Compliance Strategies for Hospice Organizations

This guide outlines essential compliance strategies for hospice organizations in light of recent regulatory changes, particularly the federal moratorium on new home health and hospice agency enrollments initiated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The document emphasizes the importance of strengthening compliance, clinical integrity, and operational oversight to navigate increased scrutiny from federal regulators. It details seven critical steps that agencies should implement, including ensuring accurate eligibility documentation, enhancing oversight of live discharges, conducting audits of General Inpatient (GIP) care, and reviewing referral source relationships. The guide stresses the need for agencies to adapt to a more aggressive regulatory environment, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive internal audits, accurate documentation, and ongoing staff education. The document serves as a resource for hospice organizations aiming to maintain compliance and operational integrity amidst heightened federal oversight and evolving industry standards.