Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter and Ami Bera, M.D., have introduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). This bipartisan legislation aims to invest in training, education, and research for the palliative care and hospice workforce, facilitating more practitioners to enter these fields.
Palliative and hospice care are designed to provide comfort and improve the quality of life for seriously ill patients. Rep. Carter emphasized the importance of supporting healthcare workers: “Caring for someone living with serious illness or at the end of their life is one of the most compassionate, selfless things one can do, and we must ensure that these heroes have the assistance, training, education, and tools available to provide the highest quality care possible.”
Rep. Bera added his perspective as a doctor: “The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act is a smart, bipartisan step to ensure more health care professionals are trained to deliver this kind of care.”
The bill addresses workforce challenges by expanding training programs amid increasing demand for palliative care services. In 2001, only 7% of U.S. hospitals with over 50 beds had a palliative care program; this number rose to 72% by 2019.
Kristina Newport from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine praised the bill: “As we face a critical shortage of health professionals with expert knowledge and skills in palliative care, AAHPM applauds Representatives Carter and Bera for their leadership.”
Lisa A. Lacasse from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network also supported the initiative: “Ensuring health care providers can be trained in this specialized form of care…can help increase access to palliative care for cancer patients.”
Dr. Steve Landers from the National Alliance for Care at Home highlighted its significance: “Every person living with serious illness or facing the end of life deserves compassionate, expert care that honors their choices.”
The bill has backing from numerous organizations across various sectors.
