Us Congress House Bill HB6110

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/26/23
• Refer: 10/26/23

Caption

Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB6110 would significantly impact how Medicare beneficiaries access rehabilitation services in inpatient settings. By prioritizing physicians' professional judgment over rigid regulations, the bill enhances the ability to tailor rehabilitation programs to individual patient needs. This approach is anticipated to improve patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings, allowing for a broader range of therapeutic modalities to be included in care plans addressing various conditions, injuries, and chronic disabilities.

Summary

House Bill 6110, known as the Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2023, aims to amend the Social Security Act by restoring the authority of physicians to determine the appropriate mix of therapies necessary for Medicare beneficiaries receiving inpatient rehabilitation. The bill addresses concerns that current regulations overly restrict the discretion of healthcare professionals, particularly in defining what constitutes necessary rehabilitation services. The proposed legislation allows physicians to modify rehabilitation plans after admission to include additional therapies as deemed necessary for patient care.

Contention

However, the bill invites contention as some stakeholders express concerns over potentially increased costs or quality of care implications. Critics argue that without strict criteria, there could be variability in the services provided to patients, leading to disparities in care quality. Additionally, there are worries that this could strain Medicare resources as more extensive services are utilized at hospitals' discretion, thereby raising questions about the sustainability and financial implications for the Medicare program overall.