The vast majority of Senators sent a letter Monday to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson asking him to delay the July 1 implementation date set for the “75% rule” on inpatient rehabilitation care. House members are circulating a similar letter for signatures.

The 82 Senators wrote that the rule could jeopardize patients’ access to care unless it is delayed. The delay would give the Institute of Medicine time to find more clinically appropriate criteria.

House Reps. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), John Tanner (D-TN), and Nita Lowey (D-NY) plan to send a similar letter to Secretary Thompson early this week.