Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, the bill will primarily influence how cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services are delivered under Medicare. By broadening the types of providers who can prescribe rehabilitation services, the bill may alleviate current barriers faced by patients, improving access to essential care. This legislative change is expected to streamline the referral process for patients, potentially increasing enrollment in these critical rehabilitation programs and enhancing patient outcomes in managing chronic conditions.
Summary
House Bill 2583, titled the 'Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2023', aims to amend the Social Security Act by enhancing access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under the Medicare program. The proposal seeks to modify existing regulations to allow a broader range of healthcare providers, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners, to prescribe rehabilitation exercises. This expansion is intended to facilitate patient access to vital rehabilitative services, necessary for recovery and improved health outcomes for individuals with heart and pulmonary conditions.
Contention
While the bill seeks to improve access to health services, it may face scrutiny regarding the implications of expanding the roles of healthcare providers. Critics might argue about the appropriateness of allowing non-physician professionals to prescribe such programs, raising concerns about the quality of care and oversight. Proponents, however, contend that empowering a wider range of providers will ultimately benefit patients by making rehabilitation services more widely available, especially in underserved areas. The discussions around this bill may focus on balancing these perspectives while ensuring that patient safety and care quality remain paramount.
Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025This bill expands coverage of cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under Medicare.Specifically, the bill allows physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to administer these programs in their offices, prepare and sign treatment plans, and prescribe exercise.
Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act This bill permanently allows services relating to cardiac rehabilitation programs, intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs to be furnished via telehealth at a beneficiary's home under Medicare.