| Are Hospice Companies Regulated? |
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ARTICLE SUMMARY “Hi, I am here from the government and I’m here to survey you” are the words most dreaded by hospice companies. When the state surveyor shows up at the door and unexpectedly announces they are here for a three-day survey, this is where the rubber meets the road. The State granted license of the hospice company is on the line, depending on how well they perform during the survey. Who regulates hospice?
If you’re looking for a hospice provider, you have a right to see their state license. You can also review the hospice companies past state survey records online by connecting with the state Department of Health. Hospice scorecards and survey results will be posted for you to review. Are hospice companies regulated? FULL ARTICLE “Hi, I am here from the government and I’m here to survey you” are the words most dreaded by hospice companies. When the state surveyor shows up at the door and unexpectedly announces they are here for a three-day survey, this is where the rubber meets the road. The license of the hospice company to do business is on the line, depending on how well they perform during the survey. Services provided to hospice patients are strictly regulated in by the federal government’s Medicare program. Medicare guidelines dictate the provision of hospice care services to Medicare beneficiaries or people receiving a hospice benefit. For example, the regulation calls for hospice services to be available 24 hours per day seven days per week. While most hospice agencies were companies will provide services during normal business hours, they also are obligated to provide services after hours on weekends and during the holidays. Most deaths do not occur nine to five, so hospice companies are expected to be available for the family when they are needed. State Medicaid agencies are responsible for maintaining the quality of most hospice programs. This is done by a state survey or a surprise survey, which are done on a regular basis. Each state will determine the frequency of those surveys, and usually that’s dependent upon how burdened their survey staff is. Also, if a complaint is received about a particular hospice agency, the state is required to survey the agency, as this becomes their top priority. If you’re looking for a hospice provider, you have a right to see their state license. This will help you to know that the services receive from your hospice company are licensed in accordance with state and federal regulations and guidelines. Also you can check out the hospice companies past state survey records online, by connecting with the state Department of Health. Hospice scorecards and survey results will be posted for you to review. |