WASHINGTON, D.C., October 28, 2019 - The Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) (S. 2080/H.R. 647). The House advanced this important legislation which would improve access to quality hospice and palliative care today.
Introduced in the House by Reps. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), Tom Reed (R-N.Y.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Greg Walden (R-Ore.), PCHETA would increase the availability and quality of care by establishing palliative care and hospice workforce training programs, creating a national education and awareness campaign about the benefits of palliative care and available services and supports, and enhancing research on improving the delivery of palliative care.
"For people with advanced dementia, specialized, team-based care improves quality of life and patient satisfaction," said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and AIM executive director. "We are thankful to the Reps. Engel and Reed for their bipartisan leadership."
PCHETA would increase the availability and quality of care by establishing palliative care and hospice workforce training programs, creating a national education and awareness campaign about the benefits of palliative care and available services and supports, and enhancing research on improving the delivery of palliative care. Today, nearly half of all people with Alzheimer's and other dementias are in hospice care at the time of their death. For people with advanced dementia, such team-based care improves quality of life, controls costs, and enhances patient satisfaction.
A companion bill introduced by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.) is pending in the Senate. The Alzheimer's Association, AIM and our advocates will continue our work to grow support for this bill and ensure its passage in the Senate.
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.
