Sewell, Smith Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Cardiac Rehabilitation Services

December 19, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - A bipartisan pair of lawmakers has introduced new federal legislation aimed at expanding access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL‑07) and Rep. Adrian Smith (NE‑03) announced the Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Act, a bill that would allow advanced practice providers-including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists-to supervise patients' day‑to‑day rehabilitation care. Supporters say the change would help address staffing shortages and improve access to life‑saving cardiovascular services.

Sewell said the legislation is especially critical for Alabama, where heart disease remains the leading cause of death.

"Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Alabama, claiming far too many lives each year," Sewell said in a statement. "As lawmakers, we must do all we can to break down barriers to care. This legislation ensures that more patients-especially those in rural and underserved communities-can receive the life‑saving cardiovascular rehab services they need to recover and reduce the risk of future cardiac events."

Smith emphasized the importance of rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from serious cardiac or pulmonary conditions, noting that many eligible individuals struggle to access them.

"Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation is a low‑cost, high‑benefit option for patients recovering from life‑threatening health conditions," Smith said. "Unfortunately, not all individuals eligible for these resources are able to access them and achieve positive health outcomes. By further empowering highly skilled providers like Nurse Practitioners, Physician Associates, and Clinical Nurse Specialists to order and supervise these programs, we can improve the lives of more seniors in rural and underserved areas like Nebraska's Third District."

If enacted, the bill would expand the pool of qualified supervisors for rehabilitation programs, a move advocates say could reduce wait times, increase program availability, and improve long‑term health outcomes for patients recovering from heart attacks, heart failure, and other serious conditions.

The legislation has drawn early support from health care organizations that argue expanded provider authority is essential to meeting growing demand for cardiovascular care nationwide.