As I mentioned last month, Senator Collins (R-ME) and Senator Conrad (D-ND) introduced senate bill 2814 on November 20, 2009. This bill would allow for advance practice providers other than physician to order and monitor home care services for patients. Despite several State laws that already allow this, it is not allowed by the Federal Government so it is prohibited under federal reimbursed payment systems such as Medicare and Medicaid.
At the time I last blogged about this issue, it was not clear if this would allow for Advance Practice Providers to bill for care plan oversight. I did receive a letter from Senator Conrad stating that it would not allow for this provision. This is a shame. The Senate needs pressure from its home health constituents to pass this senate bill and add a provision for care plan oversight. I would take the bill as is but if Advance Practice Providers like Nurse Practioners are doing the equability work of a physician they should be reimbursed for that.
At the time I last blogged about this issue, it was not clear if this would allow for Advance Practice Providers to bill for care plan oversight. I did receive a letter from Senator Conrad stating that it would not allow for this provision. This is a shame. The Senate needs pressure from its home health constituents to pass this senate bill and add a provision for care plan oversight. I would take the bill as is but if Advance Practice Providers like Nurse Practioners are doing the equability work of a physician they should be reimbursed for that.
This bill still remains in the Senate Finance Committee for review. I would be interested in your feedback.
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