WASHINGTON—Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of bipartisan legislation he cosponsored that seeks to promote education and research of hospice and palliative care.

"More important than their treatment of the symptoms and stresses patients experience as a result of serious illnesses, palliative care professionals help maintain patients’ dignity, regardless of life stage," said Congressman Balderson. "This legislation takes a vital step in highlighting the values of palliative care, which puts patients first, improving their quality of life."

The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (H.R. 647) seeks to establish and expand palliative care workforce training for each component of the interdisciplinary palliative care team by increasing the number of permanent faculty in palliative care at accredited medical schools, nursing schools, social work schools, and other programs. The legislation also promotes palliative care research and supports efforts to strengthen public awareness.

The Columbus Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society added the following statement:

“The Columbus Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society is thrilled with the House passage of the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act. Thank you to our Representatives for recognizing the importance of better treatment and quality of life options for patients with serious illnesses and for addressing a training gap that exists in the field of palliative care. Oncology nurses stand at the front lines of cancer care, and CCONS urges our Senators to co-sponsor and support the passage of S. 2080, the companion bill to HR 647.”

The bill now proceeds to the U.S. Senate to be taken up for further consideration.