Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act
The implementation of this palliative care model could significantly impact state laws related to healthcare delivery, particularly in how palliative care services are structured and funded. By requiring that at least one member of each multi-disciplinary palliative care team be certified in hospice and palliative care, the bill establishes specific professional standards that are likely to enhance the quality of care. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for access to 24/7 services, including telehealth options, which could improve service delivery in underserved areas, thus potentially changing how healthcare systems address the needs of patients with serious illnesses across different states.
SB1845, known as the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act, aims to amend the Social Security Act to establish a community-based palliative care model. This model will focus on providing coordinated care for high-risk beneficiaries diagnosed with serious illnesses. It intends to develop a framework that will address pain and symptom management, ensure comprehensive care coordination, and ultimately improve patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The bill is set to replace the Medicare Care Choices Model and is expected to be rolled out over a five-year period, starting no later than one year after enactment.
Despite its potential benefits, SB1845 has faced some points of contention, particularly regarding the integration of palliative care within existing healthcare frameworks. Opponents may express concerns about the feasibility of implementing such a model across diverse healthcare systems and regions, and whether it could lead to increased costs or logistical challenges. Furthermore, there may be debates on how this model aligns with traditional hospice services and how it affects patients who have previously utilized hospice care, given that the bill excludes individuals from participation based on their prior hospice usage.