Schedule
2024 Washington Representatives Retreat
November 14 – 15, 2024
Graduate by Hilton Annapolis
Annapolis, MD
AGENDA
(Preliminary Agenda and Subject to Change)
Continue the discussion in Policy Connect during and after the retreat to participate in discussion threads on session topics.
Thursday, November 14
11:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. Welcome and Meeting Overview
Remarks by:
• Randy Rutta, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Council
• Jennifer Dexter, Vice President, Policy, National Health Council
12:05 – 12:50 p.m. A Gaze into the Crystal Ball – Predicting the Health Policy Landscape in Lame Duck and Next Year
There are significant health-related policy issues on the table for the lame duck session at the end of 2024. We will also
(hopefully) have clarity on who holds power in 2025, and what that means for health policy. This session will help attendees
understand what is possible before the end of the year and how to quickly pivot to 2025 priorities.
Introductions by:
• Randy Rutta, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Council
Speakers:
• Michaeleen Crowell, JD, S-3 Group
• Martin Riser, S-3 Group
12:50 – 1:40 p.m. Networking Lunch & Table Discussions
1:40 – 2:25 p.m. The UFAs are Coming: Leveraging Research Policy to Drive Equity and Patient-Centricity
I know you cannot believe we are already talking about PDUFA, but negotiations will be starting soon. Every cycle includes
robust discussion of the future of biomedical research. This session will identify hot topics, such as clinical trial diversity and
patient engagement, which are likely to be included in the conversation.
Speaker:
• Larry Bauer, RN, MA, Senior Regulatory Drug Expert, Hyman, Phelps, & McNamara, P.C.
2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Artificial Intelligence in Drug Development at the FDA
Artificial Intelligence is being used to advance the discovery, research, development, and regulation of drugs, biologics, and
devices in significant ways. It is imperative that patient advocates understand the ways these advances are being used and
overseen. This session will inform attendees on what work has occurred at the FDA, how it impacts innovation, and what
the future holds.
The presentation will be followed by an NHC member reactor panel.
Introductions by:
• Shion Chang, Director, Policy, National Health Council
Speaker:
• Tala Fakhouri, Associate Director for Data Science and AI, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Show & Tell
During this session, attendees will have the opportunity to sign up to make a 3-minute presentation on their organizational
challenges or successes.
Facilitators:
• Josh Caplan, MA, MPP, Director, Advocacy, AcademyHealth
• Ashlie White, MSHLS, MA, Chief Strategy & Programs Officer, Amputee Coalition
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Reflections on Day One, Overview of Day 2, NHC 2025 Policy Matrix
5:00 p.m. Adjourn for Evening Activities
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Networking Reception
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Dinner
Friday, November 15
8:15 – 9:15 a.m. Networking Breakfast
9:15 – 10:00 a.m. The Chevron Decision: Regulatory and Legislative Impact
The Supreme Court decision overruling the landmark 1984 decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council has
the potential to drastically change the policy landscape. This session will explain how the decision may affect the future of
how both legislation and regulations are crafted, interpreted, and implemented.
Introductions by:
• Jennifer Dexter, Vice President, Policy, National Health Council
Speakers:
• Chris Leuchten, Office of Senator Kyrsten Sinema
• Meg McGaughey, General Counsel, Office of Rep. Steve Scalise.
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 – 11:00 a.m. Best Practices for Cutting through the Capitol Hill Noise in 2024 and Beyond
In the rapidly changing world of policy communications, understanding the best tools and techniques to maximize your
ability to get your messages in front of decision-makers is critical. This session will highlight approaches that are working
and what the future holds.
Speakers:
• Sara Brown, Director, Government Affairs, Prevent Blindness
• Charles Husser, Arthritis Foundation
• Sean McBride, Founder, DSM Strategic Communications
• Shree Thaker, Director of Health and Wellness, Amputee Coalition
11:00 – 11:15 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. IRA Implementation and the Patient Experience
It may seem too early to talk about PDUFA, but negotiations will be starting soon. Every cycle includes a robust discussion
of the future of biomedical research. This session will identify hot topics, such as clinical trial diversity and patient
engagement, which are likely to be included in the conversation.
Introductions by:
• Allen Pinn, MPP, Policy Coordinator, National Health Council
Speakers:
• Jennifer Dexter, Vice President, Policy, National Health Council
• Sara Chang, Senior Director, Advocacy and Government Relations, Lupus Foundation of America
• Amy Niles, Chief Mission Officer, PAN Foundation
12:05 – 12:55 p.m. Closing Keynote: Election Analysis
Join us for an in-depth overview of the 2024 elections and what the results mean for the future of health care from one of
the most insightful election analysts in the country.
Introductions by:
• Jennifer Dexter, Vice President, Policy, National Health Council
Speaker:
• David Wasserman, Senior Editor & Elections Analyst, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter
1:00 – 1:15 p.m. Concluding Remarks
1:15 – 1:45 p.m. Networking Lunch
(Grab & Go Boxed Lunches Available)