SD5 - Report of the Department of Health in Conjunction with the Hospice Advisory Committee

  • Published: 1983
  • Author: Department of Health
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 145 (Regular Session, 1981)

Executive Summary:
The State Health Department has completed its evaluative study of Hospice Programs in the Commonwealth pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution No. 145 of the 1981 Session of the General Assembly.

Utilizing the experience of the Hospice Advisory Committee, the Department has developed a coherent State policy which encourages the development of quality hospice programs in the Commonwealth. The Findings and Conclusions are as follows:

• As of September, 1982, there are twelve (12) hospice programs in the Commonwealth which have been approved through the Certificate of Public Need process. Hospice programs are generally well-placed throughout the Commonwealth with larger population centers (Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Richmond, and Tidewater) being served by at least one hospice program. ·Additionally, less densely populated areas such as Winchester, Fredericksburg, the Eastern Shore, and Warrenton also have hospice programs.

• Preliminary standards to be incorporated into rules and regulations for the licensure of hospice programs have been developed by the Hospice Advisory Committee and forwarded to the Division of Medical and Nursing Facilities Services for necessary revision and submission to the Board of Health for promulgation.

• Third-party payers, especially the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plans, have appropriately assumed lead responsibility for the resolution of critical reimbursement issues.

• National legislation in the form of an amendment to the Medicare Program for hospice services provides adequate coverage for a significant portion of potential hospice patients in the Commonwealth.