Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2023

Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2023

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, 2023, or the last day of the COVID-19 public health emergency, whichever is earlier. (The COVID-19 public health emergency ended May 11, 2023.)

Bill 118 hr 6110, also known as the Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2023, 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 establishment of a national database to track and monitor the availability of inpatient rehabilitation therapy services across the country. This database will help identify areas with limited access to these services and work towards addressing any disparities.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase funding for inpatient rehabilitation facilities, with a focus on expanding services in underserved communities. This will help ensure that all individuals, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, have access to the rehabilitation therapy they need to recover and improve their quality of life. Overall, the Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2023 aims to improve access to critical rehabilitation services for individuals in need, with a focus on addressing disparities and ensuring that all patients have timely and appropriate care.