Complaint Investigation Report

The entities that can enroll residents in hospice care are Primary Care Physician (PCP) or other doctors and nurse practitioners whose licenses and training allow them to make the decision along with the patient and/or their responsible party, based on medical condition and guidelines of Medicare. Facility staff do not have the power or authority to place someone on hospice. 3 agencies were interviewed. 3 of 3 stated that there are no commissions paid to facilities for residents enrolling in hospice services. Interviews with responsible parties found that they were not coerced or threatened to sign up for hospice or to enroll with a particular hospice agency. LPA was able to interview 3 families whose family member was/had been on hospice. 3 of 3 stated that they were very satisfied with their choice, which they made independently. Based on the interviews with hospice agencies, staff, and the responsible parties of residents on hospice, the allegation that staff fraudulently place residents in hospice care is UNSUBSTANTIATED.