PAHPM is happy to share that after many years of efforts, some great work with PAHPM members, and collaboration with our partners at AAPA, the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), and the National Coalition for Hospice & Palliative Care (NCHPC), there is further movement and hope to reform and modernize the Hospice Care Act.  This modernization includes the recognition of PAs as not only hospice attendings but also those who can work with hospice to certify for terminal illness and do face-to-face visits.

Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer, a senior Ways and Means Committee member, introduced the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform and Enforcement Act (Hospice Care Act) to modernize Medicare’s hospice benefit, which has remained essentially unchanged since its inception in 1982. Rep. Blumenauer has been a strong advocate for PAs for years. While he is retiring this year, this bill will hopefully gain momentum, given that it is a product of months of work and hours of consensus building among multiple stakeholders.  Long-time PAHPM member and Past President of PAHPM, Jeff Myers from Oregon, has worked closely with Mr. Blumenauer and his staff, along with support from our AAPA legislative partners, including Tate Heuer, to make sure that patients experiencing serious illness and needing end-of-life care, have better access to quality care.  Rep. Blumenauer recognizes PAs are part of this solution.

Thanks to all whom have been involved in this process.

Read more here at Rep. Blumenauer’s Website.  

Also, is your member of Congress supporting Palliative Care and PAs?

Visit AAHPM's website for more info and an easy way to contact your member of Congress.