Take Action NOW!

Now is the time for you to Take Action as an advocate to achieve an important positive change in Medicare policy for NPs and their patients. 

Senators Susan Collins and Kent Conrad have introduced S. 227, the Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2011.  This important legislation recognizes and authorizes nurse practitioners as eligible health care professionals who can order home health services under Medicare, ensuring that Medicare patients requiring these services receive optimal continuity of care.  The bill also clarifies the new requirement for a face-to-face encounter between a patient and a provider prior to certification for home health services, allowing NPs to sign the final plan of care. 

Several NP organizations, including NAPNAP have identified the ability to order home care as a health policy priority for nurse practitioners.  The NAPNAP 2011 Health Policy agenda states “Barriers should be removed that impede patient access to pediatric nurse practitioner practice in all health care settings.”  NPs have long expressed frustration over this barrier and the impact it has on their practice.  Now it's time to accept the challenge to take action and ensure that Congress supports this critical policy change for NPs and their patients.

Senators Collins (ME) and Conrad (ND) have taken the initial step by introducing this bill.  Representative Allyson Schwartz (PA) will soon introduce a companion bill in the House of Representatives and though the Schwartz bill does not have a number yet, your calls to your representatives to support the Schwatz bill will also help.  Now is the time for you to put Policy into Action by urging your Senators to support and co-sponsor this legislation.

Ask YOUR Senators to COSPONSOR S. 227, the Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2011. A strong showing of congressional support must be secured in order for this important legislation to be considered.  Please WRITE TO CONGRESS TODAY!

ACT NOW!!  YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Please report back to healthpolicy@napnap.org if you receive a response to your action.