CMS is moving ahead with the development of a new quality measure for hospice providers. First announced in August 2020, the Hospice Care Index (HCI) is moving toward National Quality Forum endorsement, CMS officials announced during an open-door forum Jan. 26.
 
The new hospice index will measure 10 indicators that include “hospice provided no continuous care & general inpatient care,” “nurse minutes per routine home care day,” “skilled nurse visits on weekends,” and more, according to a member alert from the National Association for Home Care & Hospice.
 
It is expected that the HCI will be part of the FY2022 hospice proposed rule which is expected to come out at the end of April.