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All posts tagged with “Public Policy News | Legislation.”
Illinois House passes bill allowing terminally ill people to end their lives with physician’s help
06/02/25 at 03:00 AMIllinois House passes bill allowing terminally ill people to end their lives with physician’s help Chicago Tribune, Springfield, IL; by Jeremy Gorner and Addison Wright; 5/30/25 Legislation that would allow terminally ill people to end their lives with the help of a doctor was narrowly passed by the Illinois House and now heads to the Senate. It marks the first time a medical aid in dying bill has passed through one legislative chamber in Illinois since advocates unsuccessfully pushed for the practice to be legalized in the state last year. The bill passed late Thursday by a 63-42 vote, just three votes more than the minimum number required for bills to pass the House by a simple majority, with a handful of Democrats joining Republicans in voting against it.
French lawmakers approve assisted dying bill
06/02/25 at 03:00 AMFrench lawmakers approve assisted dying bill Le Monde with AP and AFP; 5/27/25France's Assemblée Nationale adopted a bill on Tuesday, May 27, to allow adults with incurable illnesses to take lethal medication, the initial step in a lengthy process that could grant patients medical assistance to end their lives in clearly defined circumstances. The bill received 305 votes in favor and 199 against, after all parties in parliament allowed their lawmakers a free vote on the issue. It will now be sent to the Sénat for further debate. A definitive vote on the bill could take months to be scheduled. In parallel, another bill on palliative care, meant to reinforce measures to relieve pain and preserve patients' dignity, was also adopted on Tuesday, unanimously.
Providers, advocates ask Senate to reject $700M in Medicaid cuts, Congress to save OAA programs
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMProviders, advocates ask Senate to reject $700M in Medicaid cuts, Congress to save OAA programs McKnights Senior Living; by Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 5/27/25Providers and advocates for older adults are counting on the Senate to reject a portion of the proposed federal budget that would gut $700 million from the Medicaid program. Members of the House of Representatives passed their version of the bill late Wednesday. ... Home care advocates ANCOR and the National Alliance for Care at Home on Thursday also called on the Senate to reject the House-passed cuts to Medicaid.
Capito sees earmark results in hospice renovations
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMCapito sees earmark results in hospice renovations CBS 13 WOWK, Charleston, WV; by Sarah Davis; 5/28/25 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) visited the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston Wednesday to see her congressionally directed spending in action. The senator got an exclusive tour of the renovations being made, including a new roof, HVAC system and a fresh paving job on the facility’s parking lot. The construction project is supported by Capito’s 2024 congressional directed spending, also known as an earmark, which she said is a necessary investment for the welfare of West Virginians.
Inside the Medicare Advantage Reform Act
05/29/25 at 03:00 AMInside the Medicare Advantage Reform Act Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/28/25 A bill currently before Congress seeks to overhaul aspects of the Medicare Advantage program. Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) recently introduced the Medicare Advantage Reform Act. If enacted, the bill, numbered H.R. 3467, would make wholesale changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA). A key provision of the bill is a proposed requirement that MA plans pay for hospice care. Hospice is currently “carved out” of Medicare Advantage. The potential impacts of moving hospice into MA at this time would be “devastating,” according to the National Alliance for Care at Home. ... [Other] changes to MA included in the text could have serious implications for hospices and other providers that also offer home health, palliative care or other services. ...
Colorado end-of-life care residency requirement challenged
05/28/25 at 03:00 AMColorado end-of-life care residency requirement challenged Bloomberg Law; by Ryan Autullo; 5/22/25 A terminally ill Minnesota man is asking a federal court to let doctors in Colorado administer drugs to him so he can die peacefully there, a challenge to the state’s residency requirement in accessing end-of-life care. Prohibiting Colorado doctors from giving non-residents drugs to ease suffering in their final months is unconstitutional, lawyers for Jeff McComas wrote in a complaint filed Thursday in the US District Court for the District of Colorado.
[Australia] What voluntary assisted dying options are available for those with dementia?
05/28/25 at 03:00 AM[Australia] What voluntary assisted dying options are available for those with dementia? ABC News Melbourne, Australia; by Emily JB Smith; 5/24/25 John Griffiths suspects his mind is starting to fail. It is a horrifying prospect for the father-of-three, former Monash University engineering lecturer and CSIRO research scientist. The Melbourne man spends much of his time with his wife Rachel, who lives in residential aged care, reading her poems and short stories. While doctors say he is all clear at the moment, he will be assessed for dementia in the next year. If he does develop the condition, he would rather die than let it take hold. But his options are limited. Although voluntary assisted dying (VAD) will be legal in every Australian jurisdiction except the Northern Territory by the end of this year, it remains entirely off-limits for people with dementia. ...
From an old ambulance, they help the growing homeless population
05/28/25 at 02:30 AMFrom an old ambulance, they help the growing homeless population CT Mirror; by Ginny Monk; 5/25/25 The needs of the unhoused are becoming more complex, and the fight for state support is fierce. ... Launched in 2021, the [Neighborhood Health workers] team drives a refurbished ambulance to shelters or encampments, then provides health care on-site for people experiencing homelessness. They’re out nearly every day. In recent months, as more people, particularly seniors, have lost their housing, health workers are finding that the cases they handle are more complicated. People often have multiple diagnoses, and with older age groups, there are often health complications that make the illnesses or injuries harder to treat. Sometimes, conversations are veering to end-of-life care. These conversations between health care professionals and patients are poignant as state lawmakers debate funding for the systems that offer shelter and other services for the unhoused population. ...
Johnson champions Eddie's Law to bring dignity to end-of-life-care in Illinois
05/27/25 at 03:00 AMJohnson champions Eddie's Law to bring dignity to end-of-life-care in Illinois Public, Springfield, IL; News Release; 5/22/25 After an incarcerated man named Eddie Thomas died alone in a prison infirmary without receiving any end-of-life care, State Senator Adriane Johnson is championing legislation to bring dignity, compassion, and transparency to hospice and palliative care services in Illinois correctional facilities. "This bill is about basic human dignity," said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). "No one should die in pain, in isolation or without the comfort of care - no matter who they are or where they live. House Bill 2397 brings transparency to a system that too often leaves people to suffer silently." ... House Bill 2397 would require the Illinois Department of Corrections to prepare and publish an annual report detailing its hospice and palliative care programs. The bill aims to provide lawmakers with data that can guide future policy decisions on compassionate and medically appropriate end-of-life care for people incarcerated in Illinois.
Proposed California budget calls for prior authorization for hospice in Medicaid
05/23/25 at 03:00 AMProposed California budget calls for prior authorization for hospice in Medicaid Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/22/25 The proposed California budget would require prior authorizations for hospice care within the state’s Medicaid program. Currently, Medicaid managed care plans who provide coverage through the state’s Medicaid system, Medi-Cal, may not perform prior authorizations for hospice. California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) indicated in a 2025-2026 budget revision that this could save $25 million over the next two years and more than $50 million in the long term. If enacted, this would make California the first state in the nation to implement such a rule, according to the California Hospice & Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA). The association contends that the anticipated $25 million in cost savings is “speculative and fails to account for the downstream costs and systemic burdens this proposal would create,” according to a position paper shared with Hospice News. ... CHAPCA recommended to the state government three alternative approaches: ...
New law will fast-track completion of hospice death certificates
05/23/25 at 03:00 AMNew law will fast-track completion of hospice death certificatesFlorida Politics; by Drew Wilson; 5/21/25 Grieving families will spend less time waiting on paperwork come July 1.Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation that would take some stress off palliative care physicians who guide patients through their final hours, as well as the grieving families they leave behind. Sponsored by Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy, HB 647 would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to complete and file death certificates for hospice care patients. Valid death certificates must record both time of death and cause of death before the deceased’s remains can be turned over to a funeral director. Under current law, a doctor must determine the cause of death and sign the certificate. That will remain the case after Trabulsy’s bill goes into effect July 1 for non-hospice deaths.
New Mexico legalizes medical use of psilocybin
05/22/25 at 03:30 AMNew Mexico legalizes medical use of psilocybin JD Supra; by Patrick Clark and Jennifer Pacicco; 5/20/25 On April 7, 2025, New Mexico became the third state to legalize psilocybin (colloquially known as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms”) for medical purposes. New Mexico is the first state to legalize psilocybin via legislation and not a ballot initiative, like its predecessors Colorado and Oregon. Under the new law—the “Medical Psilocybin Act”—the following qualifying conditions are listed as eligible for psilocybin treatment: “(1) major treatment-resistant depression; (2) post-traumatic stress disorder; (3) substance use disorders; (4) end-of-life care.” The law also allows the New Mexico Department of Health to promulgate regulations that would add qualifying conditions to that list. ... Employers are not required to accommodate employees under the influence of psilocybin at work.
Proposed bill would require MA to pay for hospice care
05/22/25 at 02:00 AMProposed bill would require MA to pay for hospice care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/21/25 Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) has introduced the Medicare Advantage Reform Act, which among other provisions would require health plans to pay for hospice care. If enacted, the bill, numbered H.R. 3467, would make wholesale changes to the Medicare Advantage program. It would mandate capitated payment models, change risk adjustment methodologies and create new exemptions for physician self-referrals, among other provisions. The potential impacts of moving hospice into Medicare Advantage at this time would be “devastating,” according to the National Alliance for Care at Home.
Iowa legislature passes "Mason's Law," with assistance from Children's Respite Homes of America, paving way for 1st Pediatric Palliative Care Center License in the nation
05/20/25 at 03:00 AMIowa legislature passes "Mason's Law," with assistance from Children's Respite Homes of America, paving way for 1st Pediatric Palliative Care Center License in the nation Cision PRWeb; by Children's Respite Homes of America; 5/16/25 Iowa has made history. With final approval from both chambers of the Iowa Legislature, "Mason's Law" (House File HF 933) has officially passed, making Iowa the first state poised to authorize a specialized Pediatric Palliative Care Center license. This landmark legislation now awaits the Governor's signature—anticipated before the end of June—and is set to transform how children with life-limiting conditions receive care in Iowa and beyond. Named in memory of Mason Sieck, a young child who passed away in 2021, Mason's Law represents the tireless advocacy of Mason's parents, Shanna and Curtis Sieck.
Trump Administration Executive Order Tracker
05/20/25 at 03:00 AMTrump Administration Executive Order TrackerMcDermott+Consulting; by McDermott+; 5/19/25 [This article] is a tracker of healthcare-related executive orders (EOs) issued by the Trump administration, including overviews of each EO and the date each EO was signed. We will regularly update this tracker as additional EOs are published. It is important to note that EOs, on their own, do not effectuate policies. Rather, in most cases, they put forth policy goals and call on federal agencies to examine old or institute new policies that align with those goals. ...
A proposal to remove hospice providers from a state review poses a threat to patient care
05/19/25 at 03:00 AMA proposal to remove hospice providers from a state review poses a threat to patient care The Boston Globe, Boston, MA; by Diana Franchitto; 5/16/25 The General Assembly should maintain rigorous standards and oppose rolling back Rhode Island’s Certificate of Need process, writes HopeHealth president and CEO. ... As the president and CEO of HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, I am proud that Rhode Island offers some of the highest-quality hospice care in the nation. But right now, legislation before the General Assembly could put that quality at risk.A proposal in Governor Dan McKee‘s fiscal 2026 budget would eliminate the requirement that hospice providers be scrutinized by Rhode Island’s Certificate of Need (CON) process. Some may position this as an effort to streamline government, but those of us who work in hospice care know better. The CON process isn’t one of the flashier, public-facing functions of state government, but it has a direct impact on the quality of health and hospice care that Rhode Islanders receive throughout their lives. ... Exempting hospice from meeting the rigorous standards that a CON requires poses an immediate threat to the quality of patient care. ...
AHA makes 100 suggestions for Trump administration
05/15/25 at 03:00 AMAHA makes 100 suggestions for Trump administrationBecker's Hospital Review; by Paige Twenter; 5/13/25 The American Hospital Association, which represents about 5,000 hospitals and healthcare organizations, sent the Trump administration 100 recommendations on reducing regulatory burdens. In a May 12 letter to the Office of Management and Budget, HHS and CMS, the AHA said administrative tasks required by these burdens are exorbitant and contribute to more than one-fourth of all healthcare spending. The suggestions revolve around billing and other administrative requirements, quality and patient safety, telehealth and workforce. Some of the most prominent suggestions are:
New York bill aims to ban new for-profit hospices amid fraud concerns
05/15/25 at 02:15 AMNew York bill aims to ban new for-profit hospices amid fraud concerns CBS WRGB-6, Albany, NY; by Lara Bryn; 5/14/25 A new bill awaiting the governor's signature could ban the establishment of new for-profit hospices in New York, a move lawmakers and industry experts say is necessary to improve care quality and prevent potential fraud. ... The bill has already passed in both the state Senate and House. The push for this legislation comes in part due to findings from national studies by the American Medical Association and ProPublica, which highlighted issues in for-profit hospice care. ... Jeanne Chirico, CEO of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State, said, "To try and make a quick turnaround of profit either through falsifying eligibility records or by fraudulently submitting records for individuals who never even knew they were on hospice." Chirico noted a case where a New York Medicare recipient was unknowingly enrolled in a hospice-certified program based in California.
In the wake of HICPAC: How APIC is leading the fight to preserve national infection prevention standards
05/15/25 at 02:00 AMIn the wake of HICPAC: How APIC is leading the fight to preserve national infection prevention standards Infection Control Today, Branbury, NJ; by Tori Whitacre Martonicz; 5/13/25 The Trump administration has disbanded a federal advisory committee that guided efforts to prevent the spread of infections in health care facilities. The Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) established national standards for hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and isolating patients with infectious diseases that most US hospitals adhere to.Infection Control Today® (ICT®) spoke with Connie Steed, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, an infection prevention consultant and former president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), about HICPAC's disbanding and its implications for national standards in infection control.
Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Council: Applauds state Assembly for approving bill establishing a State Palliative Care Council
05/14/25 at 03:00 AMWisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Council: Applauds state Assembly for approving bill establishing a State Palliative Care Council WisPolitics, Kimberly, WI; Press Release; 5/13/25 |Today, the State Assembly approved Assembly Bill 23, a bill that would establish a state Palliative Care Council. The Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association (WiHPCA) strongly supports this legislation, which would ultimately help increase awareness and utilization of this specialized type of medical care throughout the state. The Assembly Committee on Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care voted 14-1 on March 13 to recommend approval of this legislation. This bill would establish a council of individuals with palliative care and other medical expertise to consult and advise the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on this type of specialized medical care. In addition, this legislation would require DHS to create a statewide palliative care consumer and professional information and education program, as this type of specialized care is often misunderstood.
Texas lawmakers pass bills to expand Medical Marijuana Program and support psychedelic research
05/14/25 at 03:00 AMTexas lawmakers pass bills to expand Medical Marijuana Program and support psychedelic research Marijuana Moment; by Tom Angell; 5/13/25 The Texas House of Representatives has passed bills to significantly expand the state’s limited medical cannabis program and to support research on the therapeutic potential of ibogaine with the aim of encouraging federal approval of the psychedelic. The marijuana measure cleared the House on third reading with a vote of 122–21 and the ibogaine legislation was approved 138-2. The body’s action sends both proposals to the Senate and comes one day after the bills were given initial approval on second reading. ... A second amendment approved by members would require doctors who issue medical cannabis recommendations to report them to the state’s prescription drug monitoring program.
Congress offers new plan for Medicaid cuts, raising fresh concerns among HCBS advocates
05/14/25 at 02:00 AMCongress offers new plan for Medicaid cuts, raising fresh concerns among HCBS advocates McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/13/25 House Republicans on Sunday [5/11] introduced a new budget reconciliation that outlines exactly how Medicaid cuts could take shape. Home- and community-based services advocates quickly spoke out in opposition to the bill. [Various leaders responded.]
National Alliance: Medicaid cuts would adversely impact home-, community-based services
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMNational Alliance: Medicaid cuts would adversely impact home-, community-based services Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/12/25 A tax bill currently before Congress could lead to Medicaid cuts that would inhibit access to home- and community-based services (HCBS). The bill, which promises sweeping tax and spending cuts, currently is undergoing a reconciliation process. The amount of tax cuts could reach $4.5 trillion, with spending cuts in the area of $4.5 billion, with a significant portion coming from Medicaid. However, the bill remains a work in progress for now with some resistance to the proposed cuts from both Democrats and a contingent of Republicans. The National Alliance for Care at Home released a statement Monday opposing the Medicaid reductions.
“I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
05/10/25 at 03:45 AM“I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”JAMA Neurology; David N. Korones, MD; 4/25So shouted news broadcaster Howard Beale in the iconic 1976 film “Network” as he decried pollution, unemployment, inflation, crime, and all that was wrong in the world back then. And so shouted I, as I slammed down the phone after yet another denial from an insurance company—this time denial of treatment for an 8-year-old little girl with a brain tumor.Every day the phone, email, and text messages mount: an antinausea medication is not approved, oral chemotherapy is denied to a child because it is in liquid form, and only tablets are approved, brain surgery is denied because the patient has the misfortune of not living in the same state as the neurosurgeon who has the unique skill set to remove it, an insurance company that had previously approved an essential therapy for one of my patients now, for inexplicable reasons, denies refills half way through her prescribed course of treatment. Perhaps the more we push back, send them bills for our time, follow that up with bill collectors, call our congressional representatives, and summon our hospital leadership, we can gather a chorus of physicians, patients, hospital leaders, and politicians who all open their windows and, following Howard Beale’s lead, scream in unison that they, too, are mad as hell, and it is long past time to change this unjust system of care. To paraphrase Howard Beale, “our children, our patients are human beings, goddammit, their lives have value!”
Research disrupted at the NIH Clinical Center
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMResearch disrupted at the NIH Clinical Center STAT - Morning Rounds; by Theresa Gaffney; 5/6/25 The NIH Clinical Center — the nation’s largest hospital devoted solely to medical research — is in crisis. In 2023, the hospital ran around 1,500 studies with a permanent staff of more than 1,800 federal workers. But amid continued disruptions from the Trump administration, researchers are leaving, technicians have been let go, studies are facing major delays, and some patients are deciding to drop out of the hospital’s research.