Literature Review
Hollywood Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care to harness Artificial Intelligence to enhance home health delivery
08/05/25 at 03:00 AMHollywood Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care to harness Artificial Intelligence to enhance home health delivery HomeHealthProvider.com; 7/15/25Hollywood Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care ... announced today its strategic investment in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and improve clinical outcomes. ... The AI platform will integrate with existing electronic health records (EHRs), billing systems, and care coordination software, helping nurses and therapists access real-time insights, prioritize urgent needs, and reduce documentation time. In the office, AI will assist with scheduling optimization, patient eligibility verification, and compliance reporting - areas known to slow down response times and overburden staff.
Today's Encouragement: Live today. Not ...
08/05/25 at 03:00 AMLive today. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Just today. Inhabit your moments. Don’t rent them out to tomorrow. ~ Jerry Spinelli
How proposed home health cuts could impact hospices
08/05/25 at 03:00 AMHow proposed home health cuts could impact hospices Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/1/25Proposed cuts to home health payments for 2026 could have somewhat of a ripple effect on hospices. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has called for a 6.4% aggregate cut to home health payments for 2026 in a proposed rule. The total reductions amount to $1.135 billion. This is the fourth straight year in which CMS has cut or proposed to cut home health payments. Due to this proposed rule, the agency has “failed” providers, according to Dr. Steven Landers, CEO for the National Alliance for Care at Home.
Assisted living fire with multiple fatalities a reminder to have evacuation plan, expert says
08/05/25 at 03:00 AMAssisted living fire with multiple fatalities a reminder to have evacuation plan, expert says McKnights Senior Living; by Kimberly Bonvissuto; 7/15/25 A five-alarm fire at a Massachusetts assisted living community in which nine people died and at least 30 were injured is a “realistic reminder” for senior living providers to make sure they have evacuation plans that are practiced and up to date, according to one expert. Stan Szpytek, president of Fire and Life Safety Inc. and a former deputy fire chief and fire marshal, told McKnight’s Senior Living that he was “horrified” to see the death toll, adding that multiple fatalities in buildings equipped with properly working fire suppression systems “has never occurred,” according to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association. ... “Smoke kills more people than fire does everyday in America,” Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon said during a press conference.
Laying the foundation for health IT innovation: 5 essential cornerstones
08/05/25 at 02:30 AMLaying the foundation for health IT innovation: 5 essential cornerstones Becker's Health IT; by Pally Parrent; 8/1/25 ... A recent survey by Modern Healthcare and Nordic reveals both industry progress and opportunity across critical IT foundations like governance, infrastructure, data, and training. Investing in these foundations is important but success also requires five reinforcing cornerstones that support foundational efforts for enterprise-wide impact: strategy, cybersecurity, integration and interoperability, cultural commitment, and change management. ...
Immigration policies threaten post-acute care access
08/05/25 at 02:00 AMImmigration policies threaten post-acute care access Modern Healthcare; by Diane Eastabrook; 7/23/25 Nursing homes and home care operators are scrambling to find replacements for foreign-born workers no longer eligible to work in the U.S. due to changes in immigration policy. Providers in Boston, Atlanta and other cities with large populations of immigrants, and Haitians in particular, say the loss of foreign-born workers in an already tight job market is making it increasingly difficult to meet the growing demand for care — and will likely drive up care costs. Last month the Homeland Security Department began notifying more than 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans that it terminated a Biden-era program that allowed them to live and work in the U.S. It said those who have not attained legal status to remain in the U.S. outside of the program must leave immediately.
Study reveals how medication side effects can lead to dangerous medication cycles in adults 65+
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMStudy reveals how medication side effects can lead to dangerous medication cycles in adults 65+ McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Donna Shryer; 7/31/25 When doctors treat drug side effects as new illnesses, older adults may be prescribed even more medications — a cycle known as a “prescribing cascade.” A new study says this prescribing cycle can increase the risk of harm. A prescribing cascade example cited in the research involves older patients taking calcium channel blockers for blood pressure control, which can cause ankle swelling side effects. Instead of first adjusting the blood pressure drug, some doctors immediately prescribe a diuretic to reduce the swelling — which for some, can create an unnecessary drug pair.
St. Croix Hospice to acquire Mayo Clinic Health System hospice operations in Northwest and Southwest Wisconsin
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMSt. Croix Hospice to acquire Mayo Clinic Health System hospice operations in Northwest and Southwest WisconsinWVNews West Virginia's News; Press Release by St. Croix Hospice; 8/1/25 St. Croix Hospice and Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) have entered into a definitive agreement for St. Croix Hospice to acquire MCHS's hospice operations in Northwest and Southwest Wisconsin. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close later this quarter. The organizations have been longstanding partners in Midwest care, with St. Croix Hospice serving as a leading agency for hospice patients referred outside MCHS.
Breaking News: Various posts about the CMS FY26 Wage Index Final Rule
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMBreaking News: Various posts about the CMS FY26 Wage Index Final RuleCompiled by Hospice & Palliative Care Today; Joy Berger; 8/2/25Finally. The financial Final Rule arrived. What do you need to know and do? How are hospice leaders responding? We've compiled these for you to go directly to various sources to find what you need.
HHS sets its sights on $50b in cost savings: Medicare payments to nonhospice providers potentially under fire
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMHHS sets its sights on $50b in cost savings: Medicare payments to nonhospice providers potentially under fire JD Supra; by Taylor Henderson, Callan Stein, Rebecca Younker; 7/31/25 In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) published a review, titled " Potential Cost Savings HHS Programs – HHS Actions," which provided some insight into the OIG's direction to accomplish the Trump administration's stated goal of cutting federal spending. This review spans 35 reports, adding up to $50 billion in potential cost savings — including a reported $6.6 billion in potential savings by preventing Medicare payments for nonhospice items or services furnished to active hospice beneficiaries (nonhospice payments). When a beneficiary qualifies for and elects hospice benefits, the beneficiary signs a statement choosing hospice care over other Medicare-covered treatments for their terminal illness, and the hospice provider is paid a daily, per diem rate to provide these comprehensive services. With nonhospice payments accounting for a significant portion of HHS's potential savings, providers across the health care industry — including nursing and long-term care facilities, hospice and home health agencies, hospitals, individual providers, pharmacies, and medical equipment distributors — will need to be ready for the OIG's possible next steps.
Chapters Health System expands care in Richmond, VA and surrounding counties
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMChapters Health System expands care in Richmond, VA and surrounding counties PR Newswire; by Chapters Health System; 7/31/25 Chapters Health System, the nation's leading chronic illness innovator and largest nonprofit hospice provider, announces the opening of its newest program offering comprehensive hospice services and grief support to Richmond, VA – and the surrounding counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan. Operating under Chapters Health Hospice, this new program will leverage the resources, infrastructure, and best practices of the nation's largest nonprofit network, while remaining grounded in the leadership of a team that is deeply rooted in the Richmond community. ... The opening of Chapters Health Hospice in Richmond, VA expands the Chapters Health System presence in the state following the 2023 affiliation of Capital Caring Health, which serves the Northern Virginia Region.
Nathan Adelson Hospice celebrates ‘Make A Will’ Month: The trusted hospice facility to offer free will-planning resources throughout the month of August
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMNathan Adelson Hospice celebrates ‘Make A Will’ Month: The trusted hospice facility to offer free will-planning resources throughout the month of August Nevada Business; by Nathan Adelson Hospice; 8/1/25 ... For the month of August, Nathan Adelson Hospice aims to help inspire individuals to recognize the people closest to them in their lives, articulate their final desires, and ensure that all wishes are granted when the time comes, by offering a free resource, FreeWill. This resource aims to guide the community through the necessary steps of outlining a will and handling all wishes with dignity and care. “At Nathan Adelson Hospice, we understand that topics surrounding end-of-life care are always challenging. However, we believe in the power of communication and planning ahead,” says Lori Towsend, Executive Director.
A hospice volunteer has a fascinating new take on people's most common deathbed regret
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMA hospice volunteer has a fascinating new take on people's most common deathbed regret Upworthy; by Cecily Knobler; 8/1/25 ... Over the years, many hospital and hospice workers have paid close attention to what people who are on their deathbeds say. What they're most proud of, and yes, what are their main regrets. ... [This author refers to] Jancee Dunn's New York Times article, "3 Lessons for Living Well, from the Dying." In it, she discusses her friend who is a hospice volunteer. "She hears one regret over and over from patients: letting relationships wither. They wish that they had made more plans with good friends, or they thought about getting back in touch with an old buddy, and talked themselves out of it." ... One wrote,"My mother always told me, 'Your friends will get you through life.'"Editor's Note: What friend do you want to reach out to, today?
Hospice of Humboldt expands services
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMHospice of Humboldt expands services Redwood News, Eureka, CA; 7/31/25 ... Through a fundraising effort called the Compassionate Growth Campaign, Hospice of Humboldt was able to raise $750,000, enough to recruit another team of caregivers and double the capacity of the hospice house. “It was a heavy lift for our organization. We recruited and trained an additional 19 staff members,” Keating said. Doctor Charles Knoll, the medical director on campus, walks families through the process.
Burnout eases for doctors at every career stage as support rises
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMBurnout eases for doctors at every career stage as support rises American Medical Association (AMA); by Sara Berg; 7/22/25 Physician burnout is showing promising signs of decline, according to exclusive survey data from the AMA. The analysis reveals that burnout rates have fallen among physicians at every career stage after residency or fellowship training. At the same time, measures of job satisfaction and feeling valued in the workplace are on the rise—an encouraging shift that suggests meaningful progress in efforts to support physician well-being. ... Nearly 18,000 responses from physicians across 43 states were received from more than 100 health systems and organizations that participated in the AMA Organizational Biopsy® last year. The AMA national physician comparison report—which is exclusive data to the AMA that is not published anywhere else—reflects 2024 trends on six key performance indicators—job satisfaction, job stress, burnout, intent to leave an organization, feeling valued by an organization and total hours spent per week on work-related activities ...
Treasure Coast Hospice announces endowment for pediatric patients
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMTreasure Coast Hospice announces endowment for pediatric patients WQCS News, NPR for the Treasure Coast, Stuart, FL; by Justin Breckenridge; 7/19/25 The Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation has established a new endowment honoring local philanthropist Marlene K. Filer and her long-standing commitment to children’s health programs in Martin County. ... The Marlene K. Filer Celebrities Fore Kids Endowment will support children and families receiving care through the organization’s Little Treasures Pediatric Program. The program provides comprehensive support for children facing life-limiting illnesses. Filer, founder of Celebrities Fore Kids, has raised more than $3 million since 1997 to support children’s services throughout the region.
Today's Encouragement: They asked, "Why is it important to be kind?" ...
08/04/25 at 03:00 AMThey asked, "Why is it important to be kind?" I said, "Because we walk past hundreds of people every day and none of them wear signs that say, 'I'm grieving,' 'I'm exhausted,' or 'I'm barely holding it together.' But they're everywhere. Kindess might be the only softness they receive today.
Combining clinical insight and data-driven expertise: The case for morning huddles in primary care
08/04/25 at 02:00 AMCombining clinical insight and data-driven expertise: The case for morning huddles in primary care HEAL Security; by Becky Trotter and Aliya Ali; 7/1/25 The daily huddle, also called a morning huddle, is a brief standup meeting commonly associated with inpatient and surgical care. In these settings, safety is the predominant focus of the meeting. However, the same idea can be used in primary care settings to get care teams ready for the patients scheduled for that day. Morning huddles are an opportunity to merge clinical knowledge with data and analytics to help ensure primary care teams are aligned and specific care needs are recognized before patients walk into the practice. Editor's Note: Is this practice so new? Back in the 1990's at Hospice & Palliative Care of Louisville, each morning began with going through my hospice voicemail box for our well-oiled system of receiving and replying to voicemails for the whole team or individual members, from on-call staff, from leaders from throughout our organization, or other voicemails. These first-thing-in-the-morning communication/tech "huddles" were so crucial then--and are important today (with better tech and data)--because our patients often die during the night. Or, a new patient must be assessed. Or, the patient was transferred from home to an inpatient unit. Or, you know the common, literally life-changing needs. Is your hospice behind the times or leading the way with today's clinical communications and data?
BetterRX receives strategic investment from BVP Forge to transform hospice pharmacy care nationwide and appoints Tim Tannert as CEO
08/03/25 at 03:55 AMBetterRX receives strategic investment from BVP Forge to transform hospice pharmacy care nationwide and appoints Tim Tannert as CEOBusinesswire press release; 7/25/25BetterRX, the leading hospice pharmacy platform, today announced a strategic growth investment from BVP Forge, to accelerate its future growth. BetterRX also announced the appointment of Tim Tannert as its new CEO.
Andwell Health Partners CEO: Medicare Advantage becoming ‘failed policy,’ jeopardizes home health access
08/03/25 at 03:50 AMAndwell Health Partners CEO: Medicare Advantage becoming ‘failed policy,’ jeopardizes home health accessHome Health Care News; by Morgan Gonzales; 7/21/25 The rise of Medicare Advantage (MA) has reshaped the home-based care landscape, but it’s putting home health providers in precarious positions while increasingly failing to deliver for beneficiaries. That’s according to the leader of Lewiston, Maine-based nonprofit provider Andwell Health Partners, which has significantly changed the way it cares for patients, including adjusting care plans, to adjust to increased penetration of MA. Andwell Health Partners’ CEO Ken Albert said MA is rapidly becoming a “failed policy,” on a recent episode of Home Health Care News’ Disrupt podcast. Formerly known as Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice, Andwell Health Partners offers home health care, palliative care, hospice services and a slew of other services across Maine. Albert sat down with HHCN to discuss how the nonprofit will survive industry headwinds, the new service lines and innovations he has plotted for the organization, the future of Medicare Advantage and how nonprofit providers have to innovate to survive.
Hearing loss, loneliness may contribute to cognitive decline in older adults
08/03/25 at 03:45 AMHearing loss, loneliness may contribute to cognitive decline in older adults McKnights Senior Living; by John Roszkowski; 7/28/25 Hearing loss and loneliness can contribute to dementia in older adults, and simple interventions to address hearing loss, such as hearing aids, may reduce cognitive decline in some cases, new research finds. ... Results of the study showed that higher levels and worsening self-reported hearing impairment were associated with steeper decline in episodic memory issues and executive functioning (verbal fluency). Further, the researchers found that individuals who were not socially isolated but still felt lonely saw their cognitive decline accelerate if they were deaf. Editor's Note: Do you assess and train your interdisciplinary teams and volunteers on their communication skills with persons who have hearing loss? Do they simply speak louder at the patient? Ignore them and talk to the caregiver? Or do they all know--consistently across all direct care roles--how to sensitively, creatively communicate with the person? Note the differences between "talking to" and "communicating with." Click here for excellent "Do's and "Don'ts" to teach, Communicating with seniors who are deaf or hard of hearing, by SeniorLiving.Org.
How health care systems shape end-of-life care—A step toward transparency
08/03/25 at 03:40 AMHow health care systems shape end-of-life care—A step toward transparencyJAMA Network Open; by Jacqueline M. Kruser, Gordon D. Rubenfeld; 7/25Our health care systems, in all their multifaceted complexities, are more influential in shaping the delivery of care than individual human effort or error. Influential system-level factors span many different domains: how we are paid, the buildings we work in, the technology around us, who and how many we have on the team caring for patients, our workload, and our local social networks of influence. One pragmatic first step in addressing the problem of invisible, inaccessible, and/or inflexible patterns of end-of-life care is to build awareness of and foster transparency about the current patterns and their default orientation. Building from this deeper understanding of how our everyday routines and practice patterns influence care, we can then take the bigger step of intentionally designing our routine clinical practice patterns to be systematic yet flexible in their support of patients with serious illnesses.
VNA Golf-A-Thon fundraising drivers give it their best shots
08/03/25 at 03:35 AMVNA Golf-A-Thon fundraising drivers give it their best shots Vero News, Vero Beach, FL; by Stephanie LaBaff; 7/24/25 Generosity was in full swing during the 35th annual VNA & Hospice Foundation Golf-A-Thon, held this year at the Vero Beach Country Club, where pros representing 13 local clubs spent a full day on the course playing more than 100 holes of golf. “It’s a beautiful day here at the Vero Beach Country Club, and I really want to thank everybody who participated today,” said Carol Kanarek, VNA & Hospice Foundation board chair, thanking the professional golfers, volunteers and staff of the VNA and the VBCC. “This has been a year of events for the VNA,” said Kanarek, referencing the VNA’s 50th anniversary, the 35th anniversary of the Golf-A-Thon and the 25th anniversary of the Hospice House. ... Co-chairs Nancy Edmiston and Karen Formont scored a perfect game with the assistance of their team, raising more than $484,000 in critical funding for VNA & Hospice Foundation programs and services. Editor's Note: Congratulations VNA & Hospice Foundation on this "more than $484,000" raised, and your 50th, 35th, and 25th anniversaries!
Simulating the overall hospital quality Star ratings with random measure weights
08/03/25 at 03:30 AMSimulating the overall hospital quality Star ratings with random measure weightsJAMA Network Open; by Benjamin D. Pollock, Daniel S. Ubl, Subashnie Devkaran, Sean C. Dowdy; 7/25We found that only 244 US hospitals achieved reliable excellence in hospital quality in 2024 when defined as 90th percentile performance or better in at least 50.0% of 100,000 simulations using random weights for each measure in the CMS Overall Star Ratings. Our analysis highlights that there is meaningful variation in hospital quality performance across the spectrum of quality measures, even among 5-star hospitals. Future efforts to assess this variation may allow for better identification of reliably excellent hospitals, which could in turn lead to solicitation of evidence regarding the processes or cultures that separate reliable excellence from inconsistent greatness in hospital quality.