Literature Review

Attorney General Bonta conducts first-ever review of proposed hospice affiliations, conditionally approves transactions to ensure continued access to hospice services California Department of Justice, Rob Bonta - Attorney General, Oakland, CA; Press Release; 8/20/25California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced conditionally approving the affiliations of Chapters Health System, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit hospice provider, with two nonprofit hospice providers in California. Chapters Health System, Inc. is seeking to expand its current operations, which are largely based on the East Coast, through the creation of “Chapters West Region,” a nonprofit hospice network covering California, Nevada, and Oregon. Specifically, in California, Chapters Health System, Inc. proposed affiliations with East Bay Integrated Care, Inc. (doing business as Hospice East Bay) and Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Both Hospice East Bay and Hospice of Santa Cruz County are longstanding providers of hospice and palliative care in their respective communities. Under California law, any transaction involving the sale, or transfer of control and governance of a nonprofit health facility, must secure the approval of the Attorney General’s Office. Today’s conditional approval represents the first-ever review involving nonprofit hospice providers by the Attorney General’s Office; the overwhelming majority of hospice providers are for-profit entities.  

Is Gen Z changing the culture of medicine? Medscape; by Kelly K. James; 7/9/25 ... In the workplace, Boomers are often assumed to have strong work ethics, while Millennials tend to value their free time more than preceding generations. While generational generalizations have shortcomings (as do all generalizations), the incoming crop of Gen Z doctors will likely affect the culture of medicine in significant ways. ...

A gentle goodbye: The hospice chaplain sees patients to life’s endLovin' Life [AZ]; by Karen Schaffner; 8/5/25As a long-time hospice chaplain Patrick Cunningham has to answer a lot of hard questions. In his years working with the dying and their families, he has discovered that they all trickle down to one unanswerable, universal desire: to know. “(They) ask me the existential question, which if you know anything about what you’re doing, I would never answer a question like, ‘What in the world, with all those people who I have loved who have died, why am I still here?’” he said. Walking people to death’s door for nearly the entirety of your adulthood will without question provide a unique perspective on life. Cunningham has done the job for more than 40 years, most recently with Azorna Hospice in Marana. That’s long enough to know he doesn’t have the answer... If Cunningham’s chaplaincy job could be summed up in one word, it would be support. Despite the title, his job is to support the person who is headed to the door.

Over half of older employees plan to work 'indefinitely' and never retire Money Magazine; by Amd Hardy; 8/11/25 Many retirement-age Americans are planning to continue working — forever. Some 51% of employed Americans 65 or older say they expect to work “indefinitely,” according to a recent report from Asset Preservation, a financial advisory firm. Meanwhile, about 6 in 10 respondents say they plan to work “at least five more years” before retiring, putting the earliest age they would consider retiring at 70. ... Why older Americans are working so late in life seems to be a fairly even split between necessity and choice. About one half works to cover basic living expenses, like food, health care and housing, while the other half chooses to work to stay mentally and physically active. Guest Editor’s Note, Mark Cohen: As many hospices are still trying to rebuild the ranks of their volunteers to pre-pandemic levels, this report indicates the challenges may continue to grow. It’s worth noting that half of the Boomers who say they will continue working past normal retirement age would do so out of choice and not economic necessity. That opens the door to demonstrating the value and rewards of volunteer service. And for those volunteer managers younger than Boomers, it’s important to keep in mind that, more than any other generation, Boomers define themselves and measure their success in life in large part by their work.

[United Kingdom] Rethinking palliative care for people affected by homelessness Nursing in Practice; by Karita Razzell; 8/5/25 Well-timed palliative intervention can be a game-changer for people affected by homelessness facing advanced ill health, says Karita Razzell, palliative care manager at the charity St Mungo’s. ... There are various reasons behind the stark health disparities faced by people experiencing homelessness. ... Many individuals are living with serious mental health conditions, substance use issues, undiagnosed neurodiversity, and chronic physical illnesses – all of which can make clinical environments like hospitals particularly challenging for them. ... There are also digital hurdles: appointment systems and prescription services are increasingly online, yet many people without stable housing lack access to mobile phones or the internet. ... As a result, treatable conditions in people affected by homelessness often go undiagnosed until they reach an advanced stage.Editor's Note: People experiencing homelessness in the U.S. face similar challenges. Organizations such as The Hildegard House in Louisville, KY, and others in the national Omega Home Network of “comfort care homes” quietly provide palliative and hospice care for them. Click here to see a national map of these homes.

AI Code of Conduct for Health and Medicine presented in new NAM special publication National Academies - Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Washington, DC; News Release; 5/19/25 A new special publication from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) provides a framework to guide responsible, effective, equitable, and human-centered use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and medicine. The development and deployment of AI in health are accelerating, and the promise for transformative gains is substantial. Yet without close attention to risks posed by these technologies, the possibility exists for unintended, potentially harmful consequences, the publication says. The AI Code of Conduct framework is intended as a touchstone for organizations and groups developing approaches for use in their specific contexts. The publication presents six commitments and 10 principles to align the field around responsible development and application of AI. 

Heart to Heart Hospice broadens reach with new Kalamazoo location to serve patients Third News; Press Release; 8/12/25 Heart to Heart Hospice is taking significant steps to enhance its service delivery in southwestern Michigan with the official opening of a new facility in Kalamazoo. This strategic expansion positions Heart to Heart among the premier hospice care providers in the region, offering critical support to patients and their families during challenging times. ... Headed by Executive Director Stacy Sturgeon, RN, the Kalamazoo facility is operated with a focus on patient comfort and dignity.

Emerald Coast Hospice hosts Annual Back-to-School Drive-Thru Jackson County Times; by Shelia Mader; 8/4/25 Emerald Coast Hospice Care once again stepped up to support the community it serves, hosting its third annual back-to-school drive-thru supply event this past Friday morning. Though not held consecutively each year, the effort continues to grow in impact, reaching nearly 140 children this year with essential school supplies and a few extra treats. ... Through their ongoing efforts, Emerald Coast Hospice Care continues to be a vital presence not only in healthcare but also in the daily lives of families across the region. Editor's Note: How inspiring. Due to the philanthropic nature of our hospice work, giving to a hospice organization is an easy norm. This out-of-the-box example of a hospice supporting the community--and for children instead of senior adults--encourages us all to see needs, creatively respond. Make a difference. Thanks Emerald Coast Hospice!

Midland Butterflies in the Park event raises $10,000 for hospice care Northern Michigan 9 & 10 News, Midland, MI; by Olivia Fellows; 8/7/25 More than 400 painted lady butterflies were released across three locations in Central Michigan on Sunday, Aug. 3, as part of the annual Butterflies in the Park event hosted by MyMichigan Home Care. Per an Aug. 7 news release, the symbolic release, held in Clare and Midland parks and at Woodland Hospice House in Mount Pleasant, honored and remembered loved ones lost. The ceremonies included brief commemorative presentations and musical performances. This year’s event raised more than $10,000 to support hospice patients in need of home care services, medications and medical supplies.

Enhabit CEO Barb Jacobsmeyer announces departure Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 8/7/25 Enhabit Inc. (NYSE: EHAB) President and CEO Barb Jacobsmeyer is stepping down after four years at the company’s helm. Jacobsmeyer will continue to serve in her current role and as a board member until July 2026, or upon the appointment of her successor. She previously served as president of inpatient hospitals at Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC). Jacobsmeyer transitioned to CEO of home health and hospice in 2021, shortly before Encompass spun off those business lines in 2022 to form Enhabit.

Enhabit Home Health & Hospice announces CEO transition plan Business Wire, Dallas, TX; 8/6/25 Enhabit, Inc. (NYSE: EHAB), a leading home health and hospice provider, today announced that Barb Jacobsmeyer, president and CEO, and a member of the board of directors, intends to step down from these roles in July 2026, or upon the appointment of a successor. The company has initiated a leadership succession plan with Jacobsmeyer’s full support to ensure a smooth transition. The board has retained Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading executive search firm, to assist in a comprehensive search process to identify the company’s next CEO.

Enloe Health picks Butte Home Health and Hospice for post-hospital care in Chico Action News Now, Chico, CA; by Will Anderson; 8/6/25 Enloe Health has announced a new partnership with Butte Home Health and Hospice to enhance care for patients moving from hospital to home. Officials say this change comes as Enloe Health plans to close its own Home Health and Hospice programs by Oct. 31, 2025. Butte Home Health and Hospice, based in Chico, will now be the preferred provider for skilled nursing, rehabilitative care, and hospice services for Enloe Health patients.

Arkansas Hospice to rebrand as LifeTouch Health Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 8/5/25 Arkansas Hospice Family of Care will soon rebrand as LifeTouch Health to better reflect its evolving mix of services. The nonprofit’s rebranding will take effect in October. The move marks a period of revitalization for the hospice provider, according to its recently named President and CEO Brian Bell.