Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act alongside Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44). This piece of legislation will allow physician assistants and nurse practitioners to fulfill requirements for therapeutic shoes for individuals with diabetes.
“The United States must provide high-quality care for individuals with diabetes,” said Rep. LaHood. “Over one million Illinoisians currently live with diabetes. We cannot allow these individuals to experience a gap in care because of burdensome regulations. I am proud to introduce this legislation to allow qualified and experienced healthcare professionals to provide patients with timely access to the therapeutic shoes they need.”
“Thirty-seven million Americans have diabetes, putting many at risk for serious health complications, including lower-limb amputations, if they do not receive proper care. However, many Medicare patients with diabetes face barriers in our healthcare system that make it harder to access the treatment they need—costing the program millions,” said Rep. Barragán. “That’s why I am proud to join Rep. LaHood in co-leading the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act, which will improve access to care for patients whose primary provider is a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. This bill creates a more efficient pathway for diabetic foot care, helps prevent lower-limb amputations, and reduces unnecessary medical visits for our older Americans.”
“Medical care for America’s aging population who live with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, should never be delayed by unnecessary restrictions. The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) extends our gratitude to Representatives Darin LaHood and Nanette Barragán for their commitment to the health and well-being of those served by the Medicare program through the introduction of The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act. This bill would correct an undue barrier to care for Medicare beneficiaries by authorizing physician associates/assistants (PAs) to order diabetic shoes for their patients. With this change in the law, PAs will be able to provide timely care that means so much to the patient who needs it,” said AAPA President and Board Chair Jason Prevelige, DMSc, MBA,PA-C, DFAAPA.
“The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) thanks Representatives LaHood and Barragan for their bipartisan leadership on behalf of patients with diabetes. Every day, nurse practitioners provide high-quality care in a wide range of settings, treating patients of all ages, including those with diabetes. This legislation will create greater efficiency in our system for patients who choose an NP for their care, ensuring timely access to therapeutic shoes while also reducing administrative burdens. The time is now to pass this legislation and provide patients access to the care they need without delay,” said AANP President Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP.
Background:
Under current law, only physicians are authorized to prescribe access to therapeutic shoes for individuals with diabetes; however, physician assistants and nurse practitioners often serve as the sole providers for these patients. The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act would allow these healthcare professionals to fulfill documentation requirements for coverage of therapeutic shoes under Medicare.
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