The reforms had been included in the bipartisan HOSPICE Act co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Tom Reed (R-N.Y.). While nursing homes and hospitals are subject to a number of fines and civil enforcement actions, current hospice regulations do not provide for those penalties. Its provisions include potential fines of up to $10,000 a day for hospice providers who do not comply with regulations. More than 80% of California hospices choose accreditation, compared with about half nationwide. Edo Banach, who heads the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, said his industry group “supports smart oversight when it does not hinder access to high-quality care for patients and their families,” but added that it should not overreach.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 23, 2020 11:02 UTC