Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, introduced the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act. This bipartisan legislation would improve care for patients with diabetes by allowing nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician associates/physician assistants (PAs) – who often act as sole primary care providers for many patients with diabetes – to prescribe therapeutic shoes.
Diabetes can often lead to health complications, such as foot ulcers and calluses, and can even necessitate the amputation of toes, legs, and feet. In addition to managing the disease through physical activity, diet, and medication, diabetic patients often benefit from the use of therapeutic shoes, which are an important preventive measure to mitigate these complications.
“Therapeutic shoes are a proven method for preventing costly and painful complications related to diabetes, yet current Medicare regulations force patients to endure a time-consuming process to obtain them,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan legislation would allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify their patients’ need for this important treatment method, saving patients time and allowing them to keep their current medical provider.”
“Ensuring patients with diabetes can access the full range of treatments in a timely manner is critical to helping them manage their diabetes and prevent medical emergencies,” said Senator Shaheen. “Therapeutic shoes can help put a stop to a number of complications caused by diabetes — so it’s only commonsense to clear the way for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe these life-changing shoes for their patients.”
“On behalf of more than 431,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) nationwide, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) thanks Senators Collins and Shaheen for their leadership on the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act,” said American Association of Nurse Practitioners President Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP. “This legislation will authorize NPs to continue providing high-quality, cost-effective care for their Medicare patients with diabetes. By introducing this important legislation, Senators Collins and Shaheen have renewed their commitment to remove outdated barriers to care, improve patient access, and empower patients with diabetes to continue receiving care from their provider of choice.”
“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 Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen 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 American Academy of Physician Associates President and Board Chair Jason Prevelige, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA.
While NPs and PAs often act as sole primary care providers for patients with diabetes – particularly those in underserved and rural communities – current law requires that they send their diabetic patients on Medicare who need therapeutic shoes to a physician who will certify that they do in fact need these shoes. The physician is then required to become the provider managing the patient’s diabetic condition moving forward. Not only does the current law impose additional costs on the Medicare program by requiring the participation of an additional provider, it can also result in delays for patients in underserved and rural areas which could jeopardize their overall health. This bill would authorize NPs and PAs to certify a Medicare beneficiary’s need for therapeutic shoes, improving timeliness and access to care while reducing costs.
The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act is endorsed by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Physician Associates.
The full text of this legislation can be read here.
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