Literature Review
Hospice: Care, commerce, and the cost of a separate category
01/06/26 at 03:00 AMHospice: Care, commerce, and the cost of a separate category The Pine Belt News, Hattiesburg, MS; by Cathy Eaker; 1/5/26 Hospice care is often presented as a compassionate alternative to aggressive medicine—a gentler path that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and peace at the end of life. In theory, it is a humane model. In practice, hospice exists at the intersection of care and commerce, and that intersection deserves far more scrutiny than it receives. ... That does not mean hospice nurses, aides, social workers, or chaplains are unethical. Quite the opposite. Most of the people providing hands-on hospice care have good hearts. They care deeply. They show up. They bathe patients gently, sit at bedsides, hold hands, and witness grief with humanity. The problem is not the caregivers—it is the structure they work within. ...
How private equity is ruining hospice care in the U.S.
01/06/26 at 03:00 AMHow private equity is ruining hospice care in the U.S. Halifax Examiner; by Philip Moscovitch; 12/29/25 ... In a recent study for the Law and Political Economy Project, Elle Rothermich, a senior research fellow at Yale’s Solomon Center for Health Law, looks at how for-profit and private equity firms have come to dominate ... hospice ... in the U.S. Of some 6,000 Medicare-certified hospices in the country, about 4,400 are for-profit affairs. Rothermich writes:
Diversified Healthcare Trust completes transition of all 116 five star-branded AlerisLife communities to new operators
01/06/26 at 03:00 AMDiversified Healthcare Trust completes transition of all 116 Five Star-branded AlerisLife communities to new operators McKnights Senior Living; by Lois A. Bowers; 1/5/26 Diversified Healthcare Trust has transitioned all 116 Five-Star Senior Living-branded communities in its senior living operating portfolio communities to new seven different third-party operators, the Newton, MA-based real estate investment trust announced Monday morning. The actions, as expected, were completed by Dec. 31, according to the company.
Ethics of AI in health and biomedical research
01/06/26 at 03:00 AMEthics of AI in health and biomedical researchThe Hastings Center for Bioethics; 2025The Hastings Center conducts research and produces public engagement activities on the ethics of artificial intelligence in health and biomedical research. Our publications include articles and essays on the rapidly evolving issues raised by AI in health and research. Our scholars publish articles on their research findings and are quoted in the media.Publisher's Note: This series of articles was featured in The Hasting's Center's year in review.
Gwen Whitley reflects on nearly 18 years of service
01/06/26 at 03:00 AMDonna Gregory’s extraordinary people: Gwen Whitley reflects on nearly 18 years of service WWAY News, Leland, NC; by Matt Bennett; 12/29/25 Nearly 18 years ago, Gwen Whitley began working at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, guided by an experience that had changed her life years earlier. ... Whitley said she never viewed leadership as a title, but as a responsibility to patients, families and staff. During her time as CEO, Whitley oversaw several major developments. She points to two accomplishments she is most proud of: the creation of the LifeCare Memory Partners program ... and the organization earning a Five-Star Rating from Medicare in August. ... As she prepares for retirement, Whitley said she plans to remain involved as a volunteer and through the organization’s foundation.
Malnutrition deaths are soaring in the US – especially among seniors
01/06/26 at 03:00 AMMalnutrition deaths are soaring in the US – especially among seniors Independent; by Brendan Rascius; 1/5/26 Malnutrition deaths are soaring in the United States — particularly among seniors — and the reasons are unclear, according to a new report. In roughly the last 10 years, deaths linked to malnutrition have skyrocketed by a factor of six, making it the fastest-growing killer in the country, The Washington Post reported, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New year, a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story. Ultimately, ...
01/06/26 at 03:00 AMNew year, a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story. Ultimately, we write it. The choice is ours. ~ Alex Morritt
Hastings Center unveils Strategic Plan: 2025-2029
01/05/26 at 03:10 AMHastings Center unveils Strategic Plan: 2025-2029The Hastings Center for Bioetics; 4/24/25The Hastings Center for Bioethics launched its five-year strategic plan at a public event in New York on April 24... The strategic plan underscores the importance of three core areas of The Hastings Center’s work: research, publications, and engagement. It also articulates the Center’s vision and mission and its commitment to six values: independence, justice and equity, inclusiveness and diversity, rigor and excellence, relevance and impact, and integrity and moral courage. To fulfill the Center’s mission, the strategic plan outlines goals for its research, publications, engagement, and financial sustainability.Publisher's Note: This article was featured in The Hasting's Center's year in review.
[Updates] New York expected to enact medical aid in dying law in 2026
01/05/26 at 03:00 AM[Updates] New York expected to enact medical aid in dying law in 2026 Nixon Peabody; Press Release; 12/29/25 Explore key amendments and compliance steps in the amended bill, which is expected to take effect in 2026. What’s the impact?
Is Alzheimer’s disease more common than previously thought?
01/05/26 at 03:00 AMIs Alzheimer’s disease more common than previously thought? Medscape; by Megan Brooks; 12/24/25 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may be more common than previously thought in some demographic groups, according to the first population-based study to use a blood test to gauge AD-related neuropathological changes (ADNCs). ... A “major advance” of this study is the use of blood-based biomarkers as a way to generate more accurate, population-level estimates of AD pathology, Nicholas Ashton, PhD, senior director of the Banner Fluid Biomarker Program, Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona, told Medscape Medical News.
Mondays are the start of the work week which offers ...
01/05/26 at 03:00 AMMondays are the start of the work week which offers new beginnings 52 times a year!
'I want to carry on mum's legacy after her death'
01/05/26 at 03:00 AM'I want to carry on mum's legacy after her death' BBC News; by Lynette Horsburgh; 1/3/26 A man whose mother spent her final days in a hospice has described how it has inspired a decade of fundraising challenges with the latest his "toughest yet" - to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. David Clarke's mother, Margaret, of Blackburn, died aged 69 in East Lancashire Hospice in 2014. The next year he started challenges to raise funds for the hospice which provided "incredible" care to his mother who was known for her charity work and "carry on her legacy". ... "It costs £10,000 a day to run the hospice and that was my original target. "But my mum spent three days there so now I really want to raise £30,000."
Fourth temporary extension of COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities for prescription of controlled medications
01/05/26 at 03:00 AMFourth temporary extension of COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities for prescription of controlled medications Federal Register - The Daily Journal of the United States Government; A Rule by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Health and Human Services Department on 12/31/2025 AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. ACTION: Temporary rule. SUMMARY: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) jointly with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing a fourth extension of telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications through December 31, 2026. DATES: This rule is effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Why hospice is approaching AI differently than the rest of healthcare
01/05/26 at 03:00 AMWhy hospice is approaching AI differently than the rest of healthcare1520ai press release; by Ernesto Lopez; 1/3/26Artificial intelligence is moving quickly across healthcare. Health systems are deploying AI to automate administrative work, summarize clinical encounters, optimize revenue cycle processes, and support clinical decision making. In many areas of healthcare, adoption is accelerating with great enthusiasm. Hospice has had a different experience. While hospice leaders are paying close attention to AI, they are approaching it with greater caution and intention. That is not because hospice is behind the curve. It is because the realities of hospice care demand a higher standard. [Key takeaways include:]
How to work clinically and ethically with chatbots and AI
01/05/26 at 03:00 AMHow to work clinically and ethically with chatbots and AI Medscape; by Arthur L. Caplan, PhD; 12/30/25 Hi. I’m Art Caplan. I’m at the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. I’m getting an interesting question from many doctors from different specialties, and also from more primary care people. How do I work clinically and ethically with chatbots and artificial intelligence? They’re not asking about making appointments or handling data behind the scenes. They want to know, in dealing with patients, how do I do this and do this right? ...
[United Kingdom] North West leads the way with UK’s first academy for hospice and palliative care workers
01/05/26 at 03:00 AM[United Kingdom] North West leads the way with UK’s first academy for hospice and palliative care workers The Carer, United Kingdom; by Adult Social Care, Care Staff, Health and Social Care; 1/2/26 The UK’s first academy for hospice and palliative care workers has been established in the North West. Born from the Lancashire and South Cumbria Hospices Together (LSCHT) partnership, the Hospice and Palliative Care Academy brings together the Universities of Lancashire and Cumbria with 10 regional hospices to create a central hub for people who want to explore learning and career opportunities across palliative and end-of-life care. The Academy aims to develop a future-ready workforce capable of meeting the current and emerging needs of hospice and palliative care. Hospices in Lancashire and Cumbria provided palliative and end of life care to over 15,000 people in 2024-25 and employs 1,300 clinical and non-clinical staff.
The 8 quotes that defined home-based care in 2025
01/05/26 at 03:00 AMThe 8 quotes that defined home-based care in 2025 Home Health Care News; by Morgan Gonzales; 12/23/25 In 2025, specific quotes from Home Health Care News’ conversations with provider executives and industry stakeholders stood out. These quotes illustrate what 2025 held for home-based care providers, including the top pressures, strategies and growth opportunities. They also demonstrate pressure on home-based care providers’ reimbursement and margin landscapes, regulatory uncertainty and the weight that the government shutdown had on the industry.
CAPC fireside chat: Leading through change and uncertainty in palliative care
01/05/26 at 03:00 AMCAPC fireside chat: Leading through change and uncertainty in palliative careAmerican Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) and Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC); to be presented by Brynn Bowan, MPA, Rikki Hopper, FNPT-C, MBA, Kristina Newport, MD, FAAHPM, and R. Sean Morrison, MD; retrieved 1/2/26, to be presented 1/14/25, 3:00-4:00 ESTPeriods of organizational or environmental change can test even the most experienced leaders. ... In this fireside chat, national leaders from CAPC, AAHPM, HPNA, and the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai will reflect on how palliative care leaders can stay grounded and effective during times of uncertainty—maintaining clarity, confidence, and compassion while advancing the field. Attendees will explore strategies to sustain team morale and well-being, foster collaboration across disciplines, and keep equity, quality, and patient-centered care at the heart of their work. The discussion will also highlight emerging opportunities for innovation, research, and shared leadership as palliative care continues to evolve within a changing health care landscape. [Registration is free.]
Hospice of the Valley GUIDE program supports caregivers
01/05/26 at 03:00 AMHospice of the Valley GUIDE program supports caregivers The Arizona Republic - AZBigMedia.com; by Lin Sue Flood; 12/10/25 James, a lifelong athlete with 82 marathons under his belt, is facing his toughest challenge now: a type of dementia called primary progressive aphasia. But he’s not alone. He has his wife of 34 years, Reesa, by his side, and the support of a Hospice of the Valley dementia educator, who helps the couple navigate challenges like communication as the disease progresses. ...
Hospice of Michigan receives $10,000 grant for pediatric hospice care
01/04/26 at 03:50 AMHospice of Michigan receives $10,000 grant for pediatric hospice care Ludington Daily News, Manistee, MI; 12/20/25Hospice of Michigan has received a $10,000 grant from the Manistee County Community Foundation to support its Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children, which provide specialized pediatric hospice care for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The grant will help fund medical, emotional, social and spiritual support services delivered through the not-for-profit’s pediatric hospice programs. Hospice of Michigan is the only statewide hospice provider offering specialized pediatric hospice care services in northeast Michigan.
Bringing death into the conversation: Communication strategies for discussing assisted dying in palliative care
01/04/26 at 03:45 AMHolistic hospice provider expands to Pinellas County
01/04/26 at 03:40 AMHolistic hospice provider expands to Pinellas County Catalyst; by Mark Parker; 12/24/25 A national end-of-life care company with unique offerings, including pet visits, personal pampering and Memory Bears made from a patient’s clothing, has expanded to Pinellas County. VITAS Healthcare is a nearly 50-year-old mobile hospice provider that takes a holistic approach to providing support during a sensitive time in someone’s life. A new administrative office at 12425 28th St. N. in St. Petersburg serves as a home base for interdisciplinary care teams. Kathleen Coronado, vice president of operations, said VITAS plans to eventually open a local inpatient center “for patients who need a higher level of care.” However, the company’s primary goal is to provide comfort wherever patients call home.
Hospice Coalition Questions and Answers: October 23, 2025
01/04/26 at 03:35 AMHospice Coalition Questions and Answers: October 23, 2025Palmetto GBA; 12/10/2025Includes Coalition questions, Hospice Appeals Reports, and Hospice CAP Updates.
CMS weighs advance care planning quality measure for nursing homes
01/04/26 at 03:30 AMCMS weighs advance care planning quality measure for nursing homesMcKnight's Long-Term Care News; by Kimberly Marselas;12/16/25Nursing homes could soon be measured on their ability to capture advance care planning documents for their patients, according to a federal publication. On Monday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released its 2025 list of measures under consideration. Among 24 new or updated metrics pitched for a range of Medicare programs, just one would directly affect skilled nursing: Advance Care Planning.