[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 52 (Thursday, April 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF MEDICARE HOME HEALTH FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2008

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                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2008

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2008. This bill would allow 
home health agencies the flexibility to use the most appropriate 
skilled rehabilitation professionals to open cases and to conduct the 
initial assessment for Medicare home health beneficiaries who do not 
require skilled nursing care.
  Currently, occupational therapists cannot conduct the initial 
assessments for Medicare home health cases even when occupational 
therapy is included in the physician's order along with one of the 
other qualifying services, like speech therapy and physical therapy. 
Under current law, home health agencies are not able to fully utilize 
all of their professional staff for Medicare rehabilitation clients, 
which can cause delays in beginning medically necessary care.
  The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act is actively supported by the 
American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Association 
of Home Care and Hospice.
  I am proud to introduce this important legislation. I look forward to 
working with my colleagues to enact this legislation so that home 
health agencies can better manage their staff and better meet the needs 
of Medicare patients.

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