Two reports were released last week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) demonstrating the results of in-depth studies of Medicare hospice recertification and complaint survey data from state agencies and accredited organizations between 2012 and 2016.
 
The reports examine issues of deficiencies and abuse in hospice care.
 
The reports issued are:
  •  Hospice Deficiencies Pose Risks to Medicare Beneficiaries: The study found that nearly 80% of the hospices surveyed had at least one deficiency. The most common deficiencies included poor care planning, mismanagement of aide services and inadequate assessments of beneficiaries, according to the study. To read the full report, visit https://bit.ly/2Ld0Ucv.
  • Safeguards Must be Strengthened to Protect Medicare Hospice Beneficiaries from Harm: The study analyzed 12 cases in which patients were harmed during hospice care and revealed vulnerabilities in protection. According to the study, harm to patients resulted from both hospices providing poor care and hospices refusing to act against abuse to patients by caregivers. To view the full report, visit https://bit.ly/2SeZ23G.