Be ready for updated Special Focus Program, hospice experts say

Be ready for updated Special Focus Program, hospice experts say
McKnight's Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/9/25
A revised hospice Special Focus Program is coming, and providers should make sure they have plans and procedures in place to be successful under this strict oversight program, Linda Woodle, director of accreditation at Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP), and Patricia D’Arena, vice president of clinical excellence at Enhabit Home Health and Hospice, said ... When that program will be reinstated is anyone’s guess. ... The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has indicated that assessments will place a high emphasis on four specific Conditions of Participation: patient’s rights; initial and comprehensive assessment of the patient; interdisciplinary group, care planning and coordination of care; and quality assessment and performance improvement. So providers should ensure they meet all of these conditions’ requirements.