Sharon Hamilton MS, RN, CFDS
Clinical Consultant, Briggs Healthcare
The United States Senate has unanimously passed the bipartisan Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2019, which would authorize $10 million annually for the Lifespan Respite Care program from fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2024. There are 45 million family caregivers in the United States that provide an estimated $470 billion in uncompensated care each year.
The bill was introduced and sponsored by Sen. Susan M. Collins (R-ME). The Senate unanimously passed S. 995, the Senate’s version of the “Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2019″ bill, on February 24, 2020. This is not a new program, but it has been underfunded since its inception. For the 45 million caregivers, this is one step closer to a welcome break from what can be 24/7 job.
To read more click on the following links:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/995
