Reps. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and John Lewis (D-GA), both members of the House Ways and Means Committee, recently reintroduced H.R. 1155, legislation that would expand access to cardiac rehabilitation by allowing physician assistants, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists to supervise cardiac, intensive cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The ACC worked alongside the American Heart Association to get this legislation reintroduced in the House.

“Cardiac rehabilitation can be a vital component of a patient’s recovery from a heart attack, heart surgery or for management of heart failure. Supervision requirements for cardiac rehab are currently more stringent than other outpatient services; this negatively impacts access for our patients in areas with physician shortages and drives up costs for these programs,” said ACC President Richard Chazal, MD, FACC. “If enacted, this legislation will allow the cardiovascular community’s well-qualified advanced practice providers to provide the day-to-day supervision of cardiac rehab and help us meet the needs of our patients. We thank Rep. Jenkins and Rep. Lewis for their leadership and commitment.”

Keywords: American Heart Association, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants

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