Hospice meets high standards

By Leanne Burrack

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Recent concerns raised in the media about hospice licensing and recertification in Iowa have generated confusion and misunderstanding in how hospice care is monitored.

All Iowa hospices must undergo a survey process and be certified in compliance with Medicare hospice conditions prescribed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS. The CMS data for 2009 show that Iowa hospices are surveyed an average of every four years.

Iowa does not require mandatory hospice licensing; in fact, Iowa's license standards are much less stringent than federal Medicare requirements for hospice care. Mandating state licensure would not guarantee more frequent surveys. It would also require more state funding, unlikely given the state budget shortfall.

In Cedar Rapids, Mercy Medical Center has provided hospice care for more than 30 years. In 2007, we built the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy to better provide that compassionate, professional end-of-life care.

Hospice of Mercy has been surveyed by CMS through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals every five years. The most recent, unannounced recertification survey revealed no deficiencies related to patient care and services. We are also among the 27 Iowa hospices accredited by independent, non-profit agencies, including The Joint Commission. These national bodies accredit and certify all health care organizations every three years. Hospice of Mercy's most recent survey in March 2010 resulted in full accreditation.

It doesn't stop there. We routinely undertake our own performance improvement initiatives. The focus on managing pain and symptoms for the patient is important. Current patient responses include: 100 percent of patients report their pain managed within 48 hours of admission and felt their needs related to anxiety and sadness were met;

100 percent of families served by Hospice of Mercy would refer another family for our services; and 100 percent of physicians who refer to Hospice of Mercy would recommend another patient based on communication and partnership.

Our patient falls with injury are below state and national averages. Our infection rate is monitored for patterns and trends.

Hospice of Mercy consistently measures higher than the state and national scores in coordination of care, attending to family needs, providing care and support, as well as providing education of the patient and family.

Hospice of Mercy works hard to exceed standards of care and provide exceptional services with compassion to patients and their families.

Leanne Burrack is director of Hospice & Palliative Care at Mercy Medical Center. Comments:

lburrack@mercycare.org