Notice to Hospice Providers: CMS Virtual Hospice Listening Session to Identify CoP Updates 

Hospice providers and association representatives are invited to participate in a virtual listening session hosted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Center for Clinical Standards & Quality, Clinical Standards Group. 

Session Details 

Purpose 

CMS is looking to gather information from hospice administrators and hospice associations regarding ways to reduce fraud and waste in the hospice realm while advancing patient health and safety. Specifically, CMS is requesting feedback on identifying barriers in the provision of hospice care and services in the hospice Conditions of Participation (CoPs) at 42 CFR Part 418, identifying operational barriers hospices face in complying with the current CoPs, and lastly, identifying barriers in current hospice regulations that affect the quality and safety of care provided to patients and families. CMS will use the input from this listening session to evaluate its regulations. 

Topics for Feedback 

 CMS is most interested in hearing input on these questions: 

1. Are there existing CoPs that no longer reflect how hospice care is delivered today? If so, which CoPs should CMS prioritize for modernization? 

2. What operational challenges do hospices experience when trying to establish contracts with hospitals, rehabilitative therapists, etc.? 

3. What workforce challenges have had the greatest impact on your ability to provide hospice services? 

4. What internal controls exist to prevent the enrollment of patients who do not meet hospice eligibility criteria? 

5. Are physicians who certify terminal illness independent, or do they have a financial relationship with your hospice? How is this documented? 
    

Registration 

Register for the CMS virtual listening session using your name, email address, state, and whether you intend to provide a verbal response during the session. 

Registration should be limited to subject-matter experts who can provide informed feedback on the issues under discussion.