Access to cardiac rehabilitation programs and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under the Medicare program would be expanded and expedited under bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
“I’m proud to introduce this legislation and put forward solutions that increase the level of health services available to West Virginians who need them most,” said Sen. Capito, who on Dec. 13 introduced the Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2023, S. 3481, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
If enacted, the legislation would expand and speed up access to cardiac and pulmonary rehab services by authorizing physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to order such services, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Capito’s staff.
Currently, only physicians are authorized to order such rehab for Medicare patients, the summary says, a restriction that can create obstacles and delays, and make it challenging for programs to operate in areas where physicians are scarce.
“As states across our country — especially in rural areas — face shortages of healthcare professionals, we must take steps to ensure patients are able to receive the care that they need,” Sen. Capito said. “By reducing barriers to accessing cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation, we can help improve the health of those living with heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is particularly important in places like West Virginia, where these diseases impact the lives of far too many residents.”
The bill has been endorsed by numerous entities, including the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Nurses Association, the National Rural Health Association, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Association for Respiratory Care, among several others.
“Ensuring timely access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is critical to improving the lives of people who need cardiovascular care, especially in rural areas,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “Our bipartisan legislation will expand who can refer patients to these programs, helping connect more people to the care they need and ensuring they get that care faster.”