Today U.S.Senators Collins (R-ME) and Schumer (D-NY) introduced S.578, the Home Health Care Planning and Improvement Act of 2015. This legislation, once enacted, will have an immediate impact on the quality of life and timeliness of care for Medicare patients by allowing NPs to certify home health care orders.

APNs play an important role in managing and delivering health care to in the United States, especially as the Medicare population increases. Under current law, APNs with patients who need home health care services must locate a physician who will document the APN's assessment for this care.

Enactment of the S. 578 Home Health Care Planning and Improvement Act of 2015 will make it possible for APNs to provide the required certification for Medicare patients under their care. Passage of this legislation will reduce Medicare spending by eliminating duplicative services while also improving the quality and timeliness of care for beneficiaries who need home health care services.

The Bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.