Miller, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and five of her colleagues introduced the bipartisan the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act, which allows hospice providers to use telehealth to conduct the face-to-face visit required for hospice recertification after 180 days in hospice care. This provision keeps in line with existing hospice telehealth rules and makes sure that patients can remain in the comfort of their home at the close of their life. Joining Congresswoman Miller in introducing this bill are Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Don Davis (D-NC), Aaron Bean (R-FL), and Joe Morelle (D-NY).

Click here for bill text.

“As patients enter into hospice care, it’s important they can remain in the comfort of their own home as they receive treatment. That’s why I am reintroducing the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act to allow hospice providers to use telehealth to conduct the face-to-face visits required for hospice recertification. This bill will make it easier for hospice providers by extending access to telehealth as a way for them to continue offering critical care and to monitor the health of their patients,” said Congresswoman Miller.
 
“Hospice care exists to provide comfort and compassion during heartbreaking times. Virtual visits make those services accessible for more people, especially those in rural communities, for whom the nearest hospice facility may be far from home," said Congressman Golden. “This is important, bipartisan work on behalf of families with more than enough on their plates, and I’m determined to see these telehealth provisions become law.”
 
“Hospice caregivers are the angels at the end, providing care and comfort to patients and families, which is why I’m working to protect and expand access to this crucial service,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “I’m glad to join Congresswoman Miller and our colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to increase flexibility for hospice patients and providers through telehealth.”
 
“We must ensure all hospice patients in rural America can live out their time with dignity,” said Congressman Davis. “By allowing hospice providers to care for those receiving end-of-life services through telehealth, we can ease the burden for caregivers, patients, and their families.”

“I am proud to join my colleagues in support of the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act," said Congressman Bean. Hospice care is all about helping people remain in the comfort of their home and supporting their families. This important bill will do just that by allowing hospice providers to use telehealth to conduct face-to-face visits, so patients can still receive hands-on-care wherever they call home.”
 
"Integrating telehealth into our healthcare system is essential for high-quality patient care," said Congressman Morelle. "The Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act is a common-sense solution that strengthens telehealth services for hospice providers and patients, improving access to affordable, accessible care for more people. I’m proud to join Representative Miller and my colleagues in advancing this legislation, and I look forward to its swift passage into law."

“Telehealth flexibilities are essential for hospice providers to deliver the highest quality care to patients in the comfort of their homes,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO for the National Alliance for Care at Home. “The Alliance extends its gratitude to Representatives Miller and Golden for their leadership on this critical issue. Their thoughtful legislation not only ensures continued access to care for vulnerable patients, but also, through effective guardrails, supports program integrity and stops bad actors attempting to abuse the Medicare Hospice Benefit.” 
 
“On behalf of the Hospice Council of West Virginia and the hospices proudly serving all 55 counties, I want to sincerely thank Congresswoman Carol Miller for introducing the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act. This critical legislation ensures that hospice patients—no matter where they live—continue to receive timely, high-quality care through the extension of telehealth flexibilities. Hospice is a unique and invaluable healthcare benefit that allows individuals to receive compassionate end-of-life care at home. By maintaining access to telehealth for face-to-face recertifications, this bill helps eliminate barriers to care, especially for those in our most rural and remote communities. We are grateful for Congresswoman Miller’s leadership in supporting West Virginia families and ensuring that all who need hospice care can access it with ease and dignity,” said Jessica Hall, Hospice Council of West Virginia Executive Director.
 
“The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) is pleased to offer our strong support of the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act,” said Masako Mayahara, PhD, RN, FAAN, CHPN, FPCN, President of HPNA, and Ginger Marshall MSN, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, CEO of HPNA. “We commend Representatives Miller and Golden for their leadership on this legislation to extend telehealth flexibilities for hospice and look forward to working together to advance this issue that directly impacts our nearly 8,000 members and the patients they serve across the country.”