Klobuchar Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Better Care and Planning Options for Patients with Advanced Illnesses

Press Release

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has cosponsored bipartisan legislation designed to give people with serious illnesses new tools to plan for their care. The Patient Choice and Quality Care Act of 2017 offers a person-centered approach to planning for care and treatment of patients with advanced illness by testing and evaluating new models for the delivery of care to patients with serious illnesses, and enhancing existing Medicare coverage for end-of-life services to help ensure that the care a patient receives is in line with their values and choices. The legislation also provides $50 million in grants to promote public and healthcare provider education about advance care planning and care.

"We need to expand the options and information available to patients who have been diagnosed with serious and advanced illnesses, along with their family members and caregivers," Klobuchar said. "This bipartisan legislation will provide people with the resources they need to have these important discussions with their care teams and their loved ones to help ensure that their preferences and values are honored."

The Patient Choice and Quality Care Act of 2017 was introduced by Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA). In addition to Klobuchar, the legislation was also cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Phil Roe (R-TN).

This legislation has the support of health care and elder advocacy organizations across the country, including: Alzheimer's Association, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) American Bar Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Heart Association, American Osteopathic Association (AOA), American Society of Aging, Cambia Health Solutions, Capital Caring Hospice, Catholic Health Association, Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC), Commonwealth Care Alliance, Compassus, LeadingAge, National Association for Home Care & Hospice, National Coalition on Healthcare, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), National Partnership for Hospice Innovation (NPHI), National POLST Task Force, Pew Charitable Trusts, Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network, Third Way, and Visiting Nurses Associations of America.

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