In The Know News Briefs

As we continue to navigate an ever-evolving landscape, we understand the critical importance of staying informed about the latest news and developments related to the healthcare industry—particularly those driven by the new executive orders and their impact on community healthcare organizations like our own.

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We are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process by providing a platform for sharing relevant and vetted information as it becomes available. We believe that open communication is essential for fostering trust, ensuring that everyone feels secure in their roles, preparing for any changes, and helping the organization adapt in a way that aligns with our core values and strategic goals. Note that the most recent notices will be provided at the top of page so team members always have the most current information readily available. It is important to understand that current information may expand upon and in some cases void information found in previous posts.

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Feel free to share information or any concerns you have with your managers. Together, we can stay ahead of these changes, support one another, and make informed decisions that drive our success.

Wednesday, February 5th, 2024: ​

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• HRSA initially announced on January 31, 2025, to all grantees, including Ryan White programs (like ours), that grant funds could not be directed toward activities in violation of Executive Orders. Yesterday, February 5, 2025, HRSA retracted this notice terminating grant activities in conflict with Executive Orders. What this means for us is that we can currently continue to provide services to our communities without fear of experiencing a pause or delay federal funding. Our monthly draw downs of federal funds haven’t experienced any hiccups.​

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• At the New Mexico state level, additional protections (as an addendum to HB540 which was passed in the House in the 1st Session of 2023) for 340B pharmacy passed a first test on February 5, 2025, with a 6-3 vote in the House, in favor of not requiring a covered entity (like ours) to be required to submit any claims or utilization data as a condition of allowing the acquisition of a 340B drug or the delivery of a 340B drug to a covered entity unless the sharing of claims or utilization data is required by federal law. Luckily, we have yet to experience what has been deemed as “discriminatory reimbursement practices” but continuing to help draft and pass legislation that protects our organization and the communities we serve will remain a top priority.

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Tuesday, January 28th, 2024: ​

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The New Mexico Primary Care Association provided updates and action items related to executive orders on the topics of federal grant freezes, gender recognition, and immigration raids at healthcare facilities.

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• While the temporary block to federal grant freezes provides much needed relief to HCs and all grantees, we must continue to advocate urgently on the Hill, with the Administration and others to communicate the dire impacts of the funding freeze and ensure it does not reoccur in the days ahead. We urge all of you to continue your own advocacy with your Congressional delegation, Governors and others to similarly reinforce this need and message.  We have attached talking points courtesy of ACH. Call Senators Martin Heinrich: 202-224-5521, Ben Ray Lujan: 202-224-6621, US Reps: Melanie Stansbury: 202-225-6316, Gabe Vasquez: 202-225-2365 and Teresa Leger Fernandez 202-225-6190.

• Given the DEI Executive Order, both PCAs and CHCs should review their current organizational structures, workplans, staff titles, etc., to determine how they align with this new requirement.  For the moment, we will not have to provide any "attestations."

• EO on Special Populations:  The Exec Order is described as “step one” in the White House’s plans around gender issues. In the Executive Order entitled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to The Federal Government”, President Trump directed the federal government to recognize only two sexes, male or female; · to use the term “sex” instead of gender; and stated “Federal funds shall not be used to promote gender ideology. Each agency shall assess grant conditions and grantee preferences and ensure grant funds do not promote gender ideology.”  While this statement eventually may impact CHCs’ ability to use federal grant funding to provide gender-affirming care, current policy remains in effect until HRSA informs CHCs otherwise.

• Following the rescission of the "sensitive locations" policy (schools, clinics, churches) we recommend immediately for clinics to designate clinical spaces with signage indicating "Private:  No Unauthorized Access beyond this point".   In addition, please read the attached 1.5 page document excerpted from the California Guidance for Healthcare Facilities in Responding to Immigration Issues.  Also, below are several other helpful resources:   

  • From NM Department of Justice: Guidance-for-Hospitals-and-Healthcare-Facilities.pdf 

  • An excellent reference point, in general, is the National Immigration and Law Center: Factsheet: Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All - NILC

  • Especially, for those of our centers who may legally employ visa holders: Immigration-What-to-Expect-and-How-to-Prepare-for-Worksite-Visits.pdf​

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