to medical facilities across Arkansas during the in-
State work period, I was honored to personally thank frontline workers 
like them and so many others for the critical care they are providing. 
The work of these frontline workers and their colleagues has become 
much more difficult. We are grateful for all they do and represent.
  Congress overwhelmingly supported the men and women of the medical 
community who are treating COVID-19 patients and are working to find a 
cure to address the public health crisis with the passage of the CARES 
Act. This critical relief was a necessary lifeline for hospitals to 
continue providing services to meet the demands of the communities and 
helping our doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals stay safe 
while providing care and treatment for patients.
  There is more that we can do to support healthcare and ensure that 
patients get reliable care. Listening to the needs of hospitals is 
incredibly important in many efforts to assist these vital facilities, 
protect the jobs they create, and empower their ability to serve 
communities and patients all across Arkansas. Insight from the 
healthcare community is a valuable resource that helps shape the 
policies that directly impact their mission.
  Along with continuing to provide critical resources like PPE, here 
are three things Arkansas healthcare professionals recommend we can do 
to improve services. First of all, we can expand broadband so more 
patients can take advantage of telehealth; make expanded telehealth 
services to Medicare permanent; and, finally, provide certainty for the 
340B drug discount program.
  Telehealth has become vital to providing effective care for patients 
during this public health emergency. Access to medical providers 
without leaving home offers convenience and safety against potential 
exposure to COVID-19. Having the option for virtual doctors' visits can 
be a challenge, particularly for rural areas, where broadband 
connectivity is limited.
  This emergency has amplified the need for this connection, but, too 
often, providers in rural communities are unable to meet the increased 
demand for telehealth services. So my colleagues and I have introduced 
legislation to help healthcare providers expand telehealth benefits and 
improve access to broadband.
  The Healthcare Broadband Expansion During COVID-19 Act would bolster 
funding for providers in rural areas to increase connectivity. This 
bill would help more patients get the care they need.
  We have a unique opportunity to see how the modifications and updates 
we made to health programs during this health emergency can be 
beneficial in the long term.
  The CARES Act provided the Department of Health and Human Services 
with the authority to waive telehealth requirements for Medicare during 
this emergency. Providers and patients have adapted expanded telehealth 
opportunities. We can continue to strengthen this access by making 
these services permanent.
  Earlier this summer, I joined a bipartisan group of Senators to urge 
our Nation's top health agencies to make the permanent changes to 
telehealth requirements for Medicare that Congress authorized in the 
CARES Act.
  Last month, President Trump issued an Executive order to improve 
healthcare in rural America by expanding telehealth resources and 
services. The President's action included a proposal to parts of 
Medicare's telehealth coverage. This is a step in the right direction. 
I look forward to working with the administration to implement a rule 
that will enhance the delivery of healthcare to Medicare patients.
  When Arkansas hospital administrators shared their concerns over 
future eligibility in the 340B program, I signed on to support Senator 
Thune's bill to provide certainty to current participants. As hospitals 
paused elective procedures and as admissions decreased for Medicare and 
Medicaid patients, administrators' concerns that their hospitals would 
no longer be eligible for the 340B program increased. These are among 
the key metrics used to determine acceptance into the program. The 340B 
drug discount program has provided flexibility to Arkansas hospitals to 
help lower drug prices. Extending eligibility so they can care for low-
income patients is critical.
  These are three measures we can take to help patients continue to get 
quality, reliable care. We must remember that, like our valued 
healthcare workers, we play an important role in fighting the virus. By 
following the guidance and recommendations laid out by our public 
health officials, we can help our medical heroes and make a positive 
impact to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Democratic whip