Literature Review

Official Federal Register document with "Announcement of Nationwide Temporary Moratorium on Enrollment of Hospices" Federal Register National Archives; 5/14/26 [On Thursday, 5/14/26,] This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on 2026-05-15 and available online at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-09718, and on https://govinfo.gov.

HealthView CEO Steven Gonzalez announces Inc. articles on why presence beats certainty — and why it matters even more in the age of AI Associated Press, Cerritos, CA; 5/19/26 Steven Gonzalez, President & CEO of HealthView Home Health, Hospice & Palliative Care, announces the publication of his latest Inc. article, “Certainty Is Overrated. Presence Is Underrated,” now live on Inc.com. ... In the published article, Gonzalez challenges a long-held leadership myth: that strong leaders must always project confidence, clarity, and absolute answers. Instead, he makes the case that presence, consistency, and authenticity matter more than false certainty in times of rapid change. When leaders remain visible, grounded, and human, they build the trust and stability that carry teams forward — even in the middle of ambiguity.

The state of hospice: Impacts on equity, quality, and nursing-An AAN consensus paperNursing Outlook; by Laura Fennimore, Kathleen O Lindell, Marjorie M Godfrey, Melissa Reider-Demer, Patrick J Coyne, Ronda G Hughes, Sharon Kozachik, Masako Mayahara, Patricia L Thomas, Nelson Tuazon, Polly Mazanec; 4/26Hospice care has been an integral component of the United States healthcare system for over fifty years. Hospice has transitioned from a volunteer activity supported by philanthropy to a highly sophisticated business funded by Medicare, increasingly offered by for-profit and private equity companies. This consensus paper examines the current state of hospice care in the US and the impact of changing hospice business models on health equity, healthcare quality, and nursing practice. Recommendations include updating policies to account for private equity involvement, evaluating current quality measures, addressing the existing Medicare Hospice Benefit, ensuring transparency and oversight for hospice agencies, and ensuring patient and caregiver education about hospice services. These recommendations aim to preserve the fundamental values of hospice, supporting compassion, dignity, and comfort while ensuring the quality of care to patients and families in need.

Maui Hospice calms jitters after feds freeze new Medicare sign-ups Hoodline; by Marc Suzuki; 5/20/26Hospice Maui moved quickly this week to calm worried island families after federal officials hit pause on new Medicare hospice and home health enrollments. The Wailuku nonprofit stressed that long-standing, Medicare-certified providers like itself are not the focus of the federal action, and that patients already in its care will continue to receive visits, medications and support services without interruption. The organization also pointed families to a direct phone line for anyone who wants a real person to walk them through what the freeze does and does not mean.

Readers write: When CIOs need to be in the room with patient engagement technology in new construction projects HIStalk - Healthcare IT News & Opinion; by Brad Storm; 5/18/26 Installing equipment may seem like the end goal at the start of a new construction project. But there’s so much more involved, especially when it comes to patient engagement technology for your new facility. As an IT professional, you need to be in the room during four key steps of the process.

Calvert youth generosity celebrated at annual ‘Boots & Bling’ event Maryland BayNet, Prince Frederick, MD; by Hospice of the Chesapeaker; 5/19/26The can-do spirit of Calvert County’s 4-H youth helped make “Boots & Bling: A Culinary Experience” a fundraising success for Hospice of the Chesapeake. ... One of the evening’s featured moments focused on the story of the Hospice Hog, shared by T.J. Ireland. In 2019, Ireland and his brother, Colby Ireland, donated proceeds from the sale of one of their 4-H market hogs to honor their grandmother and support Hospice of the Chesapeake. Their first hog, Harry, raised $7,000 at the Calvert County Fair. After the Ireland brothers aged out of 4-H, the Said family continued the tradition. Together, the families have raised more than $150,000 through the sale of home-raised hogs. ... Ireland said the Said family plans to continue the tradition until Lena turns 19.Editor's Note: Do you need some inspiration? Read this. For context, revisit the 2026 "Boots & Bling" story we posted on 5/18/26 and celebrate this behind-the-scenes story of family tribute to a beloved grandmother. 

Reader opinion: HCS supports its nurses, programs, by Talee Messenger The Keene Sentinel, Keene, NH; by Talee Messenger; 5/17/26 For over a century, Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services has been built on a foundation of nurses committed to meeting patients where they are. From traveling by foot and trolley in the early years to delivering specialized care today, HCS nurses have continued to lead with compassion and innovation. This Nurses Month, we honor that legacy while reaffirming our commitment to supporting the next generation of nurses. Providing care in rural communities requires adaptability, independence, and a deep connection to the people being served. At HCS, we believe meaningful care depends on shared knowledge and continuous learning.

Michael Jordan shares emotional FaceTime moment with former teacher in hospice: "They laughed, reminisced, picked at each other" Basketball Network; by Bjorn Del B. Deade; 5/17/26 Nowadays, Michael Jordan only makes headlines because of the success of his NASCAR Cup Series team ... However, the news cycle recently took a refreshing turn after Jordan’s kind gesture toward one of his former teachers at Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. The teacher, Ms. Etta, is currently a patient at Lower Cape Fear LifeCar, which is located in his hometown. And as she recounts her tales about Laney High School, she has repeatedly said she wanted to reconnect with the Chicago Bulls legend. So, Jordan did what he could to make it happen. The non-profit hospice shared its unforgettable interaction on its social media.

Hospice of Texarkana names Greg Wood as executive director Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana, TX; Press Release; 5/16/26 Hospice of Texarkana has named Greg Wood as its new executive director. Wood brings more than 24 years of leadership experience in hospice care, having previously led two hospice organizations before joining Hospice of Texarkana. ... Wood's path to hospice care began with a personal experience, watching hospice professionals care for a family member during a serious illness. "These professional strangers exhibited the most impressive love and acceptance I had witnessed. As a future social worker, I wanted to be part of such a purpose and a mission. 

‘Boots & Bling’ raises over $115K for care in Calvert County Hospice of the Chesapeake, Pasadena, MD; Press Release; 5/14/26 Donning denim, cowboy boots and plenty of sparkle, the Calvert County community came together to raise more than $115,000 for Hospice of the Chesapeake at “Boots & Bling, A Culinary Experience”. The event was held May 9 ... Around 180 guests enjoyed international and Chesapeake Bay cuisine while learning about the mission of the nonprofit organization. Funds from this year’s event will support programs that teach, support, and guide Calvert County people experiencing serious illness and their families.

Moratorium a ‘sledgehammer’ approach in hospice fraud forcefield Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 5/14/26 A temporary national moratorium has halted new hospice and home health enrollment in an effort to curb fraudulent activity in these industries. The hospice community has come forward in droves to examine the scope of potential benefits, and risks, to future access and quality. ... Applying a broad brush of regulatory enforcement could come with unintended challenges for legitimate providers, which represent the vast majority of hospices.

The National Law Review: CMS imposes nationwide enrollment moratoria on hospices and home health agencies - what buyers sellers and operators need to know The National Law Review; by Margia Corner, Ashley Wheelock, Tammy Ward Woffenden, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP; 5/14/26 ... [Assuming readers have background information] ... Critically for some pending or proposed transactions, both moratoria block re-enrollment of hospices or HHAs undergoing a non-exempt change in majority ownership (CIMO) within 36 months of initial enrollment or the most recent CIMO. Such transactions require the entity to enroll as a brand-new provider.... Both moratoria apply only to Medicare. However, CMS is encouraging states to consider parallel moratoria for Medicaid and CHIP, tailored to their beneficiary population and geographic considerations. CMS also noted that while some states previously enacted laws placing a moratorium on issuing new licenses in their state, those efforts cannot prevent new agencies or enrollments in other states and thus its nationwide moratoria are warranted.

Executive Personnel Changes - 5/15/26