I CAN Act

Senate Bill

S. 575

119th Congress

I CAN Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 13, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Jeff Merkley

D - OR

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Health

Summary

This bill allows nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists to provide more services under Medicare and Medicaid that previously required physician involvement. Changes include allowing them to document diabetic shoe needs, supervise rehabilitation programs, and certify inpatient hospital stays.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill allows nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists to provide more services under Medicare and Medicaid that previously required physician involvement. Changes include allowing them to document diabetic shoe needs, supervise rehabilitation programs, and certify inpatient hospital stays.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act or the I CAN Act This bill allows other health care providers besides physicians (e.g., nurses) to provide certain services under Medicare and Medicaid. Among other changes, the bill (1) allows a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to fulfill documentation requirements for Medicare coverage of special shoes for diabetic individuals; (2) expedites the ability of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to supervise Medicare cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs; and (3) allows nurse practitioners to certify the need for inpatient hospital services under Medicare and Medicaid.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Expands services nurses can provide under Medicare and Medicaid
Allows nurse practitioners to certify inpatient hospital needs
Permits PAs and NPs to supervise cardiac rehab programs
Enables NPs or PAs to document diabetic shoe requirements
Reduces physician-only requirements for certain services

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Patients could receive more services from nurses and physician assistants without needing to see a physician first. This could improve access to care, especially in rural areas with physician shortages, while reducing administrative barriers.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Health

Related Subjects

Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Blood and blood diseases

Cardiovascular and respiratory health

Civil actions and liability

Department of Health and Human Services

Drug therapy

Health care costs and insurance

Health care coverage and access

Health personnel

Health technology, devices, supplies

+9 more

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

575, 119th Congress (2025). "I CAN Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-575