Other News, Information, and Resources (Washington Update, October 31, 2018)

FDA Asks For Comments on Labeling Sesame Ingredients in Foods The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a “Request for Information” requesting input from the public about whether it should require that sesame be listed as an ingredient on food labels to help protect those with sesame allergies. They are especially seeking input from about the prevalence and severity of sesame allergies and the prevalence of sesame-containing foods sold in this country. Comments are due no later than December 31, 2018. See Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the FDA’s new consideration of labeling for sesame allergies (FDA press release, 10/29/18).

State Strategies for Shared Plans of Care to Improve Care Coordination for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
(National Academy for State Health Policy, 10/29/18) (See webinar on this topic in “Upcoming Webinars,” above.)

The MOM Model: New CMS Initiative Aims to Improve Systems of Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Opioid Use Disorder
(blog of the Georgetown Center on Children and Families, 10/25/18)

Medicare Drug Prices
On October 25, the president unveiled a plan (explanation) intended to reduce drug prices in the Medicare Part B program. Comments are due on December 29. See Trump Administration Unveils Plan to Lower Medicare Part B Prices by Basing Costs on Other Countries’ Pricing (FierceHealthcare, 10/25/18).

OTHER RESOURCES FROM AROUND THE GOVERNMENT

From the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
New Tool Offers Hope To People Experiencing Early Serious Mental Illness and Their Families

From the HHS Office of Civil Rights
OCR Launches Public Education Campaign About Civil Rights Protections in Response to the National Opioid Crisis

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: New Resource to Guide Care

From the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights
WORTH REPEATING: Guidance on Bullying 
On October 21, the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education issued a 13-page letter outlining the obligations of a school when a student with an IEP or 504 Plan is bullied.