AANP Supports ICAN Act, Advocates for Expanded NP Care Access at Health Policy Conference
Maya Blumenfeld | Clinical Advisor
?
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) shows support for the ICAN Act, a bill that improves health care access by removing restrictions on NPs to provide services to Medicare and Medicaid patients.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) endorsed the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act in a press release on February 14. The ICAN Act, a bipartisan bill introduced in both the US House and Senate, aims to improve health care access by removing federal restrictions that limit nurse practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) from providing care for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
?
?
According to recent data released by AANP, the number of NPs is growing. By the end of 2024, the country saw an increase of nearly 12%, with 431,410 NPs in 2024 compared to 385,358 in 2023. Currently, 40% of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries receive care from NPs, a figure that continues to rise as this clinician group fills gaps in the health care system.
?
The ICAN Act proposes essential changes to give NPs more autonomy in providing necessary care most efficiently. It allows NPs to order cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, certify and recertify the need for hospice in terminally ill patients, and conduct mandatory examinations in skilled nursing facilities, among other services.
?
In the press release, AANP President Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP, highlighted the urgency of this bill, stating, “This important legislation takes a necessary step toward modernizing outdated policies that limit patient access to timely care. Nurse practitioners are essential providers in our nation’s health care system and removing these barriers ensures patients can receive the high-quality care they need—when and where they need it.”
?
Approaching quickly is AANP’s annual Health Policy Conference, which will take place in Washington, DC, from March 2 to March 4, 2025. With 340 NPs in attendance, the sold-out event will allow participants from across the country to engage with health policy leaders and lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss legislative priorities that may shape the future of NPs, including the ICAN Act.
?
“As our numbers grow, so does our responsibility to lead transformative policy change,” said Dr Ferrara. “Now is the time for Congress to act. By passing the ICAN Act, lawmakers can help ensure Medicare and Medicaid patients receive the comprehensive, patient-centered care they deserve.”