WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and the Special Committee on Aging, and founder of the bipartisan Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus, addressed members of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
“Palliative care is an option that does not often get the attention it deserves, it improves outcomes and reduces the cost of treatment,” said Senator Rosen. “Earlier this year, I started the bipartisan Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus to enhance access to palliative care services and improve the quality of life of millions of Americans managing serious illnesses. Looking out for the health of Americans all across the country is my top priority, and together we can address palliative care issues, raise awareness, and find solutions that help improve our nation’s health care system for hardworking families everywhere”
BACKGROUND: November marks National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.
According to the National Institute on Aging, palliative care “can be helpful at any stage of illness and is best provided from the point of diagnosis.” Palliative care works well alongside curative treatment for a range of conditions and helps complete the circle of meeting a patient’s needs as a whole. Reduced discomfort and disability, better care coordination, and improved outcomes are all positive aspects of integrating palliative care.
In July, Senator Rosen launched the bipartisan Comprehensive Care Caucus, with co-chairs Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Deb Fischer (R-NE). The purpose of the Comprehensive Care Caucus is to raise the public’s awareness and promote the availability and benefits of palliative care, while also finding bipartisan solutions to expand access to palliative care services, improve coordinated care, and address issues impacting caregivers.
In June, Rosen introduced the bipartisan Provider Training in Palliative Care Act (S.1921) with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). This legislation would update the National Health Service Corps program to allow providers to train in palliative care as an eligible primary care service. Rosen recently toured Nathan Adelson Hospice to learn about services offered to patients and families as part of its comprehensive palliative care program.
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