Charleston Leader

U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Amy Klobuchar have introduced new legislation aimed at improving access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services. The Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025 seeks to expand the authority for ordering these rehabilitations to include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists.

Senator Capito emphasized the potential impact of this bill in areas with limited healthcare resources, such as West Virginia. "Our bill can reduce barriers to accessing cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation, thereby improving the health of those living with heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," she stated. She also highlighted that the legislation could significantly benefit regions experiencing shortages of healthcare professionals.

Senator Klobuchar underscored the importance of timely care for patients with cardiac conditions, particularly in rural areas. "Timely access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation care is critical to improving the lives of Americans with cardiac conditions or recovering from cardiac events," she said. According to her, the bipartisan effort aims to ensure that all seniors receive necessary cardiovascular care promptly.

Currently, only physicians are authorized to order these rehabilitations for Medicare patients, a restriction that can cause delays and operational challenges in underserved areas. The proposed act builds on previous legislation from 2018 which allowed non-physician clinicians to supervise these programs starting in 2024.

The initiative has garnered support from various organizations including the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, National Rural Health Association, and others involved in healthcare advocacy.