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Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act

12/7/2023, 5:06 PM

Summary of Bill S 2418

Bill 118 s 2418, also known as the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address the shortage of nurses in the United States and improve access to quality healthcare for all Americans.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to support nursing education and training programs. This program would provide funding to institutions that offer nursing degrees and certifications, with a focus on increasing the number of nurses entering the workforce.

Additionally, the bill aims to improve the working conditions and job satisfaction of nurses by implementing measures to reduce burnout and improve retention rates. This includes provisions for increased staffing levels, better workplace safety standards, and improved access to mental health resources for nurses. The bill also includes provisions to expand access to telehealth services, allowing nurses to provide care to patients remotely. This is especially important in rural and underserved areas where access to healthcare services may be limited. Overall, the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act seeks to address the growing need for nurses in the United States and improve the quality of care available to all Americans. It is currently being debated in Congress and may undergo changes before being voted on.

Congressional Summary of S 2418

Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act or the I CAN Act

This bill allows other health care providers besides physicians (e.g., nurses) to provide certain services under Medicare and Medicaid.

Among other changes, the bill (1) allows a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to fulfill documentation requirements for Medicare coverage of special shoes for diabetic individuals; (2) expedites the ability of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to supervise Medicare cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs; and (3) allows nurse practitioners to certify the need for inpatient hospital services under Medicare and Medicaid.

Current Status of Bill S 2418

Bill S 2418 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 20, 2023. Bill S 2418 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on July 20, 2023.  Bill S 2418's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of July 20, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2418

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2418

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Blood and blood diseases
- Cardiovascular and respiratory health
- Civil actions and liability
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Drug therapy
- Health care costs and insurance
- Health care coverage and access
- Health personnel
- Health technology, devices, supplies
- Home and outpatient care
- Hospital care
- Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Nutrition and diet
- Sex and reproductive health
- Surgery and anesthesia
- Women's health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2418

Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act
Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act
I CAN Act
A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to increase access to services provided by advanced practice registered nurses under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and for other purposes.

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