WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2023. The bipartisan legislation would expand and expedite access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services by authorizing physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to order cardiac rehabilitation.
“As states across our country – especially in rural areas – face shortages of health care professionals, we must take steps to ensure patients are able to receive the care that they need,” Senator Capito said. “By reducing barriers to accessing cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation, we can help improve the health of those living with heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is particularly important in places like West Virginia, where these diseases impact the lives of far too many residents. I’m proud to introduce this legislation and put forward solutions that increase the level of health services available to West Virginians who need them most.”
“Ensuring timely access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is critical to improving the lives of people who need cardiovascular care, especially in rural areas,” Senator Klobuchar said. “Our bipartisan legislation will expand who can refer patients to these programs, helping connect more people to the care they need and ensuring they get that care faster.”