Today, two of Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher’s (TX-07) bills, H.R. 7679 and H.R. 5218, passed the Energy and Commerce Committee, moving one step closer to becoming law.  H.R. 7679 is a bill to improve and develop pediatric medical devices by reauthorizing the Pediatric Device Consortia (PDC) grant program and allow profits for certain Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) devices.  The Collaborate in an Orderly and Cohesive Manner (COCM) Act, H.R. 5218, invests in the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), an evidence-based model that integrates behavioral health into the primary care setting to ensure Americans can access mental health care services when they need them.  They were included in two broader pieces of health legislation, the Food and Drug Amendments of 2022, H.R. 7667, and the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022, H.R. 7666, respectively. 

“I am glad that two of my bills are one step closer to becoming law,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “These two bills are important to getting people the care they need—from beneficial treatments for children to mental health care access for children and adults.  I look forward to seeing them come to the House floor for a vote, so we can provide the tools and resources Americans need to lead healthy lives.” 

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Fletcher introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 7679, to help further development of pediatric medical devices by reauthorizing the PDC grant program and allowing profits for certain HDE devices.

Last year, Congresswoman Fletcher introduced the COCM Act, H.R. 5218, after more than 90 published trials showed the CoCM improves patient outcomes, lowers total costs of care, and reduces stigma related to mental health. 

Last month, the Health Subcommittee held a hearing to highlight mental health legislation, including the COCM Act. To view Congresswoman Fletcher discuss the COCM Act in the Health Subcommittee markup, click here. 

And last week, both bills passed the Health Subcommittee during a markup of six health bills.