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Schakowsky Introduces Legislation to Promote Rehabilitation Research Centers

October 5, 2021

EVANSTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, announced the introduction of the Dr. Joanne Smith Memorial Rehabilitation Innovation Centers Act. This bill would recognize rehabilitation research facilities and the unique role they play in the health care system by driving innovative research for the entire field and serving the most medically complex patients across the country. The bill is named after Dr. Joanne Smith, who was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab—the nation's top-ranked rehabilitation hospital since 1991—until her passing in September 2021.

"In Illinois' 9th District, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab treats patients with the most complex rehabilitation needs, from brain injuries and strokes, to burns and wartime injuries," said Schakowsky. "These rehabilitation research hospitals have also been critical to the recovery of so many people who have been victims of gun violence. I am proud to reintroduce this legislation to federally recognize Rehabilitation Innovation Centers, ensure that their best practices are shared with the field of rehabilitation medicine, and to honor Dr. Joanne Smith and her legacy."

Specifically, the Dr. Joanne Smith Memorial Rehabilitation Innovation Centers Act:

  • Defines "Rehabilitation Innovation Center" as a rehabilitation facility that provides care for patients with highly complex conditions, conducts multidisciplinary rehabilitation research, and educates a high number of medical residents.
  • Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to disseminate best practices and lessons from these facilities and conduct a study on the adequacy of current payment rates for Rehabilitation Innovation Centers. As our federal health care system moves away from the fee-for-service payment model toward more value-based care, the study directed by this legislation will shape the analysis of reimbursement for post-acute care providers and Rehabilitation Innovation Centers.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago or RIC), Dr. Joanne Smith led the organization in its mission to provide the best patient outcomes through the highest-quality clinical care, translational research, scientific discovery and education. In addition to her leadership at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Dr. Smith was a faculty member at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a member of several professional organizations.

"We would like to extend deep thanks to Rep. Schakowsky for sponsoring the Dr. Joanne Smith Memorial Rehabilitation Innovation Centers Act," said Nancy Paridy, president and chief administrative officer, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. "We look forward to working with her and others to foster bipartisan support for its passage, acknowledging the vital role that a select number of comprehensive rehabilitation research centers play in treating patients with the most complex needs. Additionally, now, we are humbled and grateful that the legislation has been renamed in honor of Dr. Smith, our former visionary leader who devoted her career to advancing innovation, research, teaching and technology for the benefit of patients."

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Issues:Health