Literature Review
States sue HHS over layoffs, restructuring: 5 updates
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMStates sue HHS over layoffs, restructuring: 5 updates Becker's Hospital Review; by Madeline Ashley and Mackenzie Bean; 5/5/25 Nineteen states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the federal government May 5 aiming to block the Trump administration’s large-scale restructuring of HHS. In the lawsuit, New York Attorney General Letitia James and 19 other AGs argue the restructuring is an “unconstitutional and illegal dismantling of the department.” They contend the government has violated hundreds of laws and bypassed congressional authority by enacting the plan, which has erased decades of public health progress and left HHS unable to execute many vital functions.
Addressing workforce challenges: Hospice in the news, April 2025
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMAddressing workforce challenges: Hospice in the news, April 2025 Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux with Cordt Kassner; 5/7/25 What defines quality in end-of-life care? How are Hospice organizations navigating workforce challenges? And why has medical aid in dying become such a critical conversation? These questions take center stage in this data-driven exploration of April's most impactful Hospice and Palliative Care news stories. In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner discuss the top news stories from April, focusing on Hospice and Palliative Care. They explore personal aspirations, data insights, the impact of spiritual care, emerging categories in news reporting, and key themes such as reimbursement and workforce challenges. The conversation also touches on mission moments, regulatory changes, technology innovations, and the evolving nature of leadership in healthcare, particularly in the context of AI and human skills. ... Cordt closes the show with a Master's Class reviewing the National Hospice Locator, a valuable tool for finding high-quality Hospice Care anywhere in the country.
Blue Ridge Hospice rebrands as Blue Ridge Care
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMBlue Ridge Hospice rebrands as Blue Ridge Care The Northern Virginia Daily; by rian Brehm; 5/6/25 After more than 40 years of service, Blue Ridge Hospice is no more. Not to worry, though. The end-of-life care provider that was founded in 1981 to serve terminal patients in the Shenandoah Valley is still in business and stronger than ever, but it has become part of a new nonprofit umbrella organization called Blue Ridge Care. Jason Parsons, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Care, said the rebranding on May 1 was brought about as the organization developed its strategic plan to determine the best way to serve the growing number of residents in the Winchester area.
Pine Tree Hospice hosts 29th Annual Variety Show
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMPine Tree Hospice hosts 29th Annual Variety Show The Piscataquis Observer - The Voice of Rural Maine, Dover-Foxcroft, ME; by Staff; 5/5/25 On a rainy, dreary Saturday in April, the volunteers of Pine Tree Hospice presented the group’s 29th Variety Show and created a little sunshine at the Center Theatre for the 100 attendees. The corps of volunteers ran the show from greeting attendees to taking tickets to selling tickets for the quilt raffle to running the first annual pie faffle. The Annual Variety Show, a major source of funding for the group’s volunteer-based non-medical support services, raised nearly $8,000.
Tri-Cities Chaplaincy announces $3.5 million renovation of Kennewick Hospice House
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMTri-Cities Chaplaincy announces $3.5 million renovation of Kennewick Hospice House Apple Valley News Now, Kennewick, WA; by Dan Hanson; 5/6/25A place that has provided comfort and peace to terminally ill patients and their families for nearly three decades is getting a significant upgrade. Tri-Cities Chaplaincy has announced a $3.5 million renovation project for Hospice House in Kennewick, marking the first major renovation to the facility since it opened in 1996. The comprehensive renovation aims to modernize the region's only inpatient hospice facility while enhancing patient, family, and staff spaces. Construction is expected to last between four and six months.
Today's Encouragement: The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is ...
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMThe meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. ~ William Shakespeare
The Joint Commission cuts 55 administrative employees
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMThe Joint Commission cuts 55 administrative employees Modern Healthcare; by Hayley Desilva; 5/6/25The Joint Commission said Tuesday it laid off 55 administrative employees last week as the organization navigates structural changes to improve its operational efficiency. All affected employees worked at the organization’s central office in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. The Joint Commission declined to say whether those employees could apply for other roles or if additional cuts are planned. ... The organization also declined to comment on the status of any funding from the federal government. In its most recent federal tax filing, for 2023, it reported more than $207 million in total revenue, a $1.4 million decrease from 2022.
California man sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment in connection with $17m Medicare fraud schemes
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMCalifornia man sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment in connection with $17m Medicare fraud schemes U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Public Affairs; Press Release; 2/6/25 A California man was sentenced yesterday to 12 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company. According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 44, of Granada Hills, schemed with others to bill Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and never provided. Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers controlled hospice entities and used foreign nationals’ personal identifying information (PII) to conceal the scheme, using the PII to, among other things, open bank accounts, submit information to Medicare, and sign property leases.
Haven Hospice's [FL] E.T. York Hospice Care Center implements "Christmas Room"
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMHaven Hospice's [FL] E.T. York Hospice Care Center implments "Christmas Room"Haven Hospice press release; by Hailey Reidy; 4/3/25Haven Hospice's E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville has created a Christmas Room to allow their pediatric patients to celebrate with their families. The room came to be at the wish of these patients wanting to celebrate Christmas one last time which their care team and other member of Haven's team supported. The Haven Women of Philanthropy group also supported the room, covering the cost and gathering supplies.Article posted in Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association's newsletter The Hospice Professional.
To the brink and back: How near-death experiences can change how people work
05/08/25 at 02:00 AMTo the brink and back: How near-death experiences can change how people work The Conversation; by Adauri.AI; 5/5/25 What happens when someone comes close to death and then returns to everyday life, including work? For some, the experience can be transformative. ... Although near-death experiences (NDEs) have been studied since the 1970s, we know relatively little about how they affect people after the event. Research suggests people who have near-death experiences may feel increased empathy, spiritual growth, a sense of purpose and even change how they approach their jobs. Our recent study explored how near-death experiences impact people’s return to work. We interviewed 14 working adults who had a near-death experience as a result of medical crises such as a heart attack or accidents such as a car crash. What we found challenges conventional ideas about success, motivation and workplace culture.
16 hospital executives’ thank-you notes to nurses
05/08/25 at 02:00 AM16 hospital executives’ thank-you notes to nurses Becker's Clinical Leadership; by Mariah Taylor and Kelly Gooch; 5/2/25In honor of National Nurses Month in May and National Nurses Week (May 6-12), hospitals and health systems are recognizing the difference nurses make in their organizations. This year, the American Nurses Association’s theme of National Nurses Week, “The Power of Nurses,” highlights the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide and the real-life challenges they face every day. Here are some stats to know about nurses in 2025:
NPHI honors visionary leaders and organizations at 2025 Annual Summit
05/08/25 at 01:00 AMNPHI Honors Visionary Leaders and Organizations at 2025 Annual Summit: The National
Hidden at Home: Alarming questions, few state investigations of NJ group home deaths
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMHidden at Home: Alarming questions, few state investigations of NJ group home deaths app., North Jersey.com, part of the USA Today Network; by Ashley Balcerzak and Jean Rimbach; 5/3/25 Fourteen. That’s how many times Michael Lombardi tried to dial 911 in the hours before he was found dead at age 39 in a state-licensed group home for adults with disabilities. ... Key Points:
New York State Department of Health announces revision of Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMNew York State Department of Health announces revision of Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY; 5/2/25 The New York State Department of Health announced the revision of the Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) Form, a form that records a patient's preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as CPR, ventilation, and other interventions, to ensure all patients are considered. The comprehensive revision was a collaboration of the Department, New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), and the MOLST Statewide Implementation Committee. ... All information regarding the MOLST, including the form, supporting checklists, glossary, and instructions are available on the NYSDOH Center for Hospice & Palliative Care's webpage.
Today's Encouragement: Kindness is the language that ...
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMKindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~ Mark Twain
Re-imagined Hospice Ball raises record funds for health care in the Northern Hills
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMRe-imagined Hospice Ball raises record funds for health care in the Northern Hills Black Hills Pioneer, Spearfish, SD; 5/6/25 More than $136,000 was raised during the first ever Monument Health Foundation event: A Night at the Derby. This event evolved from the success of the Northern Hills Hospice Ball which successfully supported health care in the Northern Hills for 27 years. A Night at the Derby, held on April 26 included themed games, raffles and bidding opportunities to help raise awareness, funds and support for hospice patients and their families.
Research disrupted at the NIH Clinical Center
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMResearch disrupted at the NIH Clinical Center STAT - Morning Rounds; by Theresa Gaffney; 5/6/25 The NIH Clinical Center — the nation’s largest hospital devoted solely to medical research — is in crisis. In 2023, the hospital ran around 1,500 studies with a permanent staff of more than 1,800 federal workers. But amid continued disruptions from the Trump administration, researchers are leaving, technicians have been let go, studies are facing major delays, and some patients are deciding to drop out of the hospital’s research.
Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo hosted its 29th annual hospice memorial walk
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMHospice and Palliative Care Buffalo hosted its 29th annual hospice memorial walk NBC 2 WGRZ, Buffalo, NY; by Sara Russo; 5/4/25 Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo held its 29th annual hospice memorial walk at the Buffalo Outer Harbor on Sunday. The 5K walk began at Terminal B at the Outer Harbor and was the first year the event took place at that location. The route continued through Buffalo's Waterfront District and also included a shorter, one mile "Fun Walk." The Hospice Memorial Walk is one of the largest fundraisers for the center, raising over $5 million in the past 28 years. Walkers were able to participate in teams or individuals as well as virtually.
2 views of the New York bill that would legalize medically assisted suicide
05/07/25 at 03:00 AM2 views of the New York bill that would legalize medically assisted suicide Spectrum News 1, Northern NY; by Susan Arbetter; 5/5/25 Last week, after over a decade of trying, advocates rejoiced when the New York state Assembly passed a bill allowing for medically assisted suicide. After an emotional debate, the so-called Medical Aid in Dying Act passed by an 81-67 vote. The legislation faces an uphill battle in the state Senate, but if passed into law, it would allow mentally competent, terminally ill patients over the age of 18 to self-administer physician-prescribed life-ending medication. ... Capital Tonight heard from both those opposed to and those in support of the bill, A136 Paulin/S138 Hoylman-Sigal. ... Last week, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins told Capital Tonight that there were 25 “yes” votes in that chamber – 32 are needed to pass. Carey pointed out that while the Senate bill has 25 sponsors, there are additional members who support the bill.
Obituary: Dr. John A. Mulder
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMObituary: Dr. John A. MulderNorton Shores, MI; 5/5/25Dr. John Adrian Mulder, a devoted husband, loving father, revered physician, and cherished friend, died peacefully at Vanderbilt Hospital after a short bout of pneumonia on May 1, 2025. John was born in Pontiac, MI to Rev. Dr. John and Lydia Mulder on September 12, 1952. As John’s family followed his father’s service to the Methodist Church, they lived in Pontiac, Detroit, Saginaw, Royal Oak, and Dearborn. ... A pioneer in the field of palliative care, Dr. Mulder was known not only for his clinical excellence, but also for his uncommon grace and empathy. He was a guiding light for thousands of patients and families as they navigated the most vulnerable moments of life. Dr. Mulder’s impact extended far beyond the exam room. As a teacher, international speaker, and thought leader, he helped shape national conversations around end-of-life care. Instilled with a deep sense of purpose and compassion, John dedicated his life to the service of others through medicine, ministry, music, and mentorship. A pioneer in the field of palliative care, Dr. Mulder was known not only for his clinical excellence, but also for his uncommon grace and empathy. He was a guiding light for thousands of patients and families as they navigated the most vulnerable moments of life. Dr. Mulder’s impact extended far beyond the exam room. As a teacher, international speaker, and thought leader, he helped shape national conversations around end-of-life care.
Trailor for "The Chaplain & The Doctor"
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMDid someone call for a chaplain Jewish Journal; by Jonah Sanderson; 5/2/25 I am an interfaith hospice chaplain who on average handles 20 deaths every week; at times I manage 40. This number may sound staggering but it’s not. As people age and society understands death, more people will choose to die with the dignity of hospice. The career of a chaplain is not one of the most appealing for new clergy. Why would someone want to hold the hand of a woman as she goes in and out of consciousness surrounded by her family and friends? ...
The Carilion office driving 139 projects
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMThe Carilion office driving 139 projects Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 5/5/25 Roughly five years ago, Roanoke, Va.-based Carilion Clinic recognized the need for an organizational pivot to better align system strategic plans with major operational initiatives. That led to the creation of its Enterprise Project Management Office, which leaders say has already yielded results. At the outset, senior leaders sought to build an internal group that could consistently implement and support the organization’s strategic plan. Carilion — an integrated health system with seven hospitals, home health services, imaging, pharmacies, urgent care centers, a ground and air transportation network and a more than 800-member multispecialty physician group — had previously housed pockets of project management within various departments, ... However, the health system’s goal was more standardization, as many project managers were splitting their time between project management and day-to-day operations.
[Belize, Central America] Understanding grief: A journey with Belize Hospice and Palliative Care Association
05/07/25 at 03:00 AMUnderstanding grief: A journey with Belize Hospice and Palliative Care AssociationChannel 5 Belize; by Sabreena Daly; 5/2/25Grief is often seen as something that begins after a loss, but for many, it starts much earlier. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a role, a routine, or even a sense of identity, grief can take many forms and often arrives long before death itself. At the heart of this journey is the Belize Hospice and Palliative Care Association, which offers compassionate care not only for those nearing the end of life but also for their loved ones who walk that path with them. The organization provides support for anticipatory grief and healing, embracing the whole person—physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. This week, and for the rest of the month, Sabreena takes a deep dive into understanding grief. She brings us this week’s story and a look on the Bright Side, exploring how the association helps individuals navigate their grief journey with care and compassion.
1-on-1 coaching, leadership academies: 5 systems developing the next generation of leaders
05/07/25 at 03:00 AM1-on-1 coaching, leadership academies: 5 systems developing the next generation of leaders Becker's Hospital Review; by Kristin Kuchno; 4/30/25 With an aging U.S. population and healthcare workforce, many hospital and health system leaders are focused on building the next generation of leaders to tackle the work ahead. Healthcare executives from across the country recently shared with Becker’s how their systems are developing leadership pipelines.
Empath Health’s new One Hospice Model a ‘blueprint’ for scalable growth
05/07/25 at 02:10 AMEmpath Health’s new One Hospice Model a ‘blueprint’ for scalable growth Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 5/5/25 Empath Health on Monday integrated its seven hospice brands under one umbrella. ... The Florida-based nonprofit’s seven brands collectively care for one-in-five hospice patients statewide and include Empath Hospice, Hospice of Marion County, Suncoast Hospice, Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough, Tidewell Hospice and Trustbridge (also Hospice by the Sea and Hospice of Palm Beach County). ...The new One Hospice Model is structured to provide more direct referral and community access to Empath Health’s overall network of services/ entire continuum of care. ... The new model is designed to strengthen the outlook of hospice care delivery as providers face myriad sustainability challenges, according to Empath Health. Rising demand, workforce shortages, program integrity and regulatory challenges, economic pressures and a shifting hospice marketplace are just some of the leading issues among today’s leaders.