Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2017

This bill aims to amend the Social Security Act to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have more timely access to home health services under the Medicare program. It also includes provisions for other purposes.

Summary of the Bill

This bill, introduced by Mr. Collins of New York and co-sponsored by several other representatives, seeks to improve access to home health services for Medicare beneficiaries. The bill proposes amendments to various sections of the Social Security Act to achieve this goal.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Section 1: Short Title

The bill may be referred to as the "Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2017."

Section 2: Improving Care Planning for Medicare Home Health Services

This section proposes amendments to Section 1814(a) of the Social Security Act, which deals with Medicare Part A provisions. The amendment expands the types of healthcare professionals who can collaborate with physicians in providing home health services under Medicare. It includes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants.

The bill also amends Section 1835(a) of the Social Security Act, which deals with Medicare Part B provisions. The amendment expands the types of healthcare professionals who can collaborate with physicians in providing home health services under Medicare Part B, similar to the amendment in Section 1814(a).

The bill also includes defined terms for "home health services" and "home health agency" to include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants.

The amendments made by this bill will come into effect on or after January 1, 2018.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn

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