Advocacy in Action

European and U.S. Policymakers Take Important Steps to Remove PFAS

Recognizing the harmful effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including their effects on the endocrine system, policymakers in the United States and European Union took actions to remove these harmful chemicals from sources of human exposure. In the European Union, the European Parliament and Council agreed on a ban of PFAS in food contact materials, to take effect alongside the proposed ban on BPA and other bisphenols. Meanwhile in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a national regulation limiting the amount of several PFAS in drinking water and that it will provide $1 billion to states and territories to enable water systems to test and treat for PFAS contamination. The Endocrine Society wrote to EPA last year supporting a strong drinking water standard for PFAS, and we have consistently pushed for strong measures restricting PFAS to the European Chemicals Agency. We welcome these important steps to reduce exposures to harmful EDCs and look forward to working with agencies around the world to reduce exposure to these hazardous chemicals.

Endocrine Society Works to Resolve Continuing Drug Shortages; Lilly Expands Online Resource to Help Lower Costs and Get Medications Delivered Directly to Patients

Due to recent shortages of several medications, it has become challenging for providers and patients to find the medications they need. The Endocrine Society has continued to seek answers from drug manufacturers about current drug shortages that impact patients with endocrine conditions. We have urged the companies to provide more information and resources to providers and patients.  We also continue to work with the U.S. Congress and Food and Drug Administration to find ways to alleviate current shortages and provide better information to health care providers and patients.

Earlier this year, Eli Lilly and Company announced an expansion of the digital healthcare component of its LillyDirect Program. The goal of this new component is to provide additional pharmacy solutions to enable home delivery of Lilly medicines, offer manufacturer savings support, help with the coordination of prior authorizations, and provide updates on drug shortages. Please click here to find more information about LillyDirect.

U.S. House of Representatives Considers Legislation to Expand Access to Telehealth Services Endorsed by the Endocrine Society 

This week, the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives conducted a hearing on several pieces of legislation to expand access to telehealth services. These proposals included two bipartisan pieces of legislation endorsed by the Endocrine Society. The Society has endorsed the Telehealth Modernization Act, which would ensure patients can access telehealth services anywhere by permanently removing Medicare’s “geographic and originating site” rule.  We have also endorsed the PREVENT DIABETES Act, which would increase access to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Expanded Model by making it a permanent benefit in Medicare and allowing CDC-recognized virtual suppliers to participate in the program. The Endocrine Society continues to be a leading voice in advocating for protecting access to telehealth services. We previously successfully urged Congress to pass legislation extending the telehealth waivers through the end of 2024. We will continue to advocate for Congress to pass legislation that permanently expands access to telehealth and protects the waivers currently in place.