On March 6, the House Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 7513, the Protecting American Seniors’ Access to Care Act, by a vote of 26 to 17. The bill, introduced by Representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and Greg Pence (R-IN), would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the federal minimum staffing rule that was transmitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget for final review and approval on March 1. LeadingAge worked closely with the Committee and its members to help secure passage of this bill. On February 29, LeadingAge teamed up with more than 1,000 national, state, and individual care organizations in sending a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee expressing our collective support for legislation to halt the federal staffing mandate. On March 5, LeadingAge also transmitted a letter from president and CEO Katie Smith Sloan to all members of the Committee requesting support and passage of the Protecting American Seniors Access to Care Act. Click here to access a video of the Committee vote.
Wanting to do more to advocate against the minimum staffing rule? Register to attend National’s lobby day on April 17! Your state Government Affairs staff will be there to assist with meetings and talking points.
