Federal Spotlight – Patient Choice and Quality Care Act of 2017

S 1334/HR 2797

The Patient Choice and Quality Care Act of 2017 attempts to ease the burden of planning for care in our fragmented health care system.  It will provide for team-based, coordinated care and help ensure those that have advanced care directives have their wishes heard and honored.  The Act will amend the Social Security Act to provide for advanced illness care coordination services for Medicare Beneficiaries.  It will do this with a four-step approach.

1. The Act outlines how individuals would be involved in planning their care, with the assistance of a team of professionals.
2. The Act will improve Medicare’s existing coverage for advanced care planning services.
3. The Act ensures patients and providers have support tools.
4. Medicare providers will be required to follow individuals’ preferences.

The Patient Choice and Quality Care Act of 2017 will ensure that patients have access to quality care planning for the final stages of life.  Patients are informed of their rights; their choices and preferences will be honored by caregivers and medical professionals.

For more info, visit:

nahc.org/advocacy-policy/patient-choice-and-quality-care-act-of-2017/

congress.gov/bill/115^th-congress/senate-bill/1334/text

congress.gov/bill/115^th-congress/house-bill/2797