CO SJM005

Calls upon Congress to enact the "Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act" (S.1332/H.R.2504) to allow nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and physician assistants to certify and amend Medicare home health plans of care.

Notes that nonphysician health care professionals are increasingly important in delivering health care in rural and underserved areas and are typically familiar with patients' individual cases.

Highlights that the federal "Balanced Budget Act of 1997" already allows Medicare to reimburse physician assistants and nurse practitioners for providing physician services, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services allows them to sign certificates of medical necessity.

References the Institute of Medicine's 2010 study "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health," which recommended that nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists be allowed to certify Medicare home health service eligibility.

Directs copies of the memorial to be sent to Colorado's Congressional delegation, federal agencies, state departments, and professional organizations including the Colorado Medical Society, Colorado Nurses Association, and Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants.