Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025

# Summary: Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025 **What the bill would do:** This legislation would expand Medicare coverage for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs by allowing more types of healthcare providers to deliver these services. Currently, these rehabilitation programs may be limited in where and by whom they can be provided. The bill would permit physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to run these programs in their own offices, create treatment plans, and prescribe exercise routines for patients—roles traditionally restricted to physicians. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts Medicare beneficiaries (people 65 and older, plus some younger disabled individuals) who need heart or lung rehabilitation after cardiac events or procedures.

It also affects these healthcare providers by expanding their scope of practice, and potentially healthcare facilities that offer rehabilitation services. The broader goal is to make rehabilitation programs more accessible, especially in areas where cardiologists or specialized rehabilitation centers may be scarce. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a West Virginia Republican.