Enabling More of the Physical and Occupational Workforce to Engage in Rehabilitation Act

Hozzl · 2023-12-08T05:15:37Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 2459 Enabling More of the Physical and Occupational Workforce to Engage in Rehabilitation Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/8/2023, 5:15 AM

Summary of Bill S 2459

Bill 118 s 2459, also known as the Enabling More of the Physical and Occupational Workforce to Engage in Rehabilitation Act, aims to address the shortage of physical and occupational therapists in the United States. The bill seeks to increase access to rehabilitation services by expanding the pool of qualified professionals who can provide these services.

Specifically, the bill proposes to allow physical therapist assistants and occupational therapy assistants to provide certain rehabilitation services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist. This would help alleviate the burden on licensed therapists and increase the availability of rehabilitation services for patients in need.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for training and education programs to ensure that physical therapist assistants and occupational therapy assistants are properly trained and qualified to provide these services. This would help maintain high standards of care and ensure the safety and well-being of patients receiving rehabilitation services. Overall, the Enabling More of the Physical and Occupational Workforce to Engage in Rehabilitation Act aims to improve access to rehabilitation services and address the shortage of qualified professionals in the field. By expanding the pool of providers who can deliver these services, the bill seeks to enhance the quality of care for patients in need of rehabilitation.

Congressional Summary of S 2459

Enabling More of the Physical and Occupational Workforce to Engage in Rehabilitation Act or the EMPOWER Act

This bill prohibits the supervision requirements for physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants for covered outpatient services under Medicare from being different from supervision requirements under state law. The Government Accountability Office must report on the impact of Medicare payment differentials for such services in rural areas.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill S 2459

Bill S 2459 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 25, 2023. Bill S 2459 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on July 25, 2023. Bill S 2459's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of July 25, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2459

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2459

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2459

Enabling More of the Physical and Occupational Workforce to Engage in Rehabilitation Act

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate supervision requirements for outpatient physical therapy and outpatient occupational therapy, and for other purposes.