Image of male nurse pushing senior woman in a wheelchair in nursing facility

The House of Representatives was expected to vote Thursday on the Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations bill, which includes important provisions for many long-term care providers. Among them, is a provision imposing a moratorium on enforcement of the “75% Rule,” which sets criteria inpatient rehabilitation facilities must meet to qualify for payment as an IRF under Medicare.

The provision would require the General Accounting Office to conduct a study to assess the impact the 75% rule would have on rehabilitation services. A moratorium would take effect upon passage of the legislation and continue until 60 days after the GAO completes the study.

The amendment also asks the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take into account the GAO recommendations when reissuing the 75% rule.

The amendment is sponsored by Reps. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Zach Wamp (R-TN) and Nita Lowey (D-NY).