WASHINGTON, D.C., July 12, 2018 - The House Energy & Commerce Committee today unanimously moved the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) (S. 693/H.R. 1676) out of committee today. Endorsed by the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), PCHETA is critical legislation that would ensure an adequate, well-trained palliative care workforce through workforce training, education and awareness, and enhanced research.
Among seniors in hospice care, nearly 1 in 5 has a primary hospice diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another dementia. And, nearly half of all people with Alzheimer's and other dementias are in hospice care at the time of their death. Yet less than half of surveyed nursing homes have some sort of palliative care program.
"For people with advanced stages of Alzheimer's and other diseases, palliative care and hospice instrumental resources to help manage and ease symptoms, reduce pain and stress and improve quality of life," said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association Chief Public Policy Officer and AIM Executive Director. "As the demand for this care continues to grow it is critical that our nation has a prepared, well-trained workforce. We thank Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) for advancing PCHETA and hope Congress will pass this important legislation."
PCHETA was introduced by Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY), Representative Tom Reed (R-NY), Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and is a top legislative priority of the Alzheimer's Association and AIM. If signed into law, PCHETA would establish workforce training programs, create a national education and awareness campaign to inform the public about services and supports, and enhance research on improving delivery of palliative care. Studies have concluded that hospitalization is not recommended for individuals with advanced dementia due to the significant burdens of aggressive treatment and the difficulty of pain management for those who cannot communicate in the hospital setting.
Today more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. Learn more at alz.org and alzimpact.org.
Alzheimer's Association ®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.org.
