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On June 13, a congressman from Oregon released a comprehensive draft addressing changes in hospice payment and integrity programs. This proposed legislation has the potential to significantly affect hospices nationwide. 

The National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) is actively analyzing this draft legislation and gathering data to understand its potential impact on hospices. It is strongly encouraged that you review both the article from the NAHC, and the draft legislation itself. Also, consider your concerns and thoughts and share them with your association leaders. 

Key changes in the draft legislation include modifications to medical review contractors and payment structures including per visit payments. Changes to the respite benefit would be adjusted to offer a short-term in-home respite benefit, and would also limit the current respite benefit to once per benefit period instead of a five-day limit for each time it occurs with a five-day limit per benefit period. Additionally, Nurse Practitioners would be authorized to certify Hospice terminal illness, and telehealth face-to-face encounters would be restricted from occurring during recertification. 

This draft legislation is quite extensive. It is encouraged that you review it thoroughly and provide feedback as needed. We will continue to monitor the progress of this proposed legislation closely. 

Should you require assistance with any of your hospice needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us 

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