WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) met this week with representatives of  the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF), including Westlake residents Kathleen and Lauren Werling. The representatives attended Brown’s weekly coffee with constituents during their visit to Washington, D.C. For almost twenty years, the NPAF has advocated for patients seeking support for medical debt crises and for improved access to adequate health care for chronic and disabling diseases.

“It was an honor to meet with such strong advocates for patients in Ohio and across the country,” Brown said. “I applaud their work to ensure that patients can receive the care they need without facing unmanageable medical debt.”

Brown has been a long-time advocate for patients’ rights. In March, Brown introduced the National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act – legislation that would provide whistleblower protections for nurses who advocate for the safety of patients and report violations of minimum standards of care. Last Congress, Brown cosponsored the Medical Debt Responsibility Act which would prohibit consumer rating agencies from reporting medical debts on consumer credit reports more than 45 days after they’ve been settled or paid in full.

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