Us Congress Senate Bill SB3021

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/4/23
• Refer: 10/4/23

Caption

Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act

Impact

If enacted, SB3021 is set to make significant changes to state and federal healthcare laws regarding telehealth services, specifically for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. By allowing these services to be delivered in a home setting via telehealth, the bill seeks to ensure that more patients can access the necessary rehabilitation post-cardiac incidents or surgeries, which can ultimately lead to better health outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions. This could be especially beneficial for older adults and those with mobility challenges.

Summary

Senate Bill 3021, known as the Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act, aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act by permanently extending certain telehealth flexibilities for in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation allows individuals to receive these crucial rehabilitation services in their homes, using audio-visual real-time communications technology, and is designed to improve accessibility for patients who may face barriers in receiving traditional in-person care.

Contention

While the bill has gained support for enhancing patient access to rehabilitation services, there may be concerns regarding the quality of care delivered via telehealth compared to face-to-face interaction. Some stakeholders may express apprehension about the adequacy of monitoring and assessment that occurs in telehealth settings. Additionally, the requirement for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for designating homes as provider-based locations could lead to debates on regulatory compliance and oversight. Proponents highlight the necessity of adapting healthcare delivery to modern technologies, while opponents may argue about the need for maintaining traditional oversight mechanisms in healthcare.