115th CONGRESS 2d Session |
To permit occupational therapists to conduct the initial assessment visit and complete the comprehensive assessment under a Medicare home health plan of care for certain rehabilitation cases.
June 26, 2018
Mr. Smith of Missouri (for himself, Mr. Costello of Pennsylvania, Mr. Doggett, and Mr. Tonko) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To permit occupational therapists to conduct the initial assessment visit and complete the comprehensive assessment under a Medicare home health plan of care for certain rehabilitation cases.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
This Act may be cited as the “Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act”.
SEC. 2. Permitting occupational therapists to conduct the initial assessment visit and complete the comprehensive assessment under a Medicare home health plan of care for certain rehabilitation cases.
(a) In general.—Notwithstanding section 484.55(a)(2) or 484.55(b)(3) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, or any other provision of law, an occupational therapist may be designated to conduct the initial assessment visit and to complete the comprehensive assessment for an individual who is eligible for home health services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act if the referral order by the physician—
(1) does not include skilled nursing care;
(2) includes occupation therapy; and
(3) includes physical therapy or speech language pathology.
(b) Rule of construction.—Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to provide for initial eligibility for coverage of home health services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act solely on the basis of a need for occupational therapy.