Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act
Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of HR 4185: Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act **What the bill would do:** This bill would expand what clinical social workers can do under Medicare (the federal health insurance program for seniors and some disabled people). Currently, Medicare only pays for clinical social workers to provide services related to diagnosing or treating mental illness. The bill would allow them to provide any services that their state licenses them to perform, which could include broader health and wellness services beyond just mental health care. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects seniors and disabled people covered by Medicare, as well as clinical social workers who want to offer a wider range of services.
It could also impact healthcare systems and insurance costs, since Medicare would potentially cover more services performed by social workers. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA).
CRS Official Summary
Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings ActThis bill expands the scope of services that may be performed by clinical social workers under Medicare. Specifically, the bill allows clinical social workers to furnish any services that they are authorized to furnish under state law, rather than only services that relate to diagnosing or treating mental illnesses.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.