Walden Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Training for Palliative Care Professionals

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River), along with a group of bipartisan lawmakers, today introduced legislation that aims to strengthen workforce training for palliative care professionals. “This is a cause that’s near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to be reintroducing this bill in the new Congress,” said Walden. 

“The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act will have a real impact on patients’ lives,” Walden continued. “I’ve heard about the importance of this bill from a broad coalition of supporters in my district, from palliative care specialists to patient advocates. The House passed this bill in the last Congress, and I will work with my colleagues this year to get it across the finish line and signed into law.”

The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act is authored by Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY). Walden cosponsored the bill alongside Reps. Tom Reed (R-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ).

This legislation would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to improve the training of health professionals in palliative care. This bill also aims to enhance federal research on palliative care and increase education and awareness through a national campaign on palliative care.

Palliative and hospice care professionals specialize in medical practices that focus on increasing comfort and quality of life for patients suffering from serious, life-threatening illnesses such as cancer.

Press release provided from the office of Greg Walden, US Representative for Oregon’s 2nd District.

US Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River)