Washington D.C. — U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced the Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Act. The bill would authorize physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists, referred to as advanced practice providers, to begin supervising patients' day-to-day cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation care to expand patient access to cardiovascular services.

"Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Alabama, claiming far too many lives each year," said Rep. Sewell. "As lawmakers, we must do all we can to break down barriers to care. This legislation ensures that more patients—especially those in rural and underserved communities—can receive the life-saving cardiovascular rehab services they need to recover and reduce the risk of future cardiac events."

"Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation is a low-cost, high-benefit option for patients recovering from life threatening health conditions," said Rep. Smith. "Unfortunately not all individuals eligible for these resources are able to access them and achieve positive health outcomes. By further empowering highly skilled providers like Nurse Practitioners, Physician Associates, and Clinical Nurse Specialists to order and supervise these programs, we can improve the lives of more seniors in rural and underserved areas like Nebraska’s Third District."

Bill text is available here.

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