[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 17 (Monday, January 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E98-E99]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE PROMOTING ACCESS TO DIABETIC SHOES ACT

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 28, 2019

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the 
Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act, which would remove an 
unnecessary burden, allowing a nurse practitioner or physician 
assistant to prescribe diabetic shoes.
  According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.5 million Americans 
are diagnosed with diabetes every year, and it is a condition that 
affects approximately 9 percent of the population. Both Type 1 and Type 
2 diabetics are faced with a high lifetime risk of developing foot 
ulcers. Specialized insoles and footwear are required to prevent 
further breakdown and injury, and to ensure that recurring ulcers do 
not develop. If these ulcers are allowed to recur multiple times, 
patients can lose toes or feet entirely.

[[Page E99]]

  Currently, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often 
act as primary care providers for many patients with diabetes, are 
required to refer diabetic Medicare patients who need therapeutic shoes 
to a physician for further certification. The patient must then refer 
to the physician going forward. In addition to accruing unnecessary 
fees, this process delays patients from getting efficient and time-
sensitive care.
  Timely access to diabetic shoes is crucial, and is well within the 
scope of treatment that nurse practitioners and physician assistants 
should be able to prescribe. That is why I am proud to sponsor the 
Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act, and I urge all of my colleagues 
to join me to pass this important piece of legislation.

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