Volume 24.09
The two largest organizations representing home care providers, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (“NAHC”) and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (“NHPCO”), signed an affiliation agreement on June 10th, 2024
Beginning July 1, 2024, the organizations will begin integrating operations. The combined operations will operate under the name of NAHC-NHPCO Alliance until a new name is chosen. Additional information is available at www.nahc.org.
DRAFT LEGISLATION INCLUDES IDENTIFYING HOSPICE CARE AS DESIGNATED HEALTH SERVICE
Draft legislation entitled “Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement Act” includes many changes to hospice payments and program intergrity. One key provision is designating hospice care as a designated health service”. Currently designated health services include:
- Clinical laboratory services
- Physical therapy services
- Occupational therapy services
- Outpatient speech-language pathology services
- Radiology and certain other imaging services
- Radiation therapy services and supplies
- Durable medical equipment and supplies
- Parenteral and enteral nutrients, equipment and supplies
- Prosthetics, orthotics, and prosthetic devices and supplies
- Home health services
- Outpatient prescription drugs
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
As a designated health service, physicians would be prohibited from making referrals to a hospice in which the physician, or an immediate family member, has a financial relationship, unless the requirements of an applicable exception are satisfied. Furthermore, the hospice would be prohibited from filing claims with the Medicare program, or billing another individual, entity, or third-party payor, for any improperly referred designated health services. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title18/1877.htm
A financial relationship may be an ownership or investment interest in the hospice, or a compensation arrangement with the hospice.
The physician self-referral law, and the potential inclusion of hospice care, will be part of the upcoming Hospice Financial Administration conference.
THE HEALTH GROUP, LLC’S CPE SPONSORSHIP RENEWED BY NASBA
On June 27, 2024, The Health Group, LLC CPE sponsorship was renewed by NASBA for the year ending July 1, 2025. This approval acknowledges our commitment to the NASBA standards for the delivery of high-quality continuing professional education.
2024 HOSPICE FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE
The 2024 Hospice Financial Administration Conference is scheduled for September 30 – October 1, 2024, at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Phoenix, Arizona.
In 2024, our focus includes drafted hospice payment reforms, enhanced interegrity provisions for our hospice providers, alongside addressing current requirements and reporting issues.
The 2024 program, like past programs, is directed at not just financial management personnel, but also administrative personnel, outside consultants, compliance management, and accounting staff. We encourage your early registration as, consistent with prior programs, space is limited to provide the maximum interaction with and between attendees. We hope you will be part of this event and look forward to seeing you in Phoenix.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS – Special rates have been secured with the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort; however, to secure these rates, call (602) 866-7500 and inform the hotel that you are attending “The Health Group, LLC Hospice Financial Administration Conference” or, more conveniently secure your room online at https://book.passkey.com/event/50849453/owner/3244/landing.
All attendees are offered Standard Suites at $199/night and a daily resort fee of $19. We have arranged for many benefits for our attendees to enhance your stay at this beautiful facility. All attendees will receive unlimited high-speed internet, complimentary self and valet parking, complimentary tennis/pickleball court time (one hour), complimentary golf practice facility (one hour), discounts on apparel in the Golf Pro Shop and selected spa service, and admittance into the Falls Water Village. The hotel is making the $199/night available for three (3) days prior and three (3) days after the program dates.
Contact us at conference@healthgroup.com with any questions you may have.