Literature Review
Hope is a renewable option: If you run out of it at the end of the day, you get to ...
08/31/26 at 03:00 AMHope is a renewable option: If you run out of it at the end of the day, you get to start over in the morning. ~ Barbara KingsolverFor Monday, August 31st: And if you run out of hope at the end of the week, you get to start over in the new week. Here's to finding hope in new days, weeks, months, seasons, and more.
Anaheim woman pleads guilty to $2.2 million Medicare hospice fraud
08/31/26 at 03:00 AMAnaheim woman pleads guilty to $2.2 million Medicare hospice fraud Orange County Register; by City News Service; 8/27/26 An Anaheim woman pleaded guilty on Thursday, Aug. 27 to healthcare fraud for submitting more than $2.2 million in Medicare claims for hospice care provided to patients who were not terminally ill. Lynn Galbraith, 60, pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud and faces up to 10 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Galbraith co-owned and operated Garden Grove-based Azure Hospice Care from September 2019 until July 2022, when she became the company’s sole owner, prosecutors said. She remained the sole owner until February 2024. According to her plea agreement, Galbraith knowingly submitted or caused the submission of Medicare claims for hospice services involving beneficiaries who did not have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less.
I lost my sister to cancer. Here’s what I learned about medically assisted death.
08/31/26 at 03:00 AMI lost my sister to cancer. Here’s what I learned about medically assisted death. The Washington Post; by Steven Petrow; 8/29/26 The same year that my parents died, my sister, Julie, then 55, was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Five years and three recurrences later, she’d exhausted all viable treatment options. At that point, she’d undergone one nine-hour surgery, six courses of chemotherapy and had joined two clinical trials. Like my parents’ physicians had done, Julie’s doctor eventually recommended palliative care, with at-home hospice, to keep her comfortable during her last months. ... [Julie, 61, chose legal MAID in 2023.] Approaching MAID as a journalist, I had questions: How is eligibility determined, what are the safeguards, does it always work, is a health care professional involved and many others. As a brother, however, I was conflicted and confused, and my questions felt more urgent and personal. ... [Access might be limited by a paywall.]
The sandwich generation confronts the caregiver crunch: Sonia’s story
08/31/26 at 03:00 AMThe sandwich generation confronts the caregiver crunch: Sonia’s story IndiaCurrents; by Snigdha Sen; 8/28/26 The Indian American community is aging. As the U.S. faces a severe caregiver shortage, the community faces an even greater challenge: finding culturally and linguistically appropriate care. The Aging with Dignity project looks at efforts within and beyond the Indian community to help the "sandwich generation" care for aging parents. This is Part 1 of a three-part series.
'Nobody should die alone': Emmanuel Hospice volunteer brings joy to patients in their final days
08/31/26 at 03:00 AM'Nobody should die alone': Emmanuel Hospice volunteer brings joy to patients in their final days WXMI Fox-17, Grand Rapids, MI; by Janice Allen; 8/28/26 Bruce Koop spends time each week sitting with hospice patients in their final days, making them laugh, and making sure they don't feel alone. The Caledonia man volunteers with Emmanuel Hospice, where he brings companionship and comfort to patients. "At first I didn't know if I could do it, but after both that first or second patient, I could see the need for it," Koop said. The work is personal. Koop lost his mother in 2017. In her final weeks, she was cared for by Emmanuel Hospice.
Dr. Ricardo Schwarcz launches healthcare sciences scholarship to support future medical leaders
08/31/26 at 03:00 AMDr. Ricardo Schwarcz launches healthcare sciences scholarship to support future medical leaders Newsnet Los Angeles, Harlingen, TX; by Dr. Ricardo Schwarcz Scholarship; 8/28/26 The Dr. Ricardo Schwarcz Scholarship for Healthcare Sciences officially opens its application process, offering vital financial support to dedicated undergraduate students across the United States. Designed to foster the next generation of medical and allied health professionals, this scholarship initiative encourages aspiring clinical leaders to pursue their academic and professional ambitions in healthcare. Founded by Dr. Ricardo Schwarcz, a highly accomplished physician board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, Neurocritical Care, Sleep Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine, the program seeks to inspire students who display an enduring passion for patient-centered care.
Community raises $520,000 for Sharp HospiceCare at annual regatta
08/31/26 at 03:00 AMCommunity raises $520,000 for Sharp HospiceCare at annual regatta The Coronado Times; by Coronado Times Staff; 8/27/26 More than 1,500 guests gathered on San Diego Bay this past weekend for the 23rd Annual Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Dinner and Regatta, raising $520,000 to support compassionate end-of-life care for patients and families through Sharp HospiceCare’s residential hospice homes and programs throughout San Diego County. Hosted in partnership with Coronado Yacht Club and Cortez Racing Association, Sharp HospiceCare’s largest annual fundraiser began Friday evening with a benefit dinner aboard the USS Midway and continued Saturday with the annual regatta. Colorful sailboats filled the bay Saturday as 52 boats competed in the race and more than 40 yacht owners donated their vessels to host viewing parties for guests.
Sisters have doubts about cremated remains: ‘Where is my mama?’
08/31/26 at 03:00 AMSisters have doubts about cremated remains: ‘Where is my mama?’ ChicagoPublicMedia, Chicago, IL; by Cindy Hernandez; 8/28/26 Franquella and Marshawna Campbell hired Planet Green Cremations after their mother died earlier this year, only to later discover that the business was owned by Clark and Johanna Morgan, who are under investigation for improperly storing human remains. ... When sisters Franquella and Marshawna Campbell learned that the man who had picked up their mother’s body from hospice had been accused of mishandling human remains, they turned to the urn sitting on the table in their mother’s living room. They opened it and began to question everything. “Where is my mama?” Franquella Campbell, 40, asked over and over.
Chaplains describe comforting families during Hawk Fire evacuations
08/31/26 at 03:00 AMChaplains describe comforting families during Hawk Fire evacuations KOLO-8 ABC News Now, Reno, NV; by Noah Bond; 8/28/26 The Great Basin Chaplain Corps deployed 17 chaplains across evacuation sites during the Hawk and Bug fires, logging more than 466 hours of service at shelters, according to Chaplain Dana Sater, VOAD liaison and team lead for Northern Nevada corps. ... Sater said the corps logged 466.5 hours of service for the fires at evacuation centers, in addition to chaplains serving in hospitals, hospice, fire departments and with CERT through the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. ... Blackburn said chaplains also coordinated evacuation for a hospice family to the Lawrence J. Weiss Hospice Guest House, ...
Top challenges for hospice nurses
08/31/26 at 03:00 AMTop challenges for hospice nurses Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/28/26 Hospice nurses are wrestling with work-life balance, heavy caseloads and other difficulties amid widespread staffing shortages. The dearth of prospective hospice employees is well known and has existed for years. In addition to impacting provider businesses, this trend also affects nurses on the ground. This often comes in the form of a bigger workload, more travel time and the emotional toll of working with the dying, according to Skelly Wingard, CEO of By the Bay Health.
Mishawaka firefighters bring spark to 89-year-old woman’s wish
08/31/26 at 02:00 AMMishawaka firefighters bring spark to 89-year-old woman’s wish WNDU-16 News Now, South Bend, IN; by Lauren Moss; 8/28/26 Mishawaka Fire Department and Luminary Hospice team up to bring joy, laughter, and a little flirting to Janet Gilbert. They are used to putting out fires, but some local firefighters are turning up the heat for a special wish from a local hospice patient. WNDU’s Lauren Moss was there as they answered the call, all thanks to Luminary Hospice. The team gave Janet Gilbert quite the party with some much-needed smiles ... and a little flirting. The Mishawaka Fire Department has responded to plenty of calls at Fountainview Care Center, but this was different. “Do you got a match?” Janet Gilbert asked. The 89-year-old requested the visit from firemen... and a little more. She wanted to have a party, ...
From zombies to zealots: cultivating passion and purpose in healthcare leadership | part two
08/31/26 at 12:00 AMFrom zombies to zealots: cultivating passion and purpose in healthcare leadership | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast hosted by Chris Comeaux with DJ Mitsch and Tasha Walsh; 8/26/26 Healthcare professionals often enter the field with a calling—but somewhere between compliance, productivity demands, regulatory pressure, and relentless change, that calling can begin to disappear. In Part One of From Zombies to Zealots, Chris Comeaux is joined by DJ Mitsch, pioneering executive coach, author, and founder of the Healthcare Coaching Institute, and Tasha Walsh, CEO and Executive Director of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice. Together, they explore how passionate, purpose-driven healthcare professionals can gradually become disconnected from the very work that once inspired them. DJ argues that when organizations celebrate productivity and profitability at the expense of people, work becomes transactional rather than transformational—and trust, imagination, and engagement begin to erode.
Executive Personnel Changes - 8/21/26
08/30/26 at 03:55 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 8/21/26
Pittsburgh Caregivers get federal lifeline as dementia cases swell across Allegheny County
08/30/26 at 03:50 AMPittsburgh Caregivers get federal lifeline as dementia cases swell across Allegheny County hoodline; by Ryan Miller; 8/21/26 Caregivers looking after loved ones with dementia in Pittsburgh now have a new federal tool to lean on, and it is already showing up at a day center in Squirrel Hill. The Anathan Club, run by the Jewish Association on Aging, has begun connecting families to the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model, a Medicare program that can cover up to $2,500 a year in respite care for qualifying beneficiaries. The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model, known as GUIDE, was developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and launched nationwide on July 1, 2024, as an eight-year voluntary pilot running through June 30, 2032, according to CMS. Nearly 390 provider organizations across the country are participating.
Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties’ 19th Annual Golf Classic raises almost $75,000 for patient care
08/30/26 at 03:45 AMHospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties’ 19th Annual Golf Classic raises almost $75,000 for patient care FocusMedia, Newburgh, NY; Press Release; 8/19/26 Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties held its 19th Annual Golf Classic at Osiris Country Club in Walden, N.Y., on Aug. 10, drawing a sold-out field of 100 golfers for the organization’s best golf fundraising event in recent years. The tournament raised close to $75,000 to support Hospice services throughout Orange and Sullivan Counties. ... “Today’s outing is about more than just golf,” Eric Gastik, President and CEO of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, told the golfers, sponsors and other attendees. “It’s about coming together as a community to support patients and families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Every golfer, every sponsor, every raffle ticket purchased and every volunteer contributes to that mission."
The Department of Justice's National Fraud Enforcement Division: a new era of coordinated fraud prosecution and what it means for corporate America
08/30/26 at 03:40 AMThe Department of Justice's National Fraud Enforcement Division: a new era of coordinated fraud prosecution and what it means for corporate America Epstein Becker Green | Health Law Advisor; by Leah Brownlee Taylor, Erica Sibley Bahnsen, Sarah M. Hall, Andrew Beshai, Alkida Kacani, Gianna Costello; 8/21/26 On August 13, 2026, the Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) National Fraud Enforcement Division (the “NFED”), Colin M. McDonald, released a memorandum outlining NFED’s enforcement priorities. The memorandum is the first memo of this kind from NFED. The establishment of NFED earlier this year represented a watershed moment for federal fraud prosecution, as it established DOJ’s first-ever division dedicated exclusively to combating fraud against taxpayer dollars and taxpayer-funded programs. With a stated goal of having 500 prosecutors and staff by August 24, NFED seeks to deploy “cutting-edge data analysis” across a “whole-of-government” effort. The establishment of NFED signals a fundamental shift in federal fraud enforcement, ... The NFED memo identifies five priority areas for federal fraud prosecution:
Neighborhood poverty and end-of-life care among adolescents and young adults with cancer
08/30/26 at 03:35 AMHospice Wage Index, the Final Rule, and the signals CMS is sending | part two
08/30/26 at 03:30 AMHospice Wage Index, the Final Rule, and the signals CMS is sending | part two Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); pocast hosted by Chris Comeaux with Annette Kiser and Judi Lund Person The 2027 Hospice Final Rule is more than a reimbursement update—it’s a window into where Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) believes hospice care needs to go next. In Part One, host Chris Comeaux sits down with hospice regulatory experts Annette Kiser and Judi Lund Person to look beyond the numbers and “read the tea leaves” in CMS’s latest rule. They unpack what hospice leaders need to understand about the Hospice Election Statement Addendum, the growing scrutiny of unrelated services and non-hospice Medicare spending, telehealth reporting, and the Service and Spending Variation Index (SSVI). As Judi explains, CMS’s commentary and responses to industry feedback can reveal as much about the agency’s direction as the regulations themselves.
The new health system CEO job description, per 23 leaders
08/30/26 at 03:25 AMThe new health system CEO job description, per 23 leaders Becker's Hospital Review; by Alan Condon, Kelly Gooch, and Kristin Kuchno; 8/20/26 The health system CEO job description is getting longer, and increasingly filled with responsibilities that barely registered five years ago. Today’s CEOs are expected to steer AI strategy, prepare for cyberattacks, shape culture, advocate in statehouses and on Capitol Hill, protect employees from workplace violence, address affordability and serve as trusted voices in their communities. That shift is playing out at some of the nation’s largest and most prominent health systems.
Tuesday's Tools: Summarize the past week with Sunday's "most read" stories
08/30/26 at 03:20 AMNonreporting of race and ethnicity in medical research harms us all
08/30/26 at 03:15 AMNonreporting of race and ethnicity in medical research harms us all JAMA Internal Medicine | Editorial | Health Equity; by Sharon K. Inouye, MD, MPH, Jerard Kneifati-Hayek, MD, MS, Annette Flanagin, RN, MA, Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS; Raegan W. Durant, MD, MPH; 8/24/26 At JAMA Internal Medicine, we have become increasingly aware that some US researchers are unable to report on race or ethnicity as demographic variables to describe their sample or to conduct stratified analyses by these variables. In some cases, we have been informed that based on 3 recent US federal executive orders, the stewards of federal databases, such as those responsible for distributing data from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), are unable to release any race or ethnicity data for research purposes. The restrictions may be particularly prohibitive when study investigators are US federal employees. We have been informed of similar concerns occurring at other biomedical journals. Editor's Note: Stark examples of these racial/ethnicity disparities repeatedly emerged when I was researching and writing our newsletter's 25-decades series leading up to July 4, 2026: A History of Care: 250 Years of American Need, Service and Hope. Dig deeper with the easy-to-navigate online version at Composing Life; use the "Search" engine at the bottom of the page to find specific examples. From our Today's Encouragement: "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman, because it often results in physical death. ~ Martin Luther King"
Palliative care for Alzheimer’s: what families should understand
08/30/26 at 03:10 AMPalliative care for Alzheimer’s: what families should understand WNY News Now; by News Staff; 8/19/26 Alzheimer’s disease gradually affects memory, judgment, communication, mobility, and personal care. As abilities change, families face decisions about symptom relief, treatment limits, safety, and emotional well-being. Palliative care addresses those needs while respecting the person’s values and previously expressed wishes. Assistance can begin at any stage of disease, especially when discomfort, behavioral changes, or caregiver strain become difficult to manage without clinical guidance. What details should families check for? ...
Dying man’s final wish comes true as his beloved dogs find a forever home together
08/30/26 at 03:05 AMDying man’s final wish comes true as his beloved dogs find a forever home together Greater Good; by Guest Contributor; 8/25/26 A man in New York spent his final weeks with one hope on his mind: that his beloved German shepherds would find a new forever home. His story, and the story of his dogs Bowie and Nikki, has moved thousands of people who care deeply about pet adoption and the special bond between humans and animals. At its core, this is a story about love, planning for pets when life changes, and the quiet heroism of animal rescues that step in when families are in crisis. ... One of the most moving moments in this story came when Mr. Spencer asked for something that many pet guardians nearing the end of life quietly hope for. He wanted to say goodbye.
Sunday newsletters
08/30/26 at 03:00 AMSunday newsletters focus on headlines and top read stories of the last week (in order) - enjoy!
SOS: What does Google and ChatGPT say about SSVI and quality?
08/30/26 at 03:00 AMSOS: What does Google and ChatGPT say about SSVI and quality?Substack; by Joan Teno; 8/26Medicare recently finalized a new hospice scorecard called the Service and Spending Variation Index (SSVI). It gives each Medicare-certified hospice a number from 0 to 16, built from nine billing-based measures, where a higher score flags a hospice whose spending and service patterns look unusual compared with its peers. A high score is not proof of bad care or fraud — it mainly signals to Medicare which hospices may be worth a closer look. In this post I asked Google Gemini and ChatGPT to interpret a sample hospice’s score, and I compare how well each explained what the number does, and does not, mean for a family choosing a hospice.Publisher's note: Even though Substack is a blog site rather than a journal, Joan's content is outstanding and also fits here in a Saturday research issue!