Hospice executives laser-focused on regulation, see change on horizon

Hospice executives laser-focused on regulation, see change on horizon 
Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/24/24 
... Hospice News spoke with c-suite executives who have recently stepped into their roles to learn more about what led them to the space and their top priorities. Regulatory challenges are among hospice leaders’ most significant concerns. They also envision opportunities to reform the Medicare Hospice Benefit and diversify their scope of services.

• A common thread is a desire to make a difference in the quality of patients’ lives, according to Compassus CEO Michael Asselta. ....
• C-suite leaders need a holistic mindset around their organization’s care delivery approaches that focuses on patient dignity, autonomy and compassionate support, [Karen Brubaker Miller, CEO of Maryland-based Montgomery Hospice & Prince George’s Hospice] said. Keeping the meaningful purpose of hospice care at the forefront equips business leaders with a strategic focus that centers on quality, she stated. ...
• Regulators are increasingly cracking down on hospices in an effort to curb fraud, waste and abuse and improve quality in the space. The regulatory environment has grown all the more complex, according to Nancy Littlefield, president and CEO at Hospice of the Piedmont.
• Indeed, regulatory concerns are top of mind for providers nationwide. Program integrity issues have regulators taking a broad brush across the industry and made for a challenging hospice auditing climate, according to Dr. Marny Fetzer, chief medical officer at Washington-based Hospice of the Chesapeake.

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