On April 19, 2023 Rep David Joyce (R-OH) as the sponsor, reintroduced the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act (I CAN Act) along with 13 cosponsors. “This bipartisan legislation would increase healthcare access, improve quality of care, and lower costs by removing the remain barriers imposed by the federal government in the Medicare and Medicaid programs that prevent Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) from practicing the full scope of their education and clinical training” according to the press release on Congressman Joyce’s website. The Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) commented in the same press release “This bill would greatly help hospice and palliative nurses, particularly APRNs better care for patients and their families by improving access to the highest level of treatment and dignity, including at the end of life.” Ultimately the bill would allow for APRNs to certify and recertify a patient for hospice and bill accordingly.
A June 8, 2023 press release from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) announces the introduction of Senate Bill 2565 Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act which “proposes the creation of a demonstration project to support improved access to palliative care services through a community based model.” This bill is sponsored by Sens Rosen (D-NV), Barrasso (R-WY), Baldwin (D-WI), and Fischer (R-NE). “If passed, the bill would require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to develop a Community Based Palliative Care (CBPC) demonstration. This program would provide essential interdisciplinary care to people with serious illness in their home and lead to improved quality and cost outcomes” according to the press release.
South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations will monitor the progress of these bills and keep you informed of their outcomes.
