Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2022

Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2022

This bill allows, for purposes of Medicare payment, an intensive rehabilitation therapy program to include other skilled therapeutic modalities besides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology services, or orthotic and prosthetic services, as recommended by the treating physician after the patient is admitted. The bill applies after December 31, 2022, or the last day of the COVID-19 public health emergency, whichever is earlier.

Bill 117 hr 8746, also known as the Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2022, aims to improve access to inpatient rehabilitation therapy for individuals in need. The bill focuses on ensuring that patients have timely and appropriate access to rehabilitation services following a hospital stay or surgery.

One key provision of the bill is the requirement for hospitals to provide patients with information about their right to receive inpatient rehabilitation therapy services. This includes information about the benefits of rehabilitation therapy, the types of services available, and how to access them.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve coordination of care between hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to ensure a smooth transition for patients. This includes requiring hospitals to develop discharge plans that include recommendations for rehabilitation therapy and to provide patients with a list of rehabilitation facilities in their area. Furthermore, the bill aims to address disparities in access to rehabilitation therapy by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on access to inpatient rehabilitation therapy services in underserved communities. This study will help identify barriers to access and develop strategies to address them. Overall, Bill 117 hr 8746 is focused on improving access to inpatient rehabilitation therapy for individuals in need and ensuring that patients receive the care they need to recover and regain independence.