2019, End-of-life care and Hospice - Home Care & Hospice Network

‘Transforming’ Hospice Access for Terminally Ill Prison Populations

Hospice News

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) has launched a volunteer-based hospice service for terminally ill incarcerated individuals. The program is part of a wider trend to improve end-of-life experiences as swelling aging inmate populations increase demand.

Hospice

Hospice 2030 Social worker 2019

Hospice Underutilized for Patients with Several Types of Conditions

Hospice News

JANUARY 15, 2025

Terminally ill patients often lack a firm understanding and awareness about their end-of-life care options, a trend researchers across the world are examining more closely. million Medicare decedents who died in 2018 and examined the differences in hospice utilization during the last year and a half of life.

2003

2003 Hospice 2006 2018

Reps. Van Duyne, Panetta Introduce Bill to Reform Hospice Special Focus Program

Hospice News

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Jimmy Panetta (D-California) have introduced a bill that would reform aspects of the hospice Special Focus Program (SFP). If enacted, the Enhancing Hospice Oversight and Transparency Act also would increase the penalty for hospices that do not report quality measure data to 10% by 2027, up from 4% currently.

Hospice

Hospice 2027 Care at home 2019

Leadership Transitions at 4 Hospice Providers

Hospice News

MARCH 4, 2025

Hospices coast-to-coast have undergone leadership transitions, including changes in legal executives and a slew of newly appointed CEOs, among other roles in the industry. Texas-based New Day provides home health, hospice, palliative and personal care services across 31 locations in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and in its home state.

Hospice

Hospice 2025 2006 Palliative care

Deathwives Founders: Death Doulas Fill End-of-Life Care Gaps, Ease Strain on Hospice Staff

Hospice News

JULY 22, 2022

Many come striving for change after witnessing loved ones receive poor end-of-life care or enduring bereavement without support. A death doula is a non-medical provider trained to care for a terminally ill person and their family physically, emotionally and spiritually during the process of death.

End-of-life care

End-of-life care Hospice volunteer Hospice 2009

Psychedelics, Cannabis Show Promise in End-of-Life Care, But More Research Needed on the Risks

Hospice News

MAY 31, 2023

Researchers have identified a number of clinical benefits, including reduction of anxiety, depression and improved acceptance of mortality, according to a 2019 literature review in the journal Current Oncology. What hospices need to be aware of is that it’s not just the big picture, but also the little picture,” Ballentine told Hospice News.

End-of-life care

End-of-life care Grief Social worker Registered Nurse

New Executives Tapped At Hospice Organizations Across Country

Hospice News

OCTOBER 10, 2024

Cameron Muir has been named as the new CMO of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). His new title signals the organization’s strategic plans to reshape hospice care delivery through patient-centered, innovative approaches, according to NPHI CEO Tom Koutsoumpas.

Hospice

Hospice 2002 2019 Bereavement

Senators Propose Bills to Expand Hospice Training, Ensure Access to Transfusions

Hospice News

JULY 3, 2023

and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) recently re-introduced legislation designed to expand the palliative care workforce. The two lawmakers, along with others, also brought forth a second bill designed to ensure that hospice patients who need blood transfusions can receive them. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)

Hospice

Hospice Palliative care Palliate End-of-life care

Hospice CARES Act Would Update Medical Reviews, Seek to Reduce Audits

Hospice News

JULY 12, 2024

The forthcoming Hospice Care Accountability, Reform and Enforcement (Hospice CARE) Act from U.S. Blumenauer announced the bill in June at the Hospice News Elevate conference in Washington D.C. Hospice News / Merz Photography Hospice News / Merz Photography Rep. Hospice News photo by Merz Photography.

Hospice care

Hospice care 2027 Hospice End-of-life care

Dementia Patients Less Likely Than Others to Receive Hospice Care

Hospice News

FEBRUARY 9, 2023

Patients with dementia are less likely to receive hospice in their last month of life than those who have other diagnoses, 12.5% The Medicare Hospice Benefit initially was designed around the needs of cancer patients, but now the number of patients with other diagnoses is growing — some with less predictable disease patterns.

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2002 Hospice care 2019 Hospice

Hospices Work to Recruit More Volunteers Before COVID PHE Ends

Hospice News

JANUARY 2, 2023

The number of hospice volunteers plunged during the first two years of the pandemic, and many are still working to rebuild their ranks. Many hospices saw volunteer volumes dip drastically as they suspended activities during the pandemic. We calculated out $76,514 around volunteer cost savings last year,” Conway told Hospice News.

Hospice volunteer

Hospice volunteer Hospice Registered Nurse End-of-life care

Home Health Care Linked to Increased Hospice Utilization

Hospice News

FEBRUARY 26, 2024

Recent research has uncovered ties between improved hospice utilization rates among patients receiving home health services. Researchers from New Jersey-based Rutgers University’s School of Nursing have found that patient preferences leaned toward home-based hospice services following home health experiences.

Hospice

Hospice 2019 End-of-life care Medicare

‘Work to Be Done’ in Shaping Hospice Quality, Program Integrity

Hospice News

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

While many in the hospice space agree that evolution is needed to help ensure quality end-of-life care outcomes, conflicting views swirl around how regulatory requirements and associated processes could get us there. Regulators and hospice providers share a common goal of ensuring quality end-of-life care experiences.

Hospice

Hospice End-of-life care Medicare 2019

Helios Care Partners with Bassett Healthcare to Expand Hospice, Palliative Services

Hospice News

DECEMBER 21, 2023

The hospice and senior care provider Helios Care is partnering with the integrated health system Bassett Healthcare Network to bring more extensive access to hospice and palliative care to patients in central New York.

Healthcare

Healthcare Palliate Hospice Bereavement

Death Doulas, Community Health Workers Collaborations Can Aid Hospices, But Resources Are Scarce

Hospice News

OCTOBER 26, 2023

End-of-life doulas (EOLDs) and community health workers can add an additional layer of support that can help hospices improve connections and outcomes among patients and families. The human-based doula support is best positioned as part of value-based, at-risk entities or hospice per diems.

Hospice

Hospice Presentation End-of-life care Social worker

Preventing Adverse Drug Events in Hospice Care

Hospice News

MARCH 15, 2024

Documentation errors and a fragmented health system pose the greatest risks for adverse drug events among hospices. McPherson also serves on the board of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM). They also need to know which side effects are more concerning and should prompt a call to the hospice.”

Events

Events Hospice care Hospice Palliative care

Congress to Mull End-of-Life Planning Bills

Hospice News

AUGUST 5, 2024

Our measure will empower Americans who are without plans for end-of-life care to be prepared in the event they experience severe illness,” said Blumenthal in a statement. “By If enacted the bill would significantly expand federal resources to support advance care planning and end-of-life care decision making.

End-of-life care

End-of-life care Medical director 2019 Palliative care

Hospice C-Suite Shakeups at Alive, Angela, Trinity; New Day Taps Strategic Executive

Hospice News

JULY 12, 2024

Alive Hospice Names New CEO Alive Hospice has tapped Kerry Hamilton as its new president and CEO. Hamilton takes the helm at the Nashville-based nonprofit hospice after previously serving as principal of the health care consulting firm Ten26 Health Group.

Hospice

Hospice Grief 2015 2014

Employee Wellness Programs a Rising Priority for Hospice Workers

Hospice News

MAY 31, 2022

Without effective strategies to foster their own well being, the psychological impact of working in hospice could cause staff to leave the field in greater numbers. Self-preservation is “paramount” to working in serious illness and end-of-life care, according to new research published in the Journal of Death and Dying.

Hospice

Hospice Social worker End-of-life care 2019

New California Law Further Tightens Hospice License Oversight

Hospice News

DECEMBER 1, 2022

Gavin Newsom (D) recently approved legislation that expands upon last years’ moves to strengthen hospice oversight in the state, among other enforcement actions. The bills — Senate Bill 664 and Assembly Bill 1280 — followed a Los Angeles Times investigation into alleged misconduct among hospice providers statewide. California Gov.

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2027 Hospice 2016 2012

St. Croix Hospice Leverages Predictive Analytics to Boost Quality

Hospice News

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Croix Hospice recently unveiled data showing how the company leveraged predictive analytics technology to improve quality outcomes. In 2019 the Minnesota-headquartered hospice provider began utilizing a predictive analytics tool from Medalogix. Croix Hospice. Through the predictive analytics data, hospice patients at St.

Hospice

Hospice 2009 2019 Social worker

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day Raises Global Awareness

Hospice News

OCTOBER 6, 2022

Globally, the need for hospice and palliative care has been growing faster than people can access them. This was the impetus behind the World Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA), which emerged from an Oct. 8, 2005 meeting of health care leaders in South Korea. Case in point, as many as 71% of the U.S.

Palliative care

Palliative care Palliate Hospice Grief

Hospice Leaders: Change Must Come to the Medicare Hospice Benefit

Hospice News

OCTOBER 9, 2023

Calls have grown louder for an overhauled design of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, but the path towards change is riddled with contrasting views over regulation, policy and payment structures. One part of the issue is that hospice reimbursement has not kept pace with evolving patient needs, Grant said.

Medicare

Medicare Hospice 2020 2019

Closure of Pennsylvania Hospice House Ignites Community Protests

Hospice News

JULY 14, 2022

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Somerset health system is halting inpatient services at its Pennsylvania-based hospice facility, effective Aug. Closure of the In Touch Hospice center has inflamed the community, with cries growing louder to urge UPMC to reconsider the move.

Hospice

Hospice 2009 2030 End-of-life care

Sequestration’s Return Creating a ‘Tsunami of Pain Points’ for Hospices

Hospice News

JULY 15, 2022

The return of sequestration is adding to the financial storms brewing in hospice, as providers contend with rising costs of delivering patient care, inflation and lackluster reimbursement. Hospice and other health care providers are once again seeing their Medicare payments slashed by 2% across the board.

Hospice

Hospice 2014 Medicare End-of-life care

What National Health Expenditure Trends Mean for Hospice

Hospice News

DECEMBER 14, 2022

While health care accounted for a smaller piece of the pie, expenditures were still higher than the 17.6% share in 2019. Published annually at the end of the year, the analysis does not specifically call out hospice expenditures. Hospice providers were not major sources of those expenditures. billion in 2021.

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2020 Hospice 2021 2019

CMS Seeks Answers on Hospice Utilization Trends, Spending

Hospice News

APRIL 7, 2023

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking answers from the hospice community — including some around utilization patterns and non-hospice spending. The recently proposed 2024 hospice payment rule contained a 2.8% In Fiscal Year 2022, routine home care accounted for 98.8% of hospice days and 93.7%

Hospice

Hospice 2019 2022 Medicare

St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care Launches New Florida Inpatient Hospice Center

Hospice News

APRIL 22, 2022

Francis Reflections Lifestage Care recently opened a new inpatient hospice care center inside the Melbourne Regional Medical Center. A swelling demand for hospice in the community spurred the unit’s development. Francis Reflections Melbourne Care Center includes a private bathroom and overnight space for loved ones.

Hospice

Hospice 2018 2030 Social worker

California Hospice Owner Receives 25 Months in Prison for Fraud, Kickbacks

Hospice News

JANUARY 12, 2023

A federal court has sentenced Akop Atoyan, former co-owner of three California home health and hospice agencies, to 25 months in prison for health care fraud and kickback schemes. He and his wife Liana Karapetyan owned ANG Health Care, Excel Hospice, and Excel Home Healthcare in the Sacramento area.

Hospice

Hospice 2019 Assisted living 2012

Excel Hospice Owner Sentenced to 18 Years for Fraud, Kickbacks

Hospice News

JULY 25, 2022

A federal court has sentenced Liana Karapetyan, former co-owner of California-based ANG Health Care, Excel Hospice, and Excel Home Healthcare, to 18 years in prison for hospice fraud and anti-kickback violations. Atoyan was co-owner of the hospice and home health businesses and has pled guilty for his role in the scheme.

Hospice

Hospice Assisted living 2012 2016

Two CEOs Retire, Three Hospice Leadership Teams Grow

Hospice News

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

She became a hospice nurse for By the Bay Health in 1996, then named Hospice of Marin, taking on various roles in clinical leadership throughout her more than 27-year tenure. “It Previously known as Hospice by the Bay, the organization rebranded in 2021 to reflect a broadening scope of services.

Hospice

Hospice 2015 2014 2021

Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare Expands EMT Training Program to Help Grow Workforce

Hospice News

NOVEMBER 23, 2022

Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare has partnered with a local college to grow its workforce through an emergency medical technician (EMT) internship program. The hospice began offering the EMT certification program to staff in January before recently expanding it as an internship through a collaboration with The College of Wooster.

Hospice

Hospice 2013 2018 2019

Why Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Operators Invest in Home-Based Hospice Programs

Hospice News

FEBRUARY 14, 2023

Offering hospice can be a gamechanger for skilled nursing and assisted living operators looking to stand out from competitors and improve patient reach. Home-based care, including hospice, has become an increasingly attractive space for facility-based health care providers of all walks. Among the 1.6

Assisted living

Assisted living Hospice Nursing Nursing home

As Inpatient Hospice Doors Swing Open, Others Slam Shut Nationwide

Hospice News

JUNE 1, 2023

Patient preferences are trending towards home-based hospice care, leaving some inpatient facilities between a rock and a hard place. Meanwhile, other hospices diversify and expand their inpatient service capabilities. Shifting care preferences are another driving force behind the closure, according to MercyOne.

Hospice

Hospice Grief Assisted living End-of-life care

OpusCare Launches New Inpatient Hospice Center

Hospice News

FEBRUARY 24, 2023

OpusCare of Florida recently opened a new inpatient hospice facility near the state’s southern tip. OpusCare received a greenlight to launch the center from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), which awarded the organization a certificate of need for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Census Bureau.

Hospice

Hospice 2030 Bereavement 2019

New 2023 Laws Impact End-of-Life Care

Solace

JANUARY 6, 2023

Hospice oversight. California’s governor also recently signed into law AB-2673 , a bill that tightens regulation of the state’s hospices and extends its earlier moratorium on granting new licenses to hospice providers. The program was approved in 2019 but stalled by the pandemic. The FTC is accepting comment until Jan.

End-of-life care

End-of-life care 2023 Bereavement 2027

New Nonprofit Advocacy Group to Offer Education, Services on Psychedelics for the Terminally Ill

Hospice News

MAY 22, 2023

“Our organization is dedicated to a psychosocial and spiritual approach, and I can’t think of a better type of person to support an individual and their family than someone who works as an end-of-life doula or a hospice chaplain or volunteer.” Research efforts are also accelerating.

Hospice chaplain

Hospice chaplain 2027 Chaplain 2019

California’s Leads the State-Level Battle Against Hospice Fraud

Hospice News

MARCH 13, 2024

As hospice program integrity remains in the spotlight, California remains the only state to take action on curbing the problem. Beginning in 2021, numerous reports emerged of unethical or illegal practices among hundreds of newly licensed hospices, particularly among new companies popping up in California, Texas, Nevada and Arizona.

Hospice

Hospice 2016 2012 2021

Hospices Strengthening Ties to Tech, Pharmacy Companies to Support Families, Staff

Hospice News

JANUARY 25, 2023

Hospices are increasingly leveraging technology and pharmaceutical partnerships to better address the needs of patients and families and improve financial and operational efficiencies. Hospices have leaned heavily on technology during the pandemic, turning to telehealth to remain connected to patients and their families.

Hospice

Hospice Vital signs 2019 End-of-life care

New ‘Right to Try’ Bill Would Allow Terminally Ill Patients to Use Psychedelics

Hospice News

MARCH 31, 2023

“Federal restrictions have obstructed access to end-of-life care for too long, this legislation will change that and ensure that all patients have the Right to Try,” Blumenauer said in a statement. Psychedelics have become a hot topic in health care, particularly as it pertains to mental health care and palliative care.

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2027 2019 End-of-life care Palliative care

State Legislators Mulling Bill Allowing LPNs to Make Death Pronouncements

Hospice News

JULY 16, 2024

The Pennsylvania state Senate has approved a bill proposing to expand staffing requirements around death proclamations to include a wider breadth of hospice clinicians. If enacted, the legislation would allow licensed practical nurses (LPNs) providing hospice care to make death pronouncements.

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2017 Registered Nurse 2019 End-of-life care

Physician, Legislator Morhaim: Hospices Should Be Vocal About Advance Care Plans

Hospice News

MAY 9, 2022

Advance care planning by necessity occurs upstream of hospice, but those providers nevertheless have a role to play in helping patients and families understand the importance of making their end-of-life wishes known. I think everybody in hospice and palliative care has to be really vocal about this.

Hospice

Hospice Document 2017 Palliative care

U.S. Senate Takes Up Supporting Our Seniors Act

Hospice News

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

While private residences are the most frequently occurring location of care for hospice patients, long-term care facilities come in second, followed by assisted living facilities, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). The post U.S.

Long-term care

Long-term care 2013 2019 Assisted living

Medicare Claims for Unrelated Services Put Hospices at Risk

Hospice News

AUGUST 17, 2022

Medicare claims for unrelated services creates serious financial and legal risks for hospice providers — even if they are not the ones who sent the bill. During recent years, payouts for non-hospice services provided to Medicare beneficiaries have tipped into the billions. Between 2010 and 2019 Medicare paid a total of $6.6

Medicare

Medicare Hospice 2010 Document

‘Transforming’ Hospice Access for Terminally Ill Prison Populations

Hospice Underutilized for Patients with Several Types of Conditions

Trending Sources

Reps. Van Duyne, Panetta Introduce Bill to Reform Hospice Special Focus Program

Leadership Transitions at 4 Hospice Providers

Deathwives Founders: Death Doulas Fill End-of-Life Care Gaps, Ease Strain on Hospice Staff

Psychedelics, Cannabis Show Promise in End-of-Life Care, But More Research Needed on the Risks

New Executives Tapped At Hospice Organizations Across Country

Senators Propose Bills to Expand Hospice Training, Ensure Access to Transfusions

Hospice CARES Act Would Update Medical Reviews, Seek to Reduce Audits

Dementia Patients Less Likely Than Others to Receive Hospice Care

Hospices Work to Recruit More Volunteers Before COVID PHE Ends

Home Health Care Linked to Increased Hospice Utilization

‘Work to Be Done’ in Shaping Hospice Quality, Program Integrity

Helios Care Partners with Bassett Healthcare to Expand Hospice, Palliative Services

Death Doulas, Community Health Workers Collaborations Can Aid Hospices, But Resources Are Scarce

Preventing Adverse Drug Events in Hospice Care

Congress to Mull End-of-Life Planning Bills

Hospice C-Suite Shakeups at Alive, Angela, Trinity; New Day Taps Strategic Executive

Employee Wellness Programs a Rising Priority for Hospice Workers

New California Law Further Tightens Hospice License Oversight

St. Croix Hospice Leverages Predictive Analytics to Boost Quality

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day Raises Global Awareness

Hospice Leaders: Change Must Come to the Medicare Hospice Benefit

Closure of Pennsylvania Hospice House Ignites Community Protests

Sequestration’s Return Creating a ‘Tsunami of Pain Points’ for Hospices

What National Health Expenditure Trends Mean for Hospice

CMS Seeks Answers on Hospice Utilization Trends, Spending

St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care Launches New Florida Inpatient Hospice Center

California Hospice Owner Receives 25 Months in Prison for Fraud, Kickbacks

Excel Hospice Owner Sentenced to 18 Years for Fraud, Kickbacks

Two CEOs Retire, Three Hospice Leadership Teams Grow

Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare Expands EMT Training Program to Help Grow Workforce

Why Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Operators Invest in Home-Based Hospice Programs

As Inpatient Hospice Doors Swing Open, Others Slam Shut Nationwide

OpusCare Launches New Inpatient Hospice Center

New 2023 Laws Impact End-of-Life Care

New Nonprofit Advocacy Group to Offer Education, Services on Psychedelics for the Terminally Ill

California’s Leads the State-Level Battle Against Hospice Fraud

Hospices Strengthening Ties to Tech, Pharmacy Companies to Support Families, Staff

New ‘Right to Try’ Bill Would Allow Terminally Ill Patients to Use Psychedelics

State Legislators Mulling Bill Allowing LPNs to Make Death Pronouncements

Physician, Legislator Morhaim: Hospices Should Be Vocal About Advance Care Plans

U.S. Senate Takes Up Supporting Our Seniors Act

Medicare Claims for Unrelated Services Put Hospices at Risk

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