Bill

HR 1317

I CAN Act

119th Congress Introduced by Becca Balint and 30 co-sponsors

The I CAN Act boosts healthcare access by removing practice barriers for nurse practitioners, anesthetists, and midwives, enhancing patient care in underserved areas.

Introduced in House

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 1317

Summary of HR 1317 - I CAN Act

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HR 1317
- Title: Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act (I CAN Act)
- Status: Introduced in House
- Introduced Date: February 13, 2025
- Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The I CAN Act aims to enhance healthcare access and improve the delivery of services by removing barriers to practice for various categories of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners (NPs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and certified nurse-midwives (CNMs). The legislation seeks to streamline regulations and expand the scope of practice for these healthcare professionals, thereby improving patient care and access to essential health services.

Key Provisions

The bill is structured into several titles, each addressing specific areas of healthcare practice for nurses:

TITLE I: Nurse Practitioners

Sec. 101: Expands access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under Medicare.
Sec. 102: Allows NPs and physician assistants to meet Medicare documentation requirements for diabetic footwear.
Sec. 103: Improves beneficiary assignment in the Medicare shared savings program.
Sec. 104: Expands medical nutrition therapy services under Medicare.
Sec. 105: Preserves access to home infusion therapy.
Sec. 106: Increases access to hospice care services.
Sec. 107: Streamlines care delivery in skilled nursing facilities, allowing NPs to care for inpatient hospital patients.
Sec. 108: Improves access to Medicaid clinic services.

TITLE II: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Sec. 201: Clarifies Medicare reimbursement for evaluation and management services provided by CRNAs.
Sec. 202: Revises payment conditions for services ordered by CRNAs.
Sec. 203: Establishes a special payment rule for teaching student registered nurse anesthetists.
Sec. 204: Removes unnecessary supervision requirements for CRNAs.
Sec. 205: Designates CRNA services as a Medicaid-required benefit.

TITLE III: Certified Nurse-Midwives

Sec. 301: Enhances access to maternity care training.
Sec. 302: Improves Medicare access to home health services provided by CNMs.
Sec. 303: Enhances access to durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) for Medicare beneficiaries.
Sec. 304: Makes technical changes to qualifications and conditions for CNM services.

TITLE IV: Federal Health Programs for APRNs

Sec. 401: Revises the local coverage determination process under Medicare.
Sec. 402: Addresses locum tenens arrangements for APRNs.

TITLE V: Effective Date

Sec. 501: Specifies the effective date of the Act.

Impact

The I CAN Act is expected to significantly impact healthcare delivery by:
- Increasing the availability of essential health services, particularly in underserved areas.
- Enhancing the roles of NPs, CRNAs, and CNMs in patient care.
- Streamlining administrative processes, thereby reducing barriers to practice and improving patient outcomes.