08/31/2026
🏛️ NAFNP POLICY WATCH: The I CAN Act
Have you heard about the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act?
The bipartisan I CAN Act (S.575/H.R.1317) is proposed federal legislation aimed at removing certain Medicare and Medicaid barriers that can limit the services nurse practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses are permitted to provide.
If enacted, provisions of the legislation would expand or clarify NP authority in several areas, including:
đź’™ Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs
đź’š Documentation for Medicare coverage of therapeutic shoes for patients with diabetes
đź’™ Care and certification requirements in skilled nursing facilities
đź’š Certification of the need for inpatient hospital services
đź’™ Additional Medicare and Medicaid services currently subject to physician-specific requirements
Why does this matter to FNPs?
Federal regulations can sometimes restrict NP practice even when state law permits an NP to provide the service. The I CAN Act seeks to remove a number of these federal barriers and improve patient access to care.
đź“Ť Policy Status: The I CAN Act has been introduced in the 119th Congress but has not become law.
Staying informed is an important part of advancing the NP profession. NAFNP will continue to keep our members informed about federal policy developments that may affect FNP practice and patient access to care.
🔎 Learn more and follow the legislation through Congress.gov.
