HR 941 Receives More Support from the CF Community Decision

May 12, 2011

A week or so ago we told you about a letter sent from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to members of Congress asking them to support our Medicare Respiratory Therapy Initiative, currently pending in the House of Representatives as HR 941.

The bill would significantly improve access to qualified respiratory therapists in physicians offices and other outpatient settings by including RTs under Medicare Part B.

Now the Cystic Fibrosis Institute is adding its voice to the support. CFI Founder and CEO Steven R. Boas, MD, recently wrote a letter to Congress about the value that HR 941 would bring to Americans living with CF.

“On behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Institute and the individuals and families we serve, we would like to convey our support for the passage of the Medicare Respiratory Therapy Initiative Act,” he wrote. He went on to note that “studies have shown the benefit of respiratory therapists in helping to reduce hospital admissions and improving the quality of life for those with pulmonary diseases,” emphasizing that “this legislation will expand patient access to this important member of the healthcare team.”