Literature Review



Non-profits join forces to help homeless in Texoma

12/06/24 at 03:00 AM

Non-profits join forces to help homeless in Texoma TexomasHomepage.com, Wichita Falls, TX; by Mariana Vela LEon; 12/4/24 This holiday season, you can give warmth as a gift to someone in need in Texoma. If you have extra winter clothing that you need to get rid of, consider donating it to two non-profits that make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Homeless Lives Matter and Complete TX Hospice Care are joining forces to help those who may be struggling to keep warm during the cold winter season. ... Editor's note: This simple, meaningful community outreach can make a significant difference. How might you replicate this--with fast turnaround--at your organization? Perhaps a drive among your employees and volunteers? Read this article for more of their logistics.

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Critical components of the digital operating model in health

12/06/24 at 03:00 AM

Critical components of the digital operating model in health bounteous x Accolite; by Abby Matchett; 12/4/24 ... To determine how to shape your resources and structure an operating model, you must first assess and evaluate several critical inputs, starting with the overall digital transformation strategy. 

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UnitedHealthcare CEO's slaying adds tragic twist to parent company's tumultuous year

12/06/24 at 03:00 AM

UnitedHealthcare CEO's slaying adds tragic twist to parent company's tumultuous year CBS News WCCO, Minneapolis, MN; by Beret Leone, Stephen Swanson; 12/5/24 Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare Group Inc. has faced a firestorm of controversy this year. And as investigators search for a motive in the slaying of Brian Thompson, CEO of its insurance arm, they aren't counting anything out. Between a software attack, protests, lawsuits and layoffs by one of its subsidiaries, Thompson's killing adds a tragic end to a troubled year for the company. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]

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5 principles of servant leadership

12/06/24 at 03:00 AM

5 principles of servant leadership Forbes; by Nancy Padberg; 12/3/24 Servant leadership isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a choice that redefines what leadership should feel like. It’s about prioritizing your associates first. Servant leadership shifts the focus from the traditional leadership model—where the leader’s primary goal is to accumulate power and control—to one where the leader prioritizes the needs of their team, community and organization. This approach builds a healthy workplace culture through collaboration, trust and empowerment. Here are some ways you can embody the principles of servant leadership to improve your company culture from the top down.

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Regulators extend some telemedicine flexibilities, gauge telehealth’s ‘new path forward’ in hospice

12/06/24 at 02:00 AM

Regulators extend some telemedicine flexibilities, gauge telehealth’s ‘new path forward’ in hospice Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 12/4/24 Regulators recently extended certain temporary telemedicine waivers granted during the pandemic, with some flexibilities now sunsetting in 2025 rather than the end of this year. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced the extension of telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications until Dec. 31, 2025. ... The move was made in response to feedback the agencies received from more than 38,000 comments and two days of public listening sessions. The extension allows for more time to consider a “new path forward” for telemedicine, according to the DEA and HHS. “We continue to carefully consider the input received and are working to promulgate a final set of telemedicine regulations,” the agencies stated in an announcement. “With the end of 2024 quickly approaching, DEA, jointly with HHS, has extended current telemedicine flexibilities through December 31, 2025.” The temporary rule, entitled as the Third Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications, was recently submitted to the Federal Register and will take effect/become effective Jan. 1, 2025.

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‘You did a good job’

12/06/24 at 02:00 AM

‘You did a good job’Jewish Journal; by Ron Wolfson; 12/4/24 As Jews, we are instructed to say 100 blessings every day, each of them making us aware of the many things for which we are grateful – from simple bodily functions to the beauty of the world in which we live. ... I have been thinking about the way in which we show, or don’t show, gratitude to our leaders in the workplace, ... “We often think of our leaders as we do our parents,” my friend, mentor, and business consultant Stuart Matlins says to me. “We believe our parents know everything and they’ll solve every problem. Same thing with our leaders. We “parentize” our leaders, especially our CEOs and presidents of organizations. And just as we children hardly ever complement our parents, when do we ever complement our leaders? We rarely say to them, “You’ve done a good job.” ... Editor's note: To whom might you voice, "You've done a good job." Mentors? Leaders? Others? Reflecting on your own work, what qualities and measurements for "doing a good job" matter to you, the most? Today, go find at least one person to voice, "You did a good job. Thanks."

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National Alliance for Care at Home welcomes Sherl Brand as new COO

12/06/24 at 02:00 AM

National Alliance for Care at Home welcomes Sherl Brand as new COO The National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 12/5/24 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is proud to announce the addition of a proven leader, Sherl Brand, RN, BSN, who will be joining the Alliance as its first Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective the middle of January 2025. Sherl Brand comes to the Alliance with a wealth of experience spanning over three decades in nursing, association management, and health care management. Prior to joining the Alliance, Sherl has been serving as Senior Vice President for Hospice Care at VNS Health. Before that, Sherl held senior positions at CareCentrix and VNA Health Group. Sherl served as chair of the Forum of State Associations for almost four years, and as President and CEO of Home Care Association of New Jersey for seven years. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice and the Home Care 100 Advisory Board. “Sherl’s leadership experience and history of successful management of trade associations and home care and hospice organizations make her a perfect fit for the Alliance,” said Alliance CEO Dr. Steven Landers. “I am honored, and deeply grateful, for the opportunity to serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the National Alliance for Care at Home,” said Sherl.

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What healthcare CFOs don’t know about cybersecurity — and what they should ask their CISOs

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

What healthcare CFOs don’t know about cybersecurity — and what they should ask their CISOs Healthcare Finance Technology (HFMA); by Plante Moran; 12/2/24Cybersecurity is a growing concern for all healthcare organizations amid the ongoing rise of ransomware attacks and other threats. In 2023, the number of reported data breaches in the U.S. rose to an all-time high of 3,205, a 78% increase from 2022, while the average cost of a healthcare data breach hit $10.93 million. What’s driving these alarming figures isn’t necessarily a lack of technology or talent. ... By rethinking their approach to collaboration and risk management, healthcare CFOs can more effectively align security with both technology and the business to help their organizations become more resilient. ... How ready is our organization for an attack? ... 

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[England] Hospice leaders warn hundreds of beds out of use

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

[England] Hospice leaders warn hundreds of beds out of use BBC News; by Hugh Pym; 12/4/24 About 300 hospice inpatient beds are currently closed or out of use in England, hospice leaders have warned. They say a lack of funding and staff are the primary reasons why some of England's 170 hospices have had to close beds permanently or take them out of use. Hospice UK, which represents the sector, is now calling for an urgent package of government funding to prevent further cuts. The Department of Health said it was looking at how to financially support hospices to ensure they are sustainable. ... Hospice UK says about 300 beds are closed or out of use in England - out of a total of 2,200 - and the number is increasing.  Editor's note: This report is the tip of the iceberg among news articles we regularly see from England about funding, lack of government support, and extreme fundraising (in comparison to the United States) in order to provide hospice services.

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Bloom Healthcare CEO: Integrating palliative care into every decision

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

Bloom Healthcare CEO: Integrating palliative care into every decision Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 12/3/24 The house call provider Bloom Healthcare has leveraged its integrated palliative-primary care model to achieve substantial reductions in hospitalizations and health care costs. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently recognized Bloom as a top performing High-Needs Accountable Care Organization under the agency’s Realizing Equity, Access and Community Health (ACO REACH) model. Through its ACO REACH program, Bloom reduced unplanned hospital readmissions by 25% and realized a gross cost savings rate of 24.6%. The company’s patients averaged 326.7 days at home during  2023. Bloom Healthcare cares for about 10,000 high-needs patients with a comprehensive primary care and care management model that incorporates palliative care. The company currently operates in Colorado and Texas. ... Palliative Care News sat down with Bloom CEO Dr. Thomas Lally to discuss the strategies the company used to garner these results and how palliative care factored in. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]

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CGS Administrators, LLC, did not reopen and recalculate most selected hospices’ caps for years prior to 2020

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

CGS Administrators, LLC, did not reopen and recalculate most selected hospices’ caps for years prior to 2020 USA HHS Ofice of Inspector General (OIG), Washington, DC; issued 11/27/24, posted 12/4/24Why OIG Did This Audit: ... Our audit determined whether CGS accurately calculated cap amounts and collected cap overpayments in accordance with CMS requirements. This audit is part of a series that reviewed MAC calculations and collections of hospice aggregate and inpatient cap overpayments.What OID Recommends: [... that CGS] 

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Key differences between palliative and hospice care in California

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

Key differences between palliative and hospice care in California Psychology Today; by Bob Uslander, MD; 12/3/24 ... Key Difference Between Palliative and Hospice Care in California: Whether you’re looking for support early in an illness or need end-of-life care, Californians have resources available to help. California also has some unique programs and resources, such as palliative care programs for people covered by Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. Additionally, California has strict laws to protect patients’ rights, ensuring that people are fully informed about your care options and can make choices that align with your personal values and cultural beliefs. Below are some of the key differences highlighted to help you make the best choice possible for you and your family when the time comes. [Click on the title's link for more information.]Editor's note: Through recent years, too many hospice agencies have eliminated references to end-of-life care, a life-expectancy of six months or less, and references to dying, death, or grief. Various fraud and abuse cases have described that persons/caregivers did not even realize they had signed up for "hospice" care. Ethically, this is untenable. Key differences between palliative and hospice care--with applications to the person--are significant.

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Today's Encouragement: It is only through awareness of death that ...

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

It is only through awareness of death that we hasten to build the being that we ought to be. ~ Dr. Quintana Arantes

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Creach Family Holdings announces acquisition of HealthRev Partners

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

Creach Family Holdings announces acquisition of HealthRev Partners EIN Presswire, Stuart, FL; by Careficient, Inc.; 12/3/24 Creach Family Holdings announces acquisition of HealthRev Partners Expanding Healthcare Technology Solutions for Home Health and Hospice Providers. Creach Family Holdings, a privately held investment firm focused on healthcare technology and tech-enabled services, announces the acquisition of HealthRev Partners, a provider of technology-driven revenue cycle management (RCM) solutions serving the home health and hospice market. This acquisition complements Creach Family Holdings’ portfolio, including Careficient, a leading electronic medical record (EMR) provider for home health and hospice agencies. By combining HealthRev Partners’ RCM expertise with Careficient’s EMR platform, Creach Family Holdings aims to provide an integrated suite of solutions that streamline operations, optimize revenue cycles, and improve patient care. 

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Top News Stories of the Month Nov 2024 - TCN Podcast

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

Top News Stories of the Month Nov 2024 - TCN Podcast Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux with Mark Cohen; 12/4/24 What if the future of Hospice and Palliative Care depends on understanding the intricacies of industry integration and regulation?  Join us for an insightful journey through November's most compelling stories that have captured the attention of Hospice and Palliative Care Today's readership. Our conversation reveals the significant impact of national events, from elections to regulatory changes, on shaping news cycles and industry priorities.  Also, rising workforce demands and political changes, such as immigration restrictions, paint a concerning picture for the future labor pool in Hospice Care. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the month's key themes that may have been missed, like tackling issues from CMS payment cuts to the Justice Department's stance on UnitedHealthcare Group's acquisition of Amedisys. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking a deeper understanding of the critical yet often overlooked issues in Hospice and Palliative Care today, and Mark delivers another excellent masterclass on creating compelling headlines. 

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Residential Hospice brings hospice care to eastern Kansas and western Missouri

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

Residential Hospice brings hospice care to eastern Kansas and western Missouri PR Newswire, Kansas City, MO; by Residential Home Health and Hospice; 12/4/24 Tutera Senior Living & Health Care (Tutera) and Residential Home Health and Hospice (Residential) have expanded their partnership and service offering, Residential Hospice is now acting as the preferred provider of hospice services. Tutera and Residential have been in a partnership since May 2022 with Residential providing home health care in their Kansas City market. "The focus of our partnership with Residential is to support patients at every stage of care in the communities we serve," said Randy Bloom, President/COO Tutera Health Care Division. "By expanding the partnership with Residential, we increase access to care and are better able to meet the healthcare needs of our community."

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Marin County Office of Education, Novato Unified School District & By the Bay Health partner to address healthcare talent shortage

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

Marin County Office of Education, Novato Unified School District & By the Bay Health partner to address healthcare talent shortage PR Newswire, San Rafael, CA and Novato, CA and Larkspur, CA; by By The Bay Health; 12/3/24The Marin County Office of Education (MCOE), the Novato Unified School District (NUSD), and By the Bay Health, Northern California's largest independent nonprofit hospice provider, are joining forces to launch a strategic workforce initiative to address the growing healthcare talent shortage in the County. Starting in Spring 2025, MCOE, NUSD, and By the Bay Health will pilot a new Career Technical Education (CTE) course at San Marin High School in Novato to introduce students to healthcare careers. The CTE course, Introduction to the World of Healthcare, will be the first high school course of its kind in the County designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to career opportunities in the healthcare field, including a focus on careers in community-based care in the home. An elective for 11th and 12th grade students, the curriculum will cover a range of topics from healthcare professions to medical ethics, communication, public health, and emerging trends in healthcare.

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TCMH Hospice of Care auction breaks another all-time record, raising over $38,000

12/05/24 at 03:00 AM

TCMH Hospice of Care auction breaks all-time record, raising over $38,000 Houston Herald, Houston, TX; by Helenia Wulff, TCMH; 12/3/24, updated 12/4/24 The TCMH Healthcare Foundation announced that the 2024 Hospice of Care online auction broke an all-time record, raising $38,053.21 in money and donated items. The funds will directly benefit the TCMH Hospice of Care program, which provides compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families in the Texas County area. “We are beyond thrilled with the outcome of this year’s auction,” said Jeff Gettys, president of the TCMH Healthcare Foundation. “The incredible generosity of our donors and bidders demonstrates how much this community cares about supporting local hospice services. Every dollar raised will make a meaningful difference in providing comfort and dignity to patients and their loved ones.” Editor's note: TCMH stands for Texas County Memorial Hospice. Access to the full article might require registration.

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[CAPC] 2024 Serious Illness Scorecard

12/05/24 at 02:30 AM

[CAPC] 2024 Serious Illness ScorecardCenter to Advance Palliative Care press release; 12/4/24America’s readiness to meet the needs of people with serious illness. A state-by-state look at palliative care capacity. How does your state rate? How can I improve my state’s rating? Download the full report.

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Delaware Court of Chancery awards damages and other relief to Encompass Health and Enhabit for misconduct by April Anthony, other former officers, and private equity firms Vistria Group and Nautic Partners

12/05/24 at 02:30 AM

Delaware Court of Chancery awards damages and other relief to Encompass Health and Enhabit for misconduct by April Anthony, other former officers, and private equity firms Vistria Group and Nautic Partners Associated Press (AP) - Business Wire, Birmingham, AL and Dallas, TX; 12/4/24 On Monday, Encompass Health and Enhabit won their lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery related to breaches of fiduciary duty by April Anthony, Luke James, and Chris Walker while they served as the senior officers at Encompass Health’s former home health and hospice division, which is now Enhabit. The Court awarded judgment against private equity firms Vistria Group and Nautic Partners and the home health and hospice business now known as VitalCaring Group for aiding and abetting “the egregious breaches of the duty of loyalty” by Anthony, James, and Walker. The case was the subject of a 7-day trial in December 2023. After considering “the damning record presented at trial,” the Court found that, while employed by Encompass Health, Anthony, James, and Walker usurped acquisition opportunities falling within Encompass Health’s line of business, used Encompass Health’s confidential information, and swayed key Encompass Health employees to join them with the promise of equity in the home health and hospice competitor that Anthony now heads. 

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UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot in New York City, reports say

12/05/24 at 02:00 AM

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot in New York City, reports say USA Today; by Christopher Cann; 12/4/24, updated 11:11 am ET The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest insurance providers in the nation, was fatally shot Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan, where the company was hosting an investors conference, multiple news outlets reported, citing police sources. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot just before 7 a.m. near the hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, the New York Post, New York Times and WPIX reported. UnitedHealth did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY. A spokesperson for the New York City Police Department who declined to be identified by name told USA TODAY a 50-year-old man was fatally shot outside the hotel, but did provide the victim's name, saying the department was waiting to notify the family. 

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11 top health system C-suite priorities for better patient care in 2025

12/05/24 at 02:00 AM

11 top health system C-suite priorities for better patient care in 2025 Becker's Hospital Review; by Laura Dyrda; 12/2/24 ... Becker's collected insights from 94 health system executives highlight a collective commitment to transforming care delivery through innovation, accessibility, and patient-centered strategies. These leaders, representing a diverse range of hospitals and health systems across the country, are focusing on priorities such as leveraging advanced technology, strengthening workforce resilience, enhancing health equity, and reimagining care models to meet the needs of their communities. ... Below, we summarize the top 11 priorities identified by these executives to improve patient care in the years ahead.

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2025 BrightSpring brighter futures and hospice nursing scholarships now open

12/05/24 at 02:00 AM

2025 BrightSpring brighter futures and hospice nursing scholarships now open BrightSpring Health Services - Careers; 12/3/24 Applications are being accepted from now through Friday, February 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. For more information and to apply, visit https://cflouisville.awardspring.com/Home/Scholarships.  ... The BrightSpring Brighter Futures Scholarship awards one $10,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to four years as long as the student maintains good academic standing with their college or university. ... The BrightSpring Hospice Nursing Scholarship awards four $5,000 per year scholarships, renewable for up to two years as long as the student maintains good academic standing with their college or university.Editor's note: How might your hospice organization partner with universities/colleges to provide a similar program for professional career growth?

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VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region names Jessica Boutin CEO

12/04/24 at 03:15 AM

VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region names Jessica Boutin CEO Vermont Business Magazine (VB), South Burlington, VT; by Tim, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region; 12/3/24 Vermont Business Magazine VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region (VNAHSR) has announced that Jessica Boutin as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Jessica, a long-time employee of the organization, steps into the role after years of dedicated service and proven leadership within the agency. "I am incredibly excited for Jessica to step into this role. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with her, witnessing her unwavering commitment to our mission, to our vision and to the patients and families we serve. Jessica has shown time and time again that she has the leadership, compassion and dedication needed to lead our agency. I have complete confidence in her ability to continue our legacy of excellence, and continue to positively impact the communities we serve," said Sara King, outgoing CEO of VNAHSR.

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Mission Health permanently shutters Asheville specialty hospital

12/04/24 at 03:10 AM

Mission Health permanently shutters Asheville specialty hospital NC Health News; by Asheville Watchdog; 11/30/24 Long-term care facility was only one of its kind in western North Carolina; patients will have to seek care elsewhere.  Mission Health has permanently closed Asheville Specialty Hospital, the only long-term acute care hospital in western North Carolina, less than two months after suspending its services following Tropical Storm Helene. “We have made the difficult decision to not reopen Asheville Specialty Hospital, a small, long-term acute care facility located inside the St. Joseph’s campus,” Mission Health spokesperson Nancy Lindell said Nov. 25. “We have had to focus on prioritizing our resources during and after Hurricane Helene to care for the most urgent medical needs of our community." ... The next closest long-term acute facility, or LTACH, is in Greenville, South Carolina, a little more than 60 miles away. 

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