Manatee Review

Washington - Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan and Congresswoman Kathy Castor have introduced the At Home Observation and Medical Evaluation (HOME) Services Act in an effort to expand the scope of hospital-at-home care in the United States. This legislation has been designed to lower costs for patients while ensuring they receive quality care in the comfort of their own homes.

The HOME Services Act is seen as a crucial step in addressing healthcare challenges, as highlighted by Congressman Buchanan, who stated, “This commonsense legislation builds upon the incredible success individuals have seen in hospital-at-home programs.” He emphasized the importance of patients receiving the level of care they need and deserve in familiar surroundings.

Congresswoman Castor praised the initiative, acknowledging the leading role hospitals in Tampa Bay have played in providing high-quality care. She expressed gratitude for the bipartisan legislation, noting that it will allow local providers to expand services into patients' homes, ultimately benefiting the community by freeing up hospital beds for those in greater need.

Industry leaders have voiced their support for the HOME Services Act, recognizing the potential for improved healthcare delivery. Mary Mayhew, President & CEO of the Florida Hospital Association, commended the legislation for enabling health care providers to enhance patient care through innovative models such as hospital-at-home programs.

Stephanie Conners, President and CEO of BayCare, highlighted the importance of including observation status patients in hospital-at-home care to expand service offerings and improve patient comfort. Similarly, Moffitt Cancer Center and Tampa General Hospital expressed gratitude for the bill, citing its potential to leverage virtual care and enhance patient outcomes.

The introduction of the HOME Services Act marks a significant milestone in healthcare legislation, aiming to enhance patient experiences, improve outcomes, and reduce costs through the expansion of hospital-at-home care.