H.R. 2713, the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act, bipartisan legislation to remove barriers preventing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) from practicing to the full extent of their education and training, was re-introduced by Reps. David Joyce (R-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA) on April 24. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced S. 2418, Senate companion legislation, on July 20. The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) is proud to join many other organizations in supporting this bill, including the American Nurses Association, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the American Academy of Nurse Anesthesiology, and LeadingAge, among others. 

The legislation removes existing barriers in the Medicare and Medicaid program that restrict APRNs from practicing to the full extent of their education and training. HPNA is particularly supportive of language in the latest version of the bill that allows nurse practitioners to certify and re-certify patients for hospice care, and we are working with bill sponsors to ensure that future versions of the legislation include clinical nurse specialists and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). A summary of the bill is available here.

Please urge your senators and representative to cosponsor the legislation; our web form makes it easy to personalize the message and share your story. Thank you for being an advocate for hospice and palliative nursing and for joining our efforts to improve access to hospice and palliative care for patients and families!