Complete Story
10/31/2019
No Guidance Forthcoming on Hospice Choice
In a meeting with Non-Long-term Care provider associations, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) shared its approach to a new resident right which was codified in HB 166, Ohio’s biennial budget bill. The bill introduced a nursing facility’s resident’s right to select a hospice provider of their choice, which could potentially result in nursing facilities managing more contracts, including one-time contracts, with hospice providers.
At the meeting, ODH staff shared that they are not planning any additional guidance related to the resident right, and anticipate it may only come to their attention during complaint surveys. LeadingAge Ohio is seeking further clarification on how the right will be interpreted by surveyors, should a complaint be made. Questions regarding this issue may be directed to Susan Wallace, Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs at swallace@leadignageohio.org.