MOSSA Act

House Bill

H.R. 4878

119th Congress

MOSSA Act

In Committee

Introduced:Aug 5, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Earl L. Carter

Representative

Republican

GA-1

Cosponsors

28

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Health

Summary

The EMPOWER Act would allow physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants to provide more services to Medicare patients without needing additional supervision from doctors or physical therapists. The bill aims to increase access to these services, especially in rural areas.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The EMPOWER Act would allow physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants to provide more services to Medicare patients without needing additional supervision from doctors or physical therapists. The bill aims to increase access to these services, especially in rural areas.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Enabling More of the Physical and Occupational Workforce to Engage in Rehabilitation Act or the EMPOWER Act This bill prohibits the supervision requirements for physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants for covered outpatient services under Medicare from being different from supervision requirements under state law. The Government Accountability Office must report on the impact of Medicare payment differentials for such services in rural areas.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

The bill would prevent Medicare from requiring more supervision for physical and occupational therapy assistants than what is required under state law.
It would require the Government Accountability Office to study the impact of Medicare payment differences for these services in rural areas.
The goal is to enable more of the physical and occupational therapy workforce to provide rehabilitation services to Medicare patients.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would primarily affect Medicare patients, especially those in rural areas, by potentially increasing their access to physical and occupational therapy services. It could also impact physical and occupational therapy assistants by giving them more flexibility in the services they can provide. Additionally, healthcare providers in rural areas may benefit from the ability to utilize their workforce more efficiently.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Health

Related Subjects

Government studies and investigations

Health care coverage and access

Health personnel

Home and outpatient care

Medicare

Rural conditions and development

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

4878, 119th Congress (2025). "MOSSA Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-4878