New York, N.Y. (Dec. 13, 2017) – Spiritual Care Association (SCA) President and CEO Rev. Eric J. Hall visited Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, to advocate increased awareness of the importance of spiritual care and to support legislation pending in Congress to expand access to quality spiritual care.  

Rev. Hall met personally with key members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, including:

• Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee’s Health Subcommittee and sponsor of H.R. 2797, the Patient Choice and Quality Care Act;

• Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health and co-sponsor of H.R. 3759, the “Recognize, Assist, Include and Engage” (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act;

• Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA-9), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference and a military chaplain;

• Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC-6), Co-chair of the Congressional Prayer Caucus and a former pastor.

Rev. Hall emphasized the need to include chaplains and spiritual care professionals as members of the integrated care teams serving patients, including individuals in need of palliative care and individuals with chronic illnesses and their caregivers. He also highlighted the role of chaplains and spiritual care professionals in supporting advance care planning for Medicare beneficiaries, while noting that the American Medical Association recently adopted a resolution underscoring the importance of spiritual cares.