The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is actively engaged in several legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing respiratory care and patient access to essential services. Key legislative efforts include:
- Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act
The SOAR Act seeks to reform Medicare’s supplemental oxygen policies to improve patient access and ensure adequate reimbursement. The legislation focuses on four main pillars:
- Patient-Centric Supplemental Oxygen: Ensuring that oxygen delivery systems meet individual patient needs.
- Access to Liquid Oxygen: Guaranteeing availability for patients requiring this specific form of oxygen.
- Reimbursement for Respiratory Therapists: Establishing a statutory service element to provide adequate reimbursement for respiratory therapists, ensuring patients have access to their expertise.
- Standardized Documentation Requirements: Implementing national standardized documentation to support claims for supplemental oxygen suppliers.
The SOAR Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate as S. 3821 and in the House of Representatives as H.R. 7829.
- Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act (H.R. 1406)
This legislation aims to permanently allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive in-home cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services. The bill addresses the need for continued access to these services, which were temporarily permitted during the COVID-19 public health emergency. By making these provisions permanent, the act seeks to improve patient access to vital rehabilitation services, particularly benefiting those with chronic respiratory conditions.
- Interstate Compact for Respiratory Care
Funded by a grant from the Department of Defense, the AARC is working to establish an interstate compact for respiratory care. This initiative aims to facilitate licensure portability and practice across state lines, enhancing the ability of respiratory therapists to provide care in various jurisdictions. The project involves developing model state legislation and a strategy for implementation, with the goal of improving access to respiratory care services nationwide.
These legislative efforts reflect AARC’s commitment to advancing the respiratory care profession and improving patient access to essential respiratory services.