The hospice sector is facing heightened government scrutiny, especially in 2023. As indicated by the situation, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to enact further measures in 2024, primarily through surveys. This recent report elaborates on the scenario.
Insights from legal professionals Meg Pekarske, Emily Solum, and Erin Burns from Husch Blackwell LLP are included in the report. They discuss their experiences with a study that serves as a cautionary tale in addition to suggested alterations to the hospice survey process.
One of the introduced features is the Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) process along with a Special Focus Program, specifically designed for under-performing hospices.
The report stresses the need for hospices to put in place effective compliance programs. These programs should be capable of promptly identifying and correcting issues. The new scrutiny reinforces that proactive management of potential issues is less costly than reactive corrections following a survey finding.
It’s clear from the report that hospices need to brace themselves for more complexity in their operations in the coming years. The increasing spotlight on the sector by the CMS puts an emphasis on transparency, effective management, and efficient compliance protocols. If these changes are not embraced, hospices risk facing severe consequences.
Continued education and preparedness are key strategies for hospices to effectively respond to these evolving regulations. Open communication with CMS and thorough understanding of the regulations will be instrumental in navigating this rapidly shifting landscape.