17 May 2011

Low Impact, High Results: TOPS Encourages Walking for Fitness

By Kimberly Greene
MILWAUKEE, WI - May 17, 2011 - National Senior Health and Fitness Day is May 25 and TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, and its members are offering their expertise and suggestions to help Americans reshape their bodies and lifestyles in the journey towards a lifetime of good health.

According to Amy Goldwater, M.S., educator, former body building champion, and physical fitness expert for TOPS, scientific studies indicate that the more active people are, the greater their life expectancy. "Scientists believe that a healthy, active lifestyle allows people to live a vibrant life - a physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially active, and functionally independent existence. These are the rewards of a wellness way of life," she says.

For those who are looking for a way to begin on the path to good health, TOPS suggests starting with a walking program. Walking is a slow and easy way to ease the body into a higher level of fitness.  It is accessible to most everyone, doesn't require any special equipment or practice, and offers a long list of health benefits, including:

• Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
• Lowering blood pressure
• Reducing the risk of, or managing, type 2 diabetes
• Preventing osteoporosis
• Managing weight
• Improving mood

According to TOPS, speed is not as important as one might think.  For example, recent research indicates that walking at a normal, brisk pace can reduce the risk of heart attack by nearly the same amount as jogging or another aerobic activity.

Even though walking is a low impact activity and sustaining a serious injury is unlikely, it is important to prepare for this exercise to prevent things like blisters or muscle pain.  For this reason, one should wear comfortable footwear with arch support, a firm heel, and thick but flexible soles. Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes in layers and dress for the weather and the time of day you are walking. Good posture is important. It is also important to begin slowly, to warm up the muscles, and to stretch your muscles before and after your walk.

Here are a few other things to remember when taking the first steps toward fitness:

• It's okay to start slowly, especially if a fitness routine is new. Set defined goals of time and distance and stick to them.  Then slowly increase the time and distance to 30 to 60 minutes several times a week.
• Measure the intensity of the workout by monitoring heart rate. This can be done manually by checking the pulse in the wrist or neck or with an electronic device. Knowing the intensity of the workout will help to maximize its effect on the body.
• Set realistic goals that are attainable.  Again, starting slowly may be best for those just beginning a fitness routine.
• Keep track of the number of steps taken or the distance walked as a source of motivation.  Consider a walking journal or automated pedometer to keep this record.
• Bring a friend along if you don't like to walk alone.
• Take different routes to avoid monotony.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 63 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success.  Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, visit www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.

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17 May 2011

Nursing Home Lobbying Group Seeking Exemption from Health Law Contributed $4.5M in Last Decade

By Pamela Helsey

May 17, 2011 - Nursing homes are seeking exemptions from the new health care law, claiming an inability to fund new insurance coverage mandates, according to the New York Times.

According to analysis conducted by MapLight, over the past decade (Jan 1. 2001-Dec. 31 2010):

Breakdown by Party per Election Cycle

A closer look at contributions from nursing homes shows that their contributions to senators are fairly evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats within each cycle, but contributions to House members vary according to which party is in power. While there was only one cycle in the last five in which either party in the Senate received more than 53% of nursing home contributions (57% to Democrats in the 2004 cycle), the party in control of the House of Representatives never received less than 58% of nursing home contributions to House members.

U.S. Congress:


 2002 cycle 2004 cycle 2006 cycle 2008 cycle 2010 cycle Total
Democrat $ 613,233 $ 721,390 $ 970,863 $ 2,004,041 $ 1,953,872 $ 6,263,399
Republican $ 830,049 $ 940,655 $ 1,394,633 $ 1,406,510 $ 1,542,818 $ 6,114,665
Total $ 1,443,282 $ 1,662,045 $ 2,365,496 $ 3,410,551 $ 3,496,690 $12,378,064
Democrat % 42% 43% 41% 59% 56% 51%
Republican % 58% 57% 59% 41% 44% 49%

House of Representatives:


 2002 cycle 2004 cycle 2006 cycle 2008 cycle 2010 cycle Total
Democrat $ 324,254 $ 310,385 $ 562,863 $ 1,179,870 $ 1,352,552 $ 3,729,924
Republican $ 532,599 $ 631,371 $ 1,005,807 $ 688,485 $ 997,385 $ 3,855,647
Total $ 856,853 $ 941,756 $ 1,568,670 $ 1,868,355 $ 2,349,937 $ 7,585,571
Democrat % 38% 33% 36% 63% 58% 49%
Republican % 62% 67% 64% 37% 42% 51%

Senate:


 2002 cycle 2004 cycle 2006 cycle 2008 cycle 2010 cycle Total
Democrat $ 288,979 $ 411,005 $ 408,000 $ 824,171 $ 601,320 $ 2,533,475
Republican $ 297,450 $ 309,284 $ 388,826 $ 718,025 $ 545,433 $ 2,259,018
Total $ 586,429 $ 720,289 $ 796,826 $ 1,542,196 $ 1,146,753 $ 4,792,493
Democrat % 49% 57% 51% 53% 52% 53%
Republican % 51% 43% 49% 47% 48% 47%

Monetary and non-monetary contributions to candidate campaign committees of legislators serving in the 109th, 110th, 111th and 112th Congresses. Contributions data provided by the Center for Responsive Politics ( OpenSecrets.org). Contribution totals are based on campaign contribution figures connected to the nursing home industry as established by the Center for Responsive Politics.

A link to this data release can be found here.

16 May 2011

In Iowa's Interest: Celebrating the Promise of Cancer Research

By Rick Martin
By Senator Tom Harkin


May is Cancer Research Month - a time for our country to pause and recognize the landmark accomplishments and life-saving promise of this critical research.  And, we are reminded during this month, that one of the best ways we can fight this epidemic and save lives is to continue to research cures, causes, treatments and prevention tools.

Despite the advancements that have been made in recent years, cancer remains one of the greatest health concerns in our nation.  It is estimated that in 2010, over 1.5 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer in the United States, causing more than 550,000 deaths.  This makes cancer the second most common cause of death in this country. In Iowa in 2010, an estimated 6,400 Iowans will die from cancer, 14 times the number caused by auto fatalities.

In the past years, we have made great strides. Early detection has increased survival rates and new tools have greatly improved the five-year survival rate for many types of cancer, but there is still much work to be done.  That is why as Chairman of both the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds medical research, and as Chairman of the Committee that oversees health initiatives, I have actively fought to provide funding at both the national and local levels for cancer research, screening and prevention initiatives. In fiscal year 2011, the National Institutes of Health will fund $5.8 billion in cancer research.  And last year, I secured $370 million for cancer screening and prevention efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Out of those funds, Iowa runs the Iowa Gets Screened program and Care For Yourself programs, which provide free or low-cost screening for colon, breast and cervical cancers. Iowa schools and institutions such as the University of Iowa are also helping to lead the way in cancer research, and I have been honored to help secure nearly $21 million in NIH funding in 2010 for critical research into lung, prostrate and pancreatic cancer, as well as the role of nutrition in cancer prevention.

With Congress focusing on deficit reduction and cost-cutting it will be tempting for some to reduce funding for cancer research that can lead to better treatments, better screening tools and more effective prevention of cancer. But as a nation, we cannot afford to put transformative science on hold, particularly now, when strong investments in medical research could pay extraordinary dividends to our health and economic well-being. Even when considered in purely economic terms, it is estimated that every one percent decline in cancer mortality saves the United States economy $500 billion. I will fight to ensure that critical funding for cancer research is not cut.

For more information please feel free to contact any of my offices or visit my website at harkin.senate.gov.

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10 May 2011

Nursing home residents given antipsychotic drugs for off-label uses, report shows

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - May 9, 2011 - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Herb Kohl of Wisconsin wrote to the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in response to a new report showing that 88 percent of the powerful antipsychotic drugs being prescribed to nursing home residents with dementia were for uses that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

"Nursing home residents are getting antipsychotic drugs for dementia, not psychoses," Grassley said.  "No one seems to have a good handle on whether the patients are benefiting from these medicines or whether they're being prescribed drugs that don't help and might even harm them.  The government needs to do a better job of protecting nursing home residents from unnecessary drugs.  I'll continue to work to hold the Medicare program and nursing homes accountable for the quality of care delivered to nursing home patients."

"Late last year we convened a panel of national experts on Alzheimer's and they told us that we must do a better job of providing care to the rapidly growing number of elders with dementia who live in our nation's nursing homes," Kohl said.  "As these experts told us, and as the HHS OIG report confirms, Alzheimer's patients who do not have a diagnosis of psychosis can be seriously harmed by this class of drugs. CMS must find ways to encourage the medical community to use appropriate non-pharmacological treatments for these patients, who deserve to lead dignified lives."

Grassley and Kohl commented on a report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  The report titled, "Medicare Atypical Antipsychotic Drug Claims for Elderly Nursing Home Residents," was requested by Grassley in December 2007.

The Inspector General found that 88 percent of the powerful antipsychotic drugs being prescribed to nursing home residents with dementia were for uses that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, even though the drug labels contain "black box warnings" of an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia. The report also shows that 22 percent of the nursing homes failed to meet federal standards on unnecessary drug use in nursing homes. Further, more than half of the claims for atypical antipsychotic drugs were improperly paid.

Grassley and Kohl wrote to the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, seeking a description of the agency's actions to protect nursing home residents from unnecessary off-label antipsychotic prescriptions and to protect the taxpayers from improper payments for these drugs.  The text of their letter is available here.  The text of the report is available here.

Grassley and Kohl have long worked together to safeguard nursing home residents and more broadly, to inject transparency into the financial relationships between drug makers and doctors.  Last year, their Physician Payments Sunshine Act became law and will require, beginning in 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services to post on a public website newly reported payments that drug, device and biologic makers make to physicians.

 

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10 May 2011

Grassley Works to Improve Access to Health Care for Veterans

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today introduced legislation with Senator Mark Begich of Alaska to waive co-payments for veterans for telehealth and telemedicine visits.

"Telemedicine can help rural residents access health care services that otherwise might be out of reach.  This legislation is designed to make sure veterans are able to take advantage of telehealth's valuable, cost-effective services," Grassley said.  "Based on the fact that telehealth services continue to improve, and that telehealth reduces overall costs for the VA, our bill is a win-win for veterans and taxpayers."

The proposed legislation would waive copayments, which can be as high as $50 per visit, for telehealth appointments.  "Waiving the payments would lessen the burden on veterans and encourage more veterans to take advantage of telehealth programs, improving their ability to manage health issues and have a better quality of life," Grassley said.

According to the Veterans Health Administration, telehealth programs have demonstrated reduced hospital admissions and clinic and emergency room visits.

Thousands of Iowa veterans are enrolled in Care Coordination Home Telehealth, Clinical Video Telehealth, and Teleretinal Imaging telehealth programs in Iowa.

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09 May 2011

Local Not-For-Profit Begins Construction on New Nursing Facility

By Erin McConaughey

Kahl Home to Build New 135-Bed Skilled Nursing Home

Davenport, IA - A ground-blessing ceremony will be held this week to commemorate the early stages of construction on the new Kahl Home senior living facility, located at 6701 Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport, IA on Thursday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m. Participating in the ceremony will be Bishop Martin Amos, Bishop of the Davenport Diocese and Mother M. Mark Louis Anne Randall, O.Carm., Superior General of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, Germantown, NY, that sponsors the Kahl Home for the Aged and Infirm. Press is invited to attend.

The Kahl Home will be a new 138,000 square foot multi-story nursing facility located on a 40 acre site. The building will contain a total of 135 licensed nursing home beds in six nursing units of 22-23 beds each. Each nursing unit will have its own dining area and home-like resident common space. The building will contain a spacious atrium area with a café, pub, and gift shop, in addition to administrative areas, kitchen, physical plant, support services, chapel and a convent. Construction of the new $28,000,000 facility started in October 2010 and is scheduled to be completed by May 2012.

This is Phase One of a long range planned continuing care retirement campus. The current project is the skilled nursing facility, including a dedicated Medicare wing for short term rehabilitation, chapel and convent. Placed throughout the project will be several formal open spaces, such as gardens, plazas, and courtyards. Informal open spaces will occur throughout this site in addition to walking trails, lawns and water features.

Established in 1955, the original Kahl Home housed 21 female residents. As a waiting list for the facility grew, it was immediately apparent that additional space was needed to accommodate those seeking admittance. Additions to the Kahl Home were constructed in 1963 and again in 1987 bringing the total licensed bed capacity to 135 residents. The entire existing facility will be replaced by the new project with the planned disposition of the existing facility.

The Kahl Home's motto, "The Difference is Love" is strongly rooted in their mission, vision and values for the organization. The Carmelite Sisters and the staff of the Kahl Home are committed to providing services that meet all of the physical, spiritual, recreational, and psychosocial needs of the individual residents. The Kahl Home provides widespread services to its residents including 24-hour nursing care, long-term and short-term rehabilitation care, Alzheimer and Dementia care, hospice care, speech therapies, psychosocial counseling, adaptive computer labs, and daily Mass. Each team member works together with residents and their families to identify and meet each person's individual needs, and do so by upholding the resident's dignity and encouraging their independence. For more information on the Kahl Home, please visit their website at www.kahlhomedav.com.

This ground blessing also marks the beginning of a $5 million area-wide capital campaign. Some early commitments have been secured, including an anonymous gift of $1 million. Rosalie Thomas, Administrator of Kahl Home states "We are deeply grateful for the $1 million lead gift and for the gifts of those other early donors that have stepped forward. We believe others will respond generously in recognition of the commitment of the Carmelite Sisters and the high quality of care provided by the Kahl Home over the past 55 years. We are completing the enlistment of our campaign leaders and will announce the team in the very near future."

Russell Construction, located in Davenport, IA, is serving as the Construction Manager on this project. THW Design, located in Atlanta, GA is serving as the Architect. For more information on Russell Construction, please visit their website at www.russellco.com.

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09 May 2011

Harkin, Snowe Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Financially Strained Americans Afford Hearing Aids

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) today introduced legislation to help individuals with hearing loss purchase hearing aids.  The bipartisan Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act seeks to provide a $500 credit for the purchase of hearing aids for both adults and children.  Hearing loss is a serious problem for millions of Americans, as are the financial costs of hearing aids.  68 percent of those with hearing loss cite financial constraints as a core reason for not seeking treatment and only about 25 percent of people with hearing loss actually use a hearing aid, even though 95 percent of people with hearing loss can be successfully treated with hearing aids.  The $500 credit allowed under the bill would apply for each hearing aid, and it would be available every five years.  Co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

"Growing up with a brother who was deaf, I saw firsthand the challenges that individuals with hearing loss faces every day.  For many, the solution is as simple as getting a hearing aid, but sadly, many Americans are not able to afford this life-changing device," said Senator Harkin. "We must do more to help people who cannot afford hearing aids to live happier, more productive lives.  This bill makes long-term economic sense and improves the lives of our friends, family members, and neighbors with hearing loss."

"Hearing aids make a world of difference for the millions of Americans who suffer from hearing loss, yet limited health care coverage of these vital devices leave many patients unable to benefit from this essential medical care," said Senator Snowe.  "For patients who rely on these devices to better interact with their families and their communities, access to these devices can significantly improve their quality of life and productivity."

Currently, hearing aids are excluded from Medicare coverage, and 61 percent of all hearing aid purchases involve no third party payment.  The average cost for a hearing aid in 2008 was $1,675 per ear, including fitting, evaluation, and post-fitting treatment.  80 percent of people require two devices.  The lack of action to provide hearing aids to Americans who need them has consequences including:

• Children who do not receive early intervention cost schools an additional $420,000 and are faced with overall lifetime costs of $1 million in special education, lost wages, and health complications.  Children can be fitted with hearing aids soon after birth.

• A 2005 survey of 80,000 households by the Better Hearing Institute indicated that untreated hearing loss results in an average loss of income per household of up to $12,000/year.  

• For seniors, a 1999 National Council on the Aging (NCOA) study demonstrated that untreated hearing loss often results in distorted communication, isolation, withdrawal, depression, anger and severely reduced overall psychological health.
09 May 2011

Harkin Joins 49 Senators in Opposing Medicare Privatization

By Sen. Tom Harkin

Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), yesterday joined Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and 48 other Senators in writing to President Barack Obama to express opposition to the privatization of Medicare that is contained in the U.S. House Republican budget proposal.   The letter was forwarded to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor to demonstrate that the Republican plan will not make it through the Senate.

"The House Republican budget for Fiscal Year 2012 would end Medicare as we know it and throw seniors into the private market with no more than an insufficient voucher to offset the rising cost of private health insurance," the letter states. "So-called 'premium support' - giving seniors a voucher of approximately $8,000 as proposed by the Republican budget - is a reckless and irresponsible way to address the health care needs of older Americans.  And it is an unacceptable means by which to finance tax cuts for those who are earning ten times or more than the retirement income of the average Medicare recipient."  

A copy of the letter sent to the President is below.


The Honorable Barack Obama
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500


Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to commend you for your opposition to turning Medicare into a voucher system as proposed in the House Republican's FY2012 budget.  Since the enactment of Medicare in 1965, America's seniors have no longer lived in fear of losing affordable, comprehensive health insurance when they retire.  Unfortunately, some in Congress want to dismantle Medicare in order to help offset the costs of tax cuts for the very wealthiest in our country.

The House Republican budget for Fiscal Year 2012 would end Medicare as we know it and throw seniors into the private market with no more than an insufficient voucher to offset the rising cost of private health insurance.  So-called "premium support" - giving  seniors a voucher of approximately $8,000 as proposed by the Republican budget - is a reckless and irresponsible way to address the health care needs of older Americans.  And it is an unacceptable means by which to finance tax cuts for those who are earning ten times or more than the retirement income of the average Medicare recipient.  

Seniors, who have paid into the system their entire working lives, deserve affordable, secure health coverage upon retirement.  According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in the first year of the voucher program, out-of-pocket expenses for seniors would double under the Republican plan to more than $12,500 annually.  For seniors on a fixed income, a doubling of out-of-pocket expenses is simply unaffordable, particularly when the average Social Security benefit is only $14,000 per year.  

The Republican budget proposal would not keep pace with the rate of inflation for health care, meaning seniors would pay ever higher out-of-pocket costs.  Under the proposal, the annual increase for the vouchers will fall short of the actual rate of inflation for health care - meaning out-of-pocket expenses for seniors will continue to soar. And to make matters worse, the Republican budget would repeal the only credible means of restraining health care costs - the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 

While deficit reduction is essential, balancing the budget by dismantling Medicare is both unfair to hard-working Americans and counterproductive.  Seniors who are unable to afford Medicare or its equivalent will skip preventive services, not take necessary medication, and delay treatment leading to potentially undetected illnesses and more expensive care.  If Medicare is turned into a voucher system and the health reform law is dismantled, millions of seniors will be left under- or uninsured.  This will add to the burden on our nation's already overwhelmed emergency rooms and result in increased demands on Medicaid as seniors exhaust their life savings.  

Before the passage of Medicare, only half of America's seniors had health insurance, and most of those with insurance only had coverage for inpatient hospital costs.  Additionally, approximately 30 percent of seniors lived below the poverty line before Medicare.  Now, only 1.8 percent lack health coverage and less than 9 percent live below the poverty line. We cannot afford to reverse these gains through the ultimate form of rationing health care for seniors: the replacement of Medicare as we know it with insufficient vouchers for private health coverage.

We urge you to protect America's seniors and oppose any attempts to dismantle Medicare.


Sincerely,

Senator Sherrod Brown
Senator Harry Reid
Senator Tom Harkin
Senator Max Baucus
Senator Jon Tester
Senator Mark Begich
Senator Jeff Merkley
Senator Jack Reed
Senator Patrick Leahy
Senator Barbara Mikulski
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator John F. Kerry
Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka
Senator Barbara Boxer
Senator Jeff Bingaman
Senator Charles E. Schumer
Senator Bernard Sanders
Senator Mark Udall
Senator Robert Menendez
Senator Debbie Stabenow
Senator Kent Conrad
Senator Ron Wyden
Senator Tim Johnson
Senator Richard Blumenthal
Senator Mary Landrieu
Senator Frank R. Lautenberg
Senator Dick Durbin
Senator Al Franken
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator Patty Murray
Senator Chris Coons
Senator Daniel Inouye
Senator Mark Warner
Senator Michael Bennet
Senator Joe Manchin
Senator Claire McCaskill
Senator John D. Rockefeller IV
Senator Robert P. Casey Jr.
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Senator Tom Udall
Senator Herb Kohl
Senator Ben Nelson
Senator Jim Webb
Senator Maria Cantwell
Senator Kay Hagan
Senator Mark Pryor
Senator Bill Nelson
09 May 2011

Grassley and Conrad Push For Better Access To Quality Rural Health Care

By Grassley Press

Washington -- May 5, 2011 - Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) are working to make it easier to receive quality health care in rural areas throughout our nation.  Today, the Senators introduced bipartisan legislation to allow physician assistants to serve Medicare hospice patients.

In some rural areas, physician assistants may be the only health care professional available.  Physician assistants can provide care to Medicare patients until the point when hospice care is needed, and patients must then find an alternative provider.  This can disrupt the continuity of care at a time when the Medicare patient is most vulnerable.

Grassley and Conrad introduced the Medicare Hospice Care Access Act of 2011, which would allow physician assistants to provide hospice care to their patients who elect Medicare's hospice benefit.  For individuals and families who rely on physician assistants as their principal health care professional, this legislation promises continuity of quality medical care when the Medicare beneficiaries and their families are most in need.

"It makes sense to allow patients to continue to see the same health care provider through hospice care," Grassley said.  "Patients benefit when they continue to see the health care professionals who know them.  This provision is especially important for rural areas, where physician assistants provide a lot of direct care, and where access to providers is always a challenge."

"We cannot apply a one-size-fits-all approach to health care in this country.  Physician assistants are a crucial part of the health care system in North Dakota and other rural areas.  They provide quality health care to our seniors and should be allowed to continue when the patient transitions to hospice care. This legislation will make this transition easier and allow physician assistants to continue to provide these patients with quality care throughout the process," Conrad said.

The physician assistants profession was created more than forty years ago in response to a shortage of primary care physicians. Today, more than 75,000 physician assistants provide high quality, cost-effective medical care.  It is estimated that in 2009 alone, nearly 300 million patient visits were made to physician assistants, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants.  Medicare coverage was originally extended to physician assistants through the 1977 Rural Health Clinic Services Act, but the program has never been updated to allow physician assistants to deliver hospice care.

Grassley and Conrad are both on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over health care legislation.

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02 May 2011

Braley Statement on U.S. Appeals Court Stem Cell Decision

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of allowing the federal government to keep funding human embryonic stem cell research:

 

"I applaud the court's decision in this important case. Stem cell research has the possibility of leading to cures for illnesses such as diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. For me, this isn't a Republican or Democratic issue - it's a personal one. My own nephew suffers from juvenile diabetes, and I stand with former First Lady Nancy Reagan in support of the research that might one day save his life."

 

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