H.R. 4425: Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act

This bill, known as the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, aims to enhance the education and training of health professionals in the area of palliative and hospice care. By establishing and funding various educational programs and initiatives, the bill seeks to improve the quality of care provided to individuals with serious or life-threatening illnesses. Here are the key provisions of the bill:

Grants and Contracts for Education Programs

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will award grants or contracts to accredited medical schools, nursing schools, and other relevant programs. These funds will support the establishment or operation of Palliative Care and Hospice Education Programs. The programs will focus on:

• Training health professionals in palliative and hospice care.
• Engaging patients and families in care processes.
• Integrating palliative care into primary and specialty care settings.
• Collaborating with community partners.

Training and Fellowship Programs

The bill establishes provisions for training programs specific to palliative medicine. Medical and osteopathic schools, teaching hospitals, and graduate medical education programs can apply for grants to fund projects aimed at training physicians in palliative care. These training programs must:

• Include full-time teaching physicians experienced in palliative medicine.
• Provide various service rotations for practical experience.
• Establish criteria to evaluate trainee competency.

Palliative Care Career Development Awards

The bill proposes to create awards known as Palliative Care and Hospice Academic Career Awards. These will be available to medical and nursing schools, aiming to promote career development for faculty specializing in hospice and palliative care. Eligible faculty members will be those who are board certified or board eligible in palliative care and have junior faculty appointments.

Palliative Care Workforce Development

Grants will also be available for entities that operate Palliative Care and Hospice Education Programs. These funds can be used for:

• Developing fellowship programs focused on interprofessional team-based palliative care training.
• Providing intensive courses for faculty and practitioners lacking formal palliative care training.

Palliative Care and Hospice Career Incentive Awards

Institutions can receive grants to encourage individuals in health professions such as nursing, social work, and physician assistant programs to enter the field of palliative care. Eligible individuals must pursue advanced degrees and agree to practice palliative care for a minimum of five years following the completion of their training.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes $15 million per year from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to implement these programs and initiatives related to palliative care education and training.

Research Enhancements

The bill includes provisions aimed at enhancing research in palliative care through the National Institutes of Health. This will involve expanding research programs to improve the quality of care and quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.

Informed Dissemination of Palliative Care Information

The Director will have the authority to disseminate information about palliative care practices and benefits, aiming to educate patients, families, and healthcare professionals on the importance of palliative care. This will include resources that describe:

• The role of palliative care professionals.
• The services offered in palliative care.
• Evidence supporting the necessity of palliative care.

Effective Date

The provisions of the bill will take effect 90 days after its enactment.

Federal Fund Restrictions

The bill clarifies that federal funds cannot be used to promote assisted dying or provide training for services that are federally unsupported.

Palliative Care Workforce Training

Additionally, the legislation includes measures to ensure that funds provided are used to support existing programs rather than replace current funding sources.

Relevant Companies

• UHS (Universal Health Services, Inc.): As a healthcare service provider, UHS may be involved in palliative care training and implementation programs, potentially impacting its operations and training facilities.
• HCA (HCA Healthcare, Inc.): This hospital operator could see changes in training programs and employee development related to palliative care, aligning with the bill's educational focus.
• AMED (Amedisys, Inc.): As a provider of home health care and hospice services, Amedisys may experience shifts in training and care practices as the emphasis on palliative care increases.