West Virginia Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Wisconsin Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced legislation that will allow more patient centered models of care for the treatment of terminally ill patients. The purpose of the legislation is to improve quality of life earlier than currently allowed.
Studies have shown that by implementing palliative and hospice care sooner, rather than later, patients are less likely to experience depression, live longer, and have an overall better quality of life. This legislation, which is also sponsored by a House Democrat and two Republicans, may have a good chance of gaining some traction.
We will keep you posted as this legislation makes its way forward. Should this be adopted, hospice providers will likely see an increase in demand for services continuing the growth and popularity of hospice which has been booming.