Endorsement of Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act
(Alexandria, VA) – The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and its advocacy affiliate, the Hospice Action Network (HAN), are pleased to endorse the Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act (S.4873/H.R. 8840), sponsored by Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), which will take crucial next steps to expand access to advance care planning by allowing social workers to facilitate these important conversations and removing beneficiary cost-sharing for advance care planning. The bill will also improve reporting of barriers to advance care planning and increase education for providers on coding for advance care planning visits.
“Each and every person should have a say in what happens to them when they experience serious illness and the end of life. Families, loved ones, and providers need to be aware of individuals’ wishes to ensure they are provided appropriate care, even when they cannot advocate for themselves,” said NHPCO COO and interim CEO Ben Marcantonio, “Advance care planning at its best is a series of ongoing conversations that have patients in the driver’s seat. Providers that facilitate those conversations, including social workers, should be valued for the work they do. NHPCO and HAN look forward to continuing to work with Congressional leaders to ensure that access to these conversations is protected and expanded.”
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Contact:
Madison Summers
Marketing and Communications Manager
571-412-3973