A special print edition of NHPCO’s membership quarterly | Summer 2019 NEWSLINE

New Branding: Focused Direction NHPCO. Leading Person-Centered Care.

INSIDE Leadership in Action New Serious Illness Models Torrey DeVitto on Volunteering Spotlight Sections, new resources and more… HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY CONFERENCE 2019

THANK YOU!

NHPCO extends its appreciation to our conference supporters for their commitment to the success of the 2019 Leadership and Advocacy Conference

PLATINUM LEVEL BRONZE LEVEL Fazzi Associates KanTime LINET The Joint Commission Wizard Creations GOLD LEVEL COPPER LEVEL Cambia Health Foundation Axxess Enclara Pharmacia Cardinal Health™ at-Home Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services National HME Simione Healthcare Consultants, LLC PEWTER LEVEL SILVER LEVEL CarePartners in partnership with Intalere Brightree Hospice Source HospiceMD, Inc. Hospice Pharmacy Solutions OnePoint Patient Care Contents

Message 16 from Edo 5 New Serious NHPCO President and CEO Illness Models Edo Banach shares thoughts 16 on NHPCO’s new branding and from CMS stresses the importance of our link NHPCO is working to help the to the past as we innovate for the provider community better future. understand opportunities that might be found in the new serious illness care models that have been announced by CMS.

Volunteering

10 6 24 Leaders and Advocates in 10 26 Palliative Care Our New Action Brand Spotlight 6 In April, NHPCO and its affiliates 28 Pediatric Spotlight Our new branding was designed welcomed nearly 1,500 hospice 30 EOL Doula Spotlight to more accurately reflect who we and palliative care professionals, are as NHPCO, what we are doing, advocates, and supporters to 32 New Regulatory and why it matters to the field Washington, DC. Newsline shares Resources and, ultimately, those we serve. some of the highlights from the 33 Hospice Music Project week. 36 We Honor Veterans

Newsline / Summer 2019 3 2019 NATIONAL HOSPICE

THANK YOU TO OUR LEADING SPONSORS.

TANZANITE

AMETHYST American Hospital Association Infinity Hospice Care Center for Hospice Care StateServ/Hospicelink Empath Health | Suncoast Hospice

And thank you to our many other sponsors and partners for making the 2019 gala such a success. Message from Edo

As NHPCO worked to develop illness well (not to mention parts will grow.” This is true and update its brand, we knew taxpayers). We agree. whether you are on a team in that we could not part with the However, I am confident that Los Angeles, CA or Rutland, VT, or Lotus. Representing mind, unless the hospice community any place in between. Nuance, body, and soul in numerous is heavily involved in providing compassion, perspective — these religions, the Lotus also more care for more people, are the things that often get lost in represents the varied needs many of these innovations will the shuffle. When people are wigits, or algorithms, or “risk”, they people have and the not be person-centered and lose their humanity. Hospice and interdisciplinary team that will not be interdisciplinary. palliative care teach us that each meets those needs. Dame They also won’t work. Market-, person is different, and that their Cicely Saunders based her physician-, institutional-, and needs and desires are different, early work on these very academic-driven approaches and family matters. concepts. will fail unless they involve the teams that actually provide We must believe that, as a However, even as we preserve person- and family-centered movement, we can help lead the link to our past, we also care. person- and family-centered care recognized the importance of because the country demands it. moving forward. We decided to It is not because we are smarter We will do it armed with adopt the tag line “Leading or better. Indeed, we have to technology, with business Person-Centered Care” both admit that innovators often intelligence, but also with TANZANITE compassion, humility, and the because we do and because we have a leg up on technology and dedicated individuals who have must continue to do. Dame have access to the same brought us to where we are as a Saunders did not ask for professionals in the job market community. I’m proud of the work permission to take the world that are part of our community. you do and promise to work and to make it better. We stand The reason our model works is tirelessly to assure that as health on her shoulders—and that of that the collective intelligence care evolves, we are informing AMETHYST many others—and have been and insight of a group of — indeed, leading — that American Hospital Association Infinity Hospice Care leading person-centered care for committed and person-centered evolution. over five decades. Center for Hospice Care StateServ/Hospicelink people will always yield greater outcomes than the individual Empath Health | Suncoast Hospice This tag line is a reminder that work or opinion of a doctor, we must continue to lead in computer, or any other person or Edo Banach, JD, today’s world of Alternative piece of technology. In the President and CEO Payment Models, Medicare words of American rapper Advantage, Accountable Care Chuck D, “Real people do real Organizations, and the like. At things. A collective of a whole the root of all these bunch of people who do things innovations is the realization in their own locale, in their own that the status quo does not neighborhoods— the sum is serve people with serious bigger than the parts, and the New Branding: Focused Direction NHPCO. Leading Person-centered Care. Leading person-centered care. How We Serve and Lead person-centered and community- This is not an entirely new oriented model that its members concept. It builds on our NHPCO gives ongoing inspiration, use. organization’s successful 40-year practical guidance, and legislative history. It reflects the legacy of representation to hospice and Our Position: Who We Are those who came before us and palliative care providers so they can enrich experiences for many with whom we are still We continue being the nation’s patients and ease caregiving working today. largest membership organization responsibilities and emotional for providers and professionals stress for families. By providing Over the past two years, NHPCO who care for people affected by its members with the essential has been developing new serious and life-limiting illness. branding to reflect the work of tools they need to stay current our organization, the professional with leading practices, With a broad community of community that we serve, and understand policy changes, and members, we serve the field with the person- and family-centered improve their quality of care, a purposeful agenda and unified care that is at the heart of NHPCO addresses the challenges voice to advance an integrated, hospice and palliative care. that providers navigate on a daily person-centered healthcare basis and offers a wealth of model. At the Leadership and Advocacy expert knowledge and step-by- Conference in Washington, DC, on step solutions to fill the gaps. April 15, NHPCO President and Our Purpose: What We Do CEO Edo Banach unveiled the NHPCO gives ongoing inspiration, organization’s new branding and practical guidance, and legislative shared some of the key messaging. and regulatory representation to We serve the field hospice and palliative care “The fresh design is really an providers to enrich experiences evolution of NHPCO,” said with a purposeful for people and ease caregiving Banach. “Our new branding was agenda and unified responsibilities for families. designed to more accurately reflect who we are as NHPCO, voice to advance an what we are doing, and why it Our Promise: Why It Matters matters.” integrated, person- NHPCO is an essential resource centered model. for hospice and palliative care Trailblazing a Person- providers; and works to expand Centered Healthcare Model Thousands of healthcare access to a proven, person- and professionals and volunteers in family-centered model for As the leading organization the NHPCO community choose to healthcare. NHPCO champions representing hospice and dedicate themselves to caring for our shared values and advances palliative care providers, NHPCO people with serious and life- our mission-driven work. works to expand access to a limiting illnesses because they are proven person-centered model for By continually demonstrating skilled in offering compassion and healthcare – one that provides how our integrated philosophy of support, are called to serve the patients and their loved ones with care works, and improving on its whole person, and believe in care comfort, peace, and dignity efficacy, NHPCO is positioning without barriers. NHPCO during life’s most intimate and the field of hospice and palliative champions these shared values vulnerable experiences. care to serve as a beacon for and advances the mission-driven,

Newsline / Summer 2019 7 continued

New Member Versions of the Logo

In introducing the new branding, Edo Banach stressed to the community how NHPCO champions our shared values and advances our mission-driven work. NHPCO offers current members a version of the NHPCO logo for use to promote their membership within the organization. In hospice – and that continues as print, on websites, or in we provide palliative care and presentations, active members address the needs of those with are allowed to use this logo Our journey as a serious illness. We need to focus available on nhpco.org. on the interdisciplinary model professional field that we created – and expand has always been what we do.”

marked by “We must honor our legacy and challenges as well continue to evolve, and to innovate, and to collaborate. And as opportunities... we must not compromise on our Banach wrapped up his LAC philosophy of care,” he added. opening plenary address by saying, “As I look toward our other areas of medicine, As NHPCO moves forward, future, I am thankful for many healthcare, and caregiving. embracing the philosophy behind things: strong board leadership; the new branding, the dedicated staff members; In his opening plenary remarks at organization is emphasizing to providers who are actively LAC, Edo Banach reflected on the providers in the field that NHPCO engaged with the work we are history of our community and the is becoming more involved, more doing together; and the future ahead of us, “Our journey engaged, more visible… NHPCO knowledge that we will survive the as a professional field has always is a trusted resource and part of current pressures and continue on been marked by challenges as our community’s collective voice our path of innovation.” well as opportunities but we have in the healthcare arena. always had the wishes of the people we care for at the heart of

8 Newsline / Summer 2019 A New Brand, A New Website Coming in late June!

NHPCO is proud to announce the of content easy to find and easy launch of our new website which to use. Components of the coincides with our rebrand and website and branding will dedication to increasing access to continue to evolve over the next hospice and palliative care, few months so please stay tuned promoting quality, and expanding and let us know what you think! our role as the leader in person- and family-centered care. Check out the new website in late June at the same URL: Coming online in late June, our www.nhpco.org. new website provides a clear message of who we are, what we stand for and where our value lies when developing tools, resources and education for hospice and palliative care providers. The website boasts a clean design and intuitive and consistent site-wide navigation with improved menu functionality that directs you to the information most relevant to you. It is also fully responsive with mobile devices, making it easy to navigate on a wide range of web browsers and portable devices.

We used feedback from members and engaged an external firm to assist in making our vast library

Newsline / Summer 2019 9

Leaders and Advocates in Action! 2019 Leadership and Advocacy Conference

NHPCO President and CEO Edo care. Keynotes on Monday and Banach, along with staff and the Tuesday were delivered by Kai board, welcomed nearly 1,500 Kight, a classical violinist turned hospice and palliative care innovator, composer and professionals, advocates, and entrepreneur, and noted supporters to Washington, DC, for healthcare innovator and the 2019 Leadership and Advocacy transformer Laura Adams. Conference (April 15 – 17). Among the many networking Two days of preconference opportunities, the LAC Expo Hall offerings began on April 13 and featuring more than 140 included: The two-day Hospice exhibitors, attendees had more Compliance Certificate Program, than 75 concurrent sessions from the Hospice Manager ten session tracks to choose Development Program, our from. Conference offerings are innovative Community-Based developed with a cross-section of Palliative Care precon, and NHPCO members, staff, seminars about strategic growth, representatives from the board hospice accounting and revenue and committees, and relevant cycle management, CMS content experts all working demonstrations, and timely together to ensure the conference leadership topics. experience is of value for issues that leaders and managers are Banach delivered his keynote facing today and preparing for in message on Monday and the future. stressing the importance of innovation while protecting the A highlight of the week was the heart of hospice that is such a National Hospice Foundation’s palpable part of the philosophy of Annual Gala hosted on Tuesday

Newsline / Summer 2019 11 continued

evening that raised support for of Health and Human Services. NHPCO’s Veteran services Following Assistant Secretary programs and initiatives. The Robertson, Senator Ben Cardin Gala included a pinning ceremony (MD) reinforced the importance to recognize and celebrate the of grassroots advocacy and Veterans and military personnel shared best wishes with our attending the event. hospice advocates as they Advocates met prepared to head to Capitol Hill. At the Tuesday morning plenary, with 350 House Chief Operating Officer John Advocates met with 350 House and Senate Mastrojohn was awarded the and Senate offices to educate Galen Miller Leadership Award legislators and staff about issues offices to educate for his many contributions to impacting the hospice and legislators and NHPCO, its affiliates, and the palliative care community. A key broader hospice and palliative message focused on the value of staff... care community as he prepared the Medicare hospice benefit. to depart the organization and begin a new chapter in his In addition to promoting professional journey. NHPCO’s legislative priorities for 2019, advocates provided information about legislation More Than 300 Hospice Advocates Converge on Capitol Hill

The focus on Wednesday was primarily on advocacy. This is the second year that our strategic advocacy event on Capitol Hill was integrated into the annual leadership conference.

Conference participants had the opportunity to take advocacy- themed concurrent sessions along with the robust offerings that made up the LAC. Hospice Action Network staff were also on hand throughout the LAC to meet with attendees and help explain current issues and ways to get involved.

Wednesday began with a plenary session featuring Lance Robertson, Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department

12 Newsline / Summer 2019 Campaign Update

What Is My Hospice? My Hospice is a campaign to reinforce the value of the Medicare Who Is Listening hospice benefit among policy and healthcare decision makers to foster a policy environment that will support patient access to high quality, SENATOR SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO comprehensive hospice and palliative care. SENATOR JACKY ROSEN My Hospice allows all members of our community to share their unique My Hospice story to emphasize these three primary My Hospice beliefs: SENATOR CLAIRE MCCASKILL

1. Hospice is a program that works and a benefit that matters for SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW Medicare beneficiaries and their families. 2. Changes to the Medicare Hospice Benefit should remove burdensome regulations that compromise patient care while implementing REP. DEBBIE DINGELL common-sense reforms that promote access, accountability and patient choice. REP. TIM WALBERG 3. The value-based model of person-centered care pioneered by hospice should be adopted and expanded throughout the care REP. RICHARD HUDSON continuum. REP. TOM REED My Hospice Involvement REP. DANIEL WEBSTER My Hospice community members and advocates have shared their stories through videos, blog posts, social media, earned media, grassroots, and REP. GENE GREEN Hill meetings. These unique experiences help educate lawmakers about the importance of the Medicare Hospice Benefit. You can see these stories at MyHospiceCampaign.org. REP. ELIOT ENGEL REP. BRIAN MAST

REP. LYNN JENKINS

15,729,238 $941,770.73 687,557 REP. ROGER MARSHALL Impressions of the Equivalent Advertising My Hospice video REP. EARL BLUMENAUER #MyHospice hashtag Value of Earned Media views REP. VERN BUCHANAN

REP. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

REP. MARKWAYNE MULLIN

REP. PAUL TONKO

REP. ROGER MARSHALL

Newsline / Summer 2019 13 continued

NHPCO’s ongoing advocacy Call to Action: Support Rural campaign – My Hospice – was a Access to Hospice Act common theme throughout the entire conference and especially In the weeks following the Hospice Action during the meetings on Capitol Hill. Advocacy event in DC, the Rural Access to Hospice Act was Network is My Hospice, entering its second reintroduced in the US House of requesting that year, was designed to reinforce Representatives by Congressman the value of the Medicare hospice Ron Kind (D-WI) and all hospice benefit. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN). It had already been supporters Hospice and palliative care reintroduced in the Senate in complete the providers have embraced the April by Senators Jeanne campaign and use it to highlight Shaheen (D-NH) and Shelley Rural Access how critically important hospice Moore Capito (R-WV). Action Alert. and palliative care are to Americans across the country. Now that it is fully reintroduced in both chambers, it is imperative supported by NHPCO including: To learn more about the My that Members of Congress hear The Rural Access to Hospice Act Hospice campaign and engage with from constituents. The Hospice (S. 1190), and the Palliative Care grassroots advocacy efforts, please Action Network is requesting that and Hospice Education and visit MyHospiceCampaign.org. all hospice supporters complete Training Act (PCHETA) (H.R. 647). the Rural Access Action Alert, and then share it with other colleagues and networks who feel passionately about this issue.

NHPCO and Hospice Action Network have reason to believe that a rural health package is being discussed in Congress, and we need to show that the Rural Access to Hospice Act has wide bipartisan grassroots support to bolster our argument to include this bill in the package.

Visit the HAN website to contact Congress today!

Maryland’s Senator Ben Cardin speaking at the 2019 Leadership and Advocacy Conference.

14 Newsline / Summer 2019 NEED CRITICAL COMPETITIVE DATA?

LOOK NO FURTHER… The annual State Hospice Profile™ contains comprehensive hospice market characteristics for each county based on Medicare data from 2003-2017, providing critical information to learn more about the competitive environment of your state.

Produced by HealthPivots and available exclusively through NHPCO Marketplace, each 2017 State Hospice Profile™ provides vital county level information on each of the leading providers. Full- colored charts and graphs provide analysis information of the last fifteen years of Medicare claims data.

Examples of the valuable information included in the State Hospice Profile™ z Estimated Medicare Cap usage z Major hospice providers in the county TM z Comparative hospice penetration data/market share trends State Hospice Profiles are individually priced based z Average Length of Stay upon the number of counties z Distribution of hospice census in each state. Please call 1-800-646-6460 for pricing As an added bonus, each State Hospice Profile™ also contains a National and Statewide Profile of details and to order. Profiles hospice care based upon Medicare claims data going back to 2003, as well as county level National are available for all 50 States, and State penetration maps. View an example of a State Hospice Profile online. the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

NEW SERIOUS ILLNESS MODELS FROM CMS Providers Should Understand the Opportunities

By Judi Lund Person and Lori Bishop

On Monday, April 22, Health and three criteria and other statutory Human Services Secretary Alex prerequisites, the status allows Azar and CMS Administrator the Secretary to expand the Seema Verma announced the duration and scope of a model The purpose of the CMS Primary Cares initiative at a through rulemaking. The CMMI is to test meeting attended by NHPCO Medicare hospice benefit is an leadership and other stakeholders example of a model that was innovative payment in the field. expanded and eventually made a and service delivery full comprehensive benefit. The initiative is under the models... direction of the CMS Innovation The Primary Cares initiative Center. The purpose of the CMMI includes two sets of new payment is to test innovative payment and models: Primary Care First, and service delivery models to reduce Direct Contracting. program expenditures… while preserving or enhancing the PRIMARY CARE FIRST quality of care furnished to individuals under such titles. Primary Care First (PCF) will be comprised of three new payment There are three scenarios for models that CMS says are success under the statute guiding “intended to transform primary CMMI’s work: care to deliver better value for patients throughout the 1. Quality improves; cost neutral. healthcare system.” The models 2. Quality neutral; cost reduced. include a PCF High Need 3. Quality improves; cost reduced Population Payment Model (best case). Option for those serving the seriously ill population.

If a model meets one of these In PCF, CMS will rely on a focused

Newsline / Summer 2019 17 continued

set of clinical quality and patient The CMS Innovation Center has NP, PA) certified in internal and caregiver engagement created an online map showing medicine, general medicine, measures to assess quality and locations where CPC+ is being geriatric medicine, family medicine, innovation in care delivery. tested. Visit the map on the CMS and hospice and palliative medicine. website to search in your area. Practitioners must be in good Primary Care First Regions standing with CMS and have a PCF Model Options minimum of 125 attributed Building on the Comprehensive Medicare beneficiaries. The primary Primary Care Plus (CPC+) model, There are three options to care services (not yet defined) PCF will be offered in 18 states accommodate providers that must account for 70-80% of the (current CPC+ regions) and eight specialize in care for different collective billing and demonstrate new regions*. populations: prior experience with innovation in

Primary Care First Model Option 1: PCF Option 2: PCF High Option 3: Participation Payment Model Needs Populations in both options 1 and 2 Options will be offered in 26 Payment Model regions for a 2020 start date: • Focused on advanced • Promotes care for • Allows practices to Alaska (statewide)* primary care practices high need, seriously participate in both Arkansas (statewide) ready to assume ill population (SIP) PCF Payment Model California (statewide)* financial risk in beneficiaries who and the PCF High Colorado (statewide) exchange for reduced lack a primary care Need Population Delaware (statewide)* administrative burden practitioner and/or Payment Model. Florida (statewide)* and performance effective care Greater Buffalo region (NY) -based payments. coordination. Greater Kansas City region (KS and MO) • Introduces new Greater Philadelphia region (PA) higher payment for Hawaii (statewide) practices caring for Louisiana (statewide) complex, chronically Maine (statewide)* ill patients. Massachusetts (statewide)* Michigan (statewide) Montana (statewide) Eligibility care delivery and value-based Nebraska (statewide) payment arrangements. The New Hampshire (statewide)* Option 1: practice must also use the 2015 New Jersey (statewide) The Primary Care First (PCF) Certified Electronic Health Record North Dakota (statewide) Payment Model is designed for Technology (CEHRT) and must North Hudson-Capital region (NY) primary care practices with meet a minimum a set of advanced Ohio and Northern Kentucky advanced primary care capabilities primary care delivery capabilities region (statewide in OH, partial that are prepared to accept including 24/7 access to a state in KY) increased financial risk in exchange practitioner or nurse call line. Oklahoma (statewide) for flexibility and potential rewards Oregon (statewide) based on practice performance. CMS will attribute Seriously Ill Rhode Island (statewide) Population (SIP) patients lacking Tennessee (statewide) The practice must include primary a primary care practitioner or Virginia (statewide)* care practitioners (MD, DO, CNS,

18 Newsline / Summer 2019 care coordination to Primary Care First practices that specifically opt to participate in this payment model option.

Option 2: Under the PCF High Needs Populations Payment Model, the practice must include practitioners serving seriously ill populations (not yet defined) (MD, DO, CNS, NP, PA) certified in internal medicine, general medicine, geriatric medicine, family medicine, and hospice and palliative medicine. Practitioners must be in good standing with CMS and must be able to with other care organizations in More details on the payment demonstrate the capability to the community to ensure that structure can be found in the FAQ manage complex patients by beneficiaries can access the care document on PCF available on using an interdisciplinary team best suited to their longer-term the “Models and Demos” page of and phased-care approached and needs. Allowances to some of the the NHPCO’s website. providing comprehensive person- eligibility requirements for the centered care. Primary Care First general DIRECT CONTRACTING payment model option (such as with respect to historical The Direct Contracting (DC) beneficiary attribution) will be models are part of the CMS made to facilitate participation in strategy to use the redesign of DC models focus on the SIP payment model option. primary care to drive broader delivery system reform to complex chronic, The practice must also improve health and reduce cost. seriously ill, and demonstrate ability to engage The DC models provide a variety with patient and caregivers and of risk sharing options, flexible dually eligible also must provide 24/7 access to beneficiary alignment options, a practitioner or nurse call line. benefit enhancements, and beneficiaries. The practice must also use the payment waivers. The DC models 2015 Certified Electronic Health allow new organizations to Record Technology (CEHRT). participate. The DC models focus Practices may limit their on complex chronic, seriously ill, participation in Primary Care Payment and dually eligible beneficiaries. First to exclusively caring for SIP patients, but in order to do so, Payment for SIP patients differs such practices must demonstrate from that established under the in their applications that they general payment option for have a network of relationships Primary Care First.

Newsline / Summer 2019 19 continued

services you will provide; are expected to reduce burden, determine payment; agree on key support a focus on beneficiaries metrics (who, what, when, where, with complex, chronic conditions, how); schedule recurrent and encourage participation from meetings to monitor, modify, and organizations that have not address any issues and concerns. typically participated in Medicare FFS or CMS Innovation Center Payment Model Options models.”

The Direct Contracting payment CMS will continue to pay claims model options are expected to be for services made outside the Advanced APMs in 2021. All DCE (non-associated providers). options feature enhancements Organizations will have added aimed at encouraging flexibility to reduce the FFS organizations focused on care for payments not covered under the those with complex chronic capitation arrangements. DCE conditions to participate. and providers must agree in How Can Palliative Care writing to the percentage of and Hospice Programs Three options are available with reduction. Participate? varied level of risks and rewards:

Unlike the PCF models, there are According to CMS, these no limitations on the geographic “payment model options are locations that can participate in anticipated to appeal to a broad the DC model options. range of physician practices and other organizations because they Palliative care and hospice Geographic PBP programs should contract with Professional PBP Global PBP Direct Care Entities (DCEs). (proposed) DCEs will need to secure • ACO structure with • ACO structure with • Would be open to Preferred Providers for care Participants and Participants and entities interested in provision to their attributed Preferred Providers Preferred providers taking on regional beneficiaries. It is important for defined at the TIN/ defined at the TIN/ risk and entering palliative care and hospice NPI level. NPI level. into arrangements with clinicians in the programs to understand these • 50% shared • 100% risk. models, including goals, risks, savings/shared region. • Choice between quality, and payment. Before losses with CMS. Total Care • 100% risk. entering into a contract with a • Primary Care Capitation or • Would offer a choice DCE, understand your program Capitation equal to Primary Care between Full cost and your performance data. 7% of total cost of Capitation. Financial Risk with Some considerations in care for enhanced FFS claims developing your relationship with primary care reconciliation and a DCE: transparency (share and services. Total Care communicate openly); define the Capitation. eligible population to encourage appropriate referrals; clarify the <<<< Lowest Risk Highest Risk >>>>

20 Newsline / Summer 2019 Direct Contracting Entities model (not applicable to the High Needs Population/ • Generally, must have a Seriously Ill Population option). minimum of 5,000 aligned The DC models are at a Before entering into Medicare FFS beneficiaries. population level, built off the a contract with a Next Generation Accountable • “On ramp” for organizations Care Organization (NGACO) DCE, understand new to Medicare FFS. model, with a minimum of 5,000 attributed beneficiaries your program cost • Added flexibility for for the Professional PBP and and your organizations serving dually Global PBP. The Geographic eligible, chronically ill PBP is yet to be determined but performance data. populations. suggested attribution is around 75,000 Medicare beneficiaries. High Need Populations • Another big difference is the level DCEs focused on complex chronic of risk. The PCF models receive a and seriously ill populations will per beneficiary per month rate have some innovative approaches and a flat rate for in-person yet to be determined. Dually encounters. They have additional eligible beneficiaries will have ability to receive monetary access to a Program for All- rewards for achieving quality inclusive Care of the Elderly targets. The PCF risk is a 10% (PACE) – like clinical approach reduction if they fall at or below with focus on an interdisciplinary the target. In the DC PBPs the team and minimum threshold shared risk is greater. The allowances. There is also Professional PBP is a 50% opportunity for collaboration Savings/Losses risk arrangement. with Medicaid Managed Care The Global PBP is a 100% Organizations which will take Savings/Losses risk arrangement. accountability for Medicare costs The proposed Geographic PBP is and quality in addition to a 100% Savings/Losses risk Medicaid spending under existing arrangement. arrangements. • The PCF models are responsible for Medicare B only. Payments Model Differences are adjusted to account for Differences Between Primary beneficiaries seeking services Care First Models and Direct outside the practice. Depending Contracting Models on the payment option chosen, DCEs will be at risk for either a • The PCF models are at the portion or all of the total cost of primary care provider group care for Medicare Parts A and B level with a minimum of 125 services for aligned beneficiaries. attributed beneficiaries per practice group in the PCF base

Newsline / Summer 2019 21 continued

NHPCO Comment

“NHPCO has long advocated that any serious illness alternative Judi Lund Person, MPH, payment model (APM) must NHPCO’s Vice President, balance population health and Regulatory and Compliance. value-based care goals with the imperative to respond to patients’ unique care needs,” said NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach, JD. “Key to the success of any model will be protecting and expanding access to high- quality palliative care and hospice services, and we will continue to advocate for integration of access to hospice care as a quality metric in the evaluation of the new Primary Care First and Lori Bishop, MHA, BSN, RN, Director Contracting Models.” NHPCO’s Vice President, Palliative and Advanced Care. As information is made available by NHPCO, please visit the “Models and Demos” page of the NHPCO website.

Don’t Forget about Hospice & MA

Providers should also remember Hospice providers should be carve-in, we need more that In January 2019, CMS aware of opportunities to build or information from CMS and need announced a demonstration deepen relationships with MA to discuss how the demo would involving updates to the existing plans serving their area. There work. NHPCO is partnering with model of Medicare Advantage. may be contracting options for Better Medicare Alliance, to Included in this demonstration is palliative care as well as being a engage in a mutual collaboration the option for MA plans to offer contracted hospice provider. addressing the challenges and the Medicare hospice benefit Providers are advised to start opportunities associated with under a Values Based Insurance discussions now with MA plan if possible policy changes. Materials Delivery (VBID) model beginning they have not yet done so. from previous presentations are in 2020. Currently, the voluntary available on the “Models and VBID model is being utilized by 13 Before NHPCO can offer a Demos” page online. plans in 10 states. position either way on the MA

22 Newsline / Summer 2019 New Digital Resources

NHPCO’S 2017 NATIONAL STAR REPORT (PDF ONLY) RELEASED IN 2018, the annual National STAR Report summarizes results of all hospices that utilized the Survey of Team Attitudes and Relationships within the year. STAR is the only job satisfaction survey designed specifically for the hospice field. If your hospice administered STAR, you can use the National STAR Report to compare your hospice’s results to all STAR participants in 2017. Utilize STAR and its national level report as part of your hospice’s comprehensive QAPI program today! Member Price: $125.00 | Non-Member Price: $175.00

QAPI TOOLKIT

QAPI TOOLKIT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE SERIES RELEASED IN 2018, this resource assists hospice providers with implementation and maintenance of their quality improvement program and activities.

The Toolkit provides a framework for QAPI with review of §418.58 of the Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation (CoPs): Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement. It will also explore the detailed requirements of the CoP and lists the definition of ‘quality’ in hospice. In addition, the Toolkit will identify NHPCO’s core quality components in the Hospice Standards of Practice. The toolkit also provides a review of the components of a quality program and tools and resources to support the development, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive and high functioning QAPI program. Member Price: FREE | Non-Member Price: $199.00

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE FOR PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE FOR PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE SERIES This NEWLY RELEASED item in 2018 is an appendix to the NHPCO Standards. This item is a guide for palliative and/or hospice programs providing care to patients in the perinatal period, infancy, childhood, adolescence and young adulthood; regardless of whether care is delivered in the home, hospital, long- term care or a respite facility (“children” refers to patients in the perinatal period, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood (young adulthood encompasses individuals over 18 years). It may also serve as a guide to pediatric programs developed within a hospice, home health, hospital or state agency. Member Price: FREE | Non-Member Price: $29.95

NHPCO Resources

HOSPICE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM A GUIDE TO GRIEF RESOURCE MANUAL NEWLY UPDATED IN 2017! This pamphlet Updated in 2015 to reflect current takes readers through the feelings and regulatory requirements and best symptoms of grief: shock, denial, anger, guilt, practices. This manual offers suggestions sadness, acceptance, and growth. for developing the “ideal” volunteer Member Price: $2.00 program - that is, one that goes above Non-Member Price: $2.50 and beyond the “5% requirement.” Member Price: $74.99 | Non-Member Price: $89.99

WWW.NHPCO.ORG/MARKETPLACE THERE’S MORE TO DEATH THAN DRAMA

By Torrey DeVitto, Actress, NHPCO Hospice Ambassador and Hospice Volunteer Death and dying can be emotionally I’ve had the privilege of hearing For more than 30 years, hospice fraught, traumatic, and regularly honest and vulnerable stories as I care has provided Americans with occurs in fast-paced clinical sat with someone at their bedside. options for their end-of-life care. It settings, like hospital emergency As individuals at the end of life face offers a holistic approach that rooms. In the Hollywood version this transition, they like to share treats the entire patient – not just that most of us have seen on TV, stories and give advice. I’ve come to his or her illness. It supports both death is a dramatic, high-energy, realize too the stories they share the patient and the family – race against time and fate. are always about the people they’d physically, spiritually, and Emergency room physicians, like the loved and the places they’ve gone emotionally – at a time when one I portray [on NBC’s Chicago – never about professional resources are depleted, and stress Med], juggle the emotional and accomplishments. I’ve also come to runs high. physical twists and turns that recognize the gift of listening is the accompany serious illnesses and best thing I can offer – and it has Hospice can’t eliminate fear, injuries that have befallen our given me so much more in return. uncertainty and drama from one of fictional patients. life’s most difficult circumstances- Volunteers are crucial to hospice but with the ongoing support of But death, dying, and the end-of- organizations. Nationwide, more dedicated volunteers – it can life journey, in truth, are often so than 300,000 people give their provide a happy, fulfilling much more. Like birth, being with time and talents so that no one has denouement better than any someone when they are dying is to die alone. Volunteers serve as Hollywood ending. walking with them into the next important support, so patients and phase of life. Thinking of death as a families can stay connected to their process of life makes it that much “normal” lives and the things they less scary. Death can be beautiful, love most. Hospice volunteers peaceful, and spiritual. It can be provide companionship, Torrey DeVitto, is currently without pain and procedures. It can conversation, and help patients starring in the television drama, be a process of living each day remain active in their daily activities Chicago Med, on NBC. She has normally – surrounded by friends, – like church or social clubs. been NHPCO’s first official Hospice family, pets and beloved pastimes Volunteers also help provide a Ambassador since 2007. In 2013 – savoring the elements that make break for family caregivers so that she was awarded the Buchwald up the human experience. they can rest from the demands of Spirit Award for her efforts to raise their loved one’s illness. awareness of hospice and the When I started volunteering with important role of volunteering. hospice at just 24 years old, many of Although I’ve found one-on-one my friends and family questioned interactions to be the most what I was doing- what would I fulfilling, not all hospice volunteers have in common with older people? provide direct patient care. Local Wouldn’t the experience be sad and hospice organizations are always in depressing? To the contrary. I’ve need of dedicated and found connecting and sharing with compassionate individuals who are hospice patients to be inspiring. willing to help with administrative support or assist by preparing meals, assisting with household chores, and running errands.

Newsline / Summer 2019 25 Palliative New Palliative Care Playbook Designed Care to Support Hospices in the Provision of Community-Based Palliative Care Spotlight NHPCO encourages all hospices to evaluate the feasibility of offering palliative care services in their community.

NHPCO proudly shares news about one of its newest resources for members, the Palliative Care Playbook for Hospices. The Playbook has been created to help hospices who are offering or working to create community-based palliative care programs.

The Palliative Care Playbook for Hospices provides step-by-step instructions developed by hospice experts, to guide hospices in the development, implementation, and sustainability of a community- based palliative care program.

The Palliative Care Playbook for Hospices content includes:

• Needs assessment process • Business case development • Legal and regulatory considerations NHPCO Palliative Care • Quality and data Playbook for Hospices • Staffing • Budgets • Documentation NHPCO.ORG • Reimbursement

An additional resource for “The ability to provide care to more people, earlier, is becoming more providers interested in important, and NHPCO is working to help our members prepare and community-based palliative care succeed in this new healthcare landscape. The new Palliative Care is the upcoming 2019 Virtual Playbook for Hospices is an example of one such resource,” said NHPCO Conference, Overcoming the President and CEO Edo Banach at the LAC opening plenary. “Our patients Challenges of Community-based and families need hospices to think outside of the box. We’re seeing Palliative Care, on July 17 – 18. expanding demos and models coming out of the CMS Innovation Center Hosted by NHPCO in collaboration with the goal of transforming person-centered care delivery in the U.S.” with AAHPM and HPNA, online registration for the Virtual Additional attention in the field has focused on the forthcoming Value Conference is now open. Based Insurance Design (VIBD) demonstration and discussions of

26 Newsline / Summer 2019 hospice and Medicare Advantage. percent in the process of The Medicare Care Choices Model developing a palliative care (MCCM) is well underway and program. many providers are already We are fortunate to contracting with ACOs and other Currently, the Palliative Care providers in their communities. Playbook for Hospices is available have established exclusively to NHPCO members programs in the field Additional chapters of the who may download the Playbook Playbook will be released in the in PDF, free-of-charge. share some of their future as they are developed. practical tools and Non-members will soon be able “We are fortunate to have to purchase an edition of the resources for the established programs in the field Playbook through the NHPCO share some of their practical Marketplace (look for that in fall Playbook. tools and resources for the of 2019). Playbook,” said NHPCO Vice President of Palliative and Advanced Care, Lori Bishop, MHA, BSN, RN. “In addition, members of our Palliative Care Council provide insight and generously gave of their expertise in the creation of the first several chapters of the Playbook.”

To support the creation and inform content development of the Playbook, NHPCO conducted a palliative care needs survey of its membership in 2018. (Palliative Care Needs Survey Report is available for download on the NHPCO website.) Survey findings indicate that 88 percent of survey participants are involved in community-based palliative care; with 53 percent already providing palliative care services and 35

Newsline / Summer 2019 27 Pediatric New Look, New Name – Same Spotlight Dedication to Pediatric Care

As NHPCO rolls out its new branding, providers will begin to see some changes throughout the organization. What has been known as the Children’s Project on Palliative/Hospice Services (ChiPPS), will now be known as NHPCO’s Pediatric Advisory Council. The ChiPPS E-Journal will now be the Pediatric E-Journal and the look of the publication reflects NHPCO’s new branding.

This important We salute the legacy of ChiPPS and the many contributions made in support of pediatric palliative and hospice care from the many pediatric work will members who have been a part of ChiPPS over the years. This continue under the important pediatric work will continue under the Pediatric Advisory Council and the E-Journal Workgroup looks forward to contributing to Pediatric Advisory the field through the availability of the free Pediatric E-Journal. Council... The latest edition of NHPCO’s Pediatric E-Journal (issue #55) is the first of a special, two-part series exploring some of the many different types of integrative and complementary therapies that can contribute to the care provided to children, adolescents, and family members as part of the overall services offered by programs of pediatric palliative or hospice care.

A few highlights from the latest issue:

• Medical Marijuana in Pediatric Palliative Care • Concealed Voices: Music Therapy for Pediatric Patients in Hospice Care • Essential Oils: Scarlet’s Story • Pediatric Massage Therapy

Read these and other great articles now, visit www.nhpco.org/pediatric to find the latest edition as well as the archive of back issues of the Pediatric E-Journal.

28 Newsline / Summer 2019 SAVE THE DATE 2019 INTERDISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ORLANDO, FL

PRECONFERENCE - NOVEMBER 2-3, 2019 MAIN CONFERENCE - NOVEMBER 4-6, 2019 GAYLORD PALMS RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER - ORLANDO, FLORIDA

ABOUT At IDC19 experience a unique blend of keynotes, concurrent sessions, preconference learning and networking opportunities all grounded in the philosophy of the interdisciplinary organization. You’ll engage with colleagues from across the country as you learn about new approaches, successful models and innovations that will advance your professional practice and help strengthen your organization.

Registration Opening Soon! nhpco.org/IDC2019 EOL End of Life Doula Council to Research Doula the Benefits of Doula Care

Spotlight Research into the impact of End of Life Doulas (EOLDs) on the dying and their families is underway in several places around the world. No results have been published yet. In the meantime, we have anecdotal evidence from hospice programs that use EOLDs, which shows that patient and family experiences have been universally quite positive.

To further understand the role and benefits of EOLDs, the NHPCO’s End of Life Doula Council has decided to conduct its own informal survey. This survey will provide some preliminary information on the utilization and benefits of EOLD services in the United States. It will go to families that have used EOLDs in the past as well as families currently using them.

The survey will include both quantitative measures and narrative information. The council decided that a survey consisting of scaled data, short answers, and narrative questions will allow for the widest variety of responses. This will help the Council understand why families choose doulas, and to establish how well the outcomes of doula care match the reasons families made that decision. It will also provide hospices, palliative care programs, and the general public invaluable data on the benefits of EOLD care.

Narrative questions in the survey will give respondents an opportunity to express in their own words the ways doulas were (or are) most helpful to them. These questions will also identify areas of service that can be improved as the doula role evolves in the future.

Results from the study will provide a starting point for the Council to make recommendations on how hospices can partner with community EOLDs or integrate doula services into existing programs. The data may also help the Council develop new research into how doulas can most effectively serve alongside family caregivers and hospice clinicians.

The survey will be available as of June 14, 2019 and will be open for a period of eight weeks.

TAKE THE SURVEY ONLINE. www.surveymonkey.com/r/DXQFBVW.

The Council will alert hospices that have an internal doula program or who have utilized EOLDs from the community about the existence of the survey and the need for as many responses as possible. The survey

30 Newsline / Summer 2019 will also be available through knowing no personal information social media channels, email, or will be released. can be sent on paper to families, who will return it directly to the If you are aware of any individuals Council. The Council will contact or families who have utilized EOLD EOLD trainers and educators as services, please share the link given well, to have them circulate the above in this article or contact This survey will survey to families who they know [email protected] to have used a doula. Through these request a paper copy of the survey provide some various approaches, the Council that you can share. Families can preliminary will gather information from then complete the paper survey families served by doulas from a and return it to the same NHPCO information on the wide spectrum of programs. email address. We look forward to utilization and what we learn through these The goal is to receive up to 100 questionnaires, and to conducting benefits of EOLD completed questionnaires. Each more research in the future guided services in the survey response will remain by these first findings. The Council anonymous. Participation is will share the results of the survey United States. voluntary, and respondents will with the NHPCO membership give consent for the results to be later this fall. published in the aggregate,

OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF COMMUNITY-BASED PALLIATIVE CARE

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE JULY 17-18, 2019 nhpco.org/2019-virtual-conference Short NHPCO Releases New Member Resources Takes In addition to the new Palliative Care Playbook for Hospices (see page 26), NHPCO continues to offer its members a range of tools and resources that help address regulatory and quality issues of importance to the field. Here are three new items that members may download free-of-charge from the NHPCO website.

Medicare Hospice Benefit Guide to Patient Travel

Updated from its original publication, NHPCO’s Medicare Hospice Benefit Guide to Patient Travel is intended to help hospices support short-term travel plans for patients receiving care under the Medicare Hospice Benefit by contracting with another Medicare certified hospice at the patient’s travel destination. The Guide offers information and suggestions for organizing, coordinating, documenting, and communicating with another Medicare-certified hospice provider related to patient travel.

Management of Imminent Death in Hospice Care NHPCO continues to This resource helps identify opportunities for quality assessment and performance improvement for offer its members a patients and their families in the last days of life range of tools and when the patient is receiving care at the routine home care (RHC) level of care. Management of resources that help Imminent Death in Hospice Care also includes address regulatory information and tools related to managing imminent death of patients receiving hospice care in their last and quality issues... seven days of life, whether they are admitted to a hospice program close to death or transition to imminent death during a longer length of stay.

HQRP FAQ Index Tool

NHPCO understands the need for resources that assist hospice providers in quickly accessing answers regarding Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) requirements. The new HQRP FAQ Index Tool is a user‐friendly searchable tool that compiles the quarterly posted HQRP frequently asked questions and answers from CMS. Exclusively for NHPCO members, this tool will be updated with every quarterly FAQ from CMS.

32 Newsline / Summer 2019 Joy in a Teardrop Launches New Music Project Inspired by Hospice and Palliative Care

Proceeds from Joy in a Teardrop will Support National original songs, just as Walker and Hospice Foundation Mulder did with the original song.

NHPCO is proud to be working on hospices to create a video version an exciting project using music to of Joy in a Teardrop that is Call to Get Involved express the essence of compassion available on YouTube. NHPCO invites members of the and caring as experienced by hospice and palliative care hospice and palliative care “It is a wonderful statement of the community to share ideas with the professionals, Joy in a Teardrop: beauty and poignancy of the work project’s creative team – perhaps The Hospice Music Project. that we all do in caring for people just a word or phrase, maybe a at the end of life,” said co-creator concept or thought, or even a This project was initiated with the John Mulder, MD, who is a hospice meaningful story or vignette. It creation of the song, Joy in a and palliative medicine specialist as may be your experience, the Teardrop, which was written as well as a musician. experience of a patient or family, or part of a songwriting workshop something that was shared by a Spurred on by the hospice at NHPCO’s Interdisciplinary coworker. They can be incomplete community’s positive response to Conference in November 2018 in and scattered thoughts – we’d just Joy in a Teardrop, NHPCO is New Orleans. Led by GRAMMY like your reflections on this work launching a new program, Joy in a award winning songwriter Tricia that we all cherish. Walker and John Mulder, hospice Teardrop: The Hospice Music professionals shared reflections Project, which will result in a full You can submit your ideas at of their work and put words to album of songs that reflect the [email protected]. If you have any the many emotions experienced in experience of hospice questions about the project, you caring for those at life’s end. professionals in the work that they can also submit those to the same Walker and Mulder shaped those do – the joys, sorrows, difficult address, and we’ll respond to you. words and added music to bring and challenging times, and even Joy in a Teardrop to life. the lighthearted and humorous “We feel that this project will be moments that are a part of one more effective way of Joy in a Teardrop was everyday end-of-life experiences. communicating the sacredness of subsequently recorded by Walker our work and establishing a and Mulder, and is available for Joy in a Teardrop: The Hospice testament of our wonderful purchase from Amazon, iTunes Music Project, will be led by Tricia legacy,” added Mulder. and Spotify music services as well Walker and John Mulder, they will as in CD single from the NHPCO be assisted by other Marketplace. All proceeds from highly decorated sale of the song will go to support songwriters, including the work of the National Hospice Beth Nielsen Chapman Foundation, NHPCO’s and Marcus Hummon. philanthropic affiliate. These writers will take the thoughts and ideas Following the recording of the song, provided by hospice NHPCO staff added photographs and palliative care that have been shared by member professionals and craft Find Joy in a Teardrop on YouTube.

Newsline / Summer 2019 33 Short 2019 Virtual Conference, Overcoming Takes the Challenges of Community-Based Palliative Care

For the fifth consecutive year, NHPCO is partnering with the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association to host its annual Virtual Conference. Offered on July 17 – 18, 2019, the Virtual Conference will address key clinical practice and program development challenges, providing practical solutions to ensure the delivery of exceptional quality care and the success of community-based palliative care.

Keynote speakers include:

Lori Bishop, MHA, BSN, RN Elizabeth Fowler, MPH Dan Hoefer, MD Joe Rotella, MD, HMDC, FAAHPM Ruth Thomson, DO, MBA, HMDC, FACOI, FAAHPM

The value of the Virtual Conference is that it brings all the benefits of an Provided live via the internet, Overcoming the Challenges of Community-Based Palliative Care will feature: onsite conference directly to your • Live-streaming keynote speakers • Webinar-based concurrent sessions work place... • Video library • Unique opportunities for interaction • CE/CME credit for nurses and physicians (during the live event only) • Unlimited on-demand access for three months after the live event

The value of the Virtual Conference is that it brings all the benefits of an onsite conference directly to your work place, training site, or even home via the Internet and provides access to the conference’s recorded content for three months after the live event. The program is suited for an entire organization, a team, or even an individual professional.

Registration is open!

34 Newsline / Summer 2019 MSDS Member Program

Did you know that NHPCO members have The benefits to this online program include: access to a range of discounts. • OSHA-compliant electronic MSDS management. • 75% more efficient than paper-based systems. NHPCO has partnered with, MSDSonline®, to provide • Around-the-clock access to the online MSDS our provider members with an online library of database. safety data sheets, or SDSs (formerly known as • Easy, right-to-know access for all staff & material safety data sheets, or MSDSs). MSDS departments. online has millions of safety sheets that contain the • Built-in regulatory reports. information that providers need to keep their Extensive incident case management and record organizations safe from dangerous chemicals or • keeping tools. other hazardous substances.

If you are a current NHPCO provider member and are interested in MSDSonline, contact the NHPCO Solutions Center at 1-800-646-6460 and they can help you with details.

U.S. Hospice National Data Survey – Submit Data Now

The National Data Survey (NDS) Administered by NHPCO, the NDS download a copy of the survey to represents a comprehensive opened its data collection period use as a preparation worksheet for compilation of often hard to find, for 2018 data on May 27, 2019 for your online data submission. If you and timely data points on hospice eight weeks. The NDS submission have any questions, please email operations. The NDS is period will close on July 26, 2019. [email protected]. instrumental in providing industry insights, supporting advocacy For providers who may be familiar efforts, and providing useful with previous versions of the NDS, benchmarking data to Hospice the survey has been streamlined providers that aids in refining from prior years based on feedback strategic goals, setting operational from participants. It is easier to targets and staffing levels, and access and submit data. improving care delivery. The NDS provides information on: Participation is encouraged for all U.S. Hospice and Palliative Care • Who provides care; providers regardless of NHPCO • Who receives care; Membership. All participating • Where care is provided; providers will receive a copy of this year’s report which is instrumental • The range and quality of hospice services; for benchmarking and strategic goals planning. • Staffing Levels; And other important demographic, • Please go to the NHPCO NDS cost, and payer data Website to learn more and to

Newsline / Summer 2019 35 News From We Honor Veterans

Welcome Home Vietnam Funds Raised for Veteran Veterans Day 2019 Services at NHF Gala The National Hospice Foundation Gala was held Tuesday, April 16 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. in Hospice of Alliance, Inc of Pleasant Prairie, WI recognized over 60 Vietnam Veterans on March 29 at two services thanking them, welcoming them home and giving conjunction with NHPCO’s them a pin signifying their service. The POWs from that era were also recognized. Leadership and Advocacy In 2017, the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act Conference. Over 450 NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach established the National Vietnam War Veterans guests gathered for a pins a Veteran and gala guest. Day to be celebrated each year on March 29. Many night of celebration that included a fundraising live of our We Honor Veterans partners from all levels appeal for NHPCO’s Veteran Services. participated in or hosted Welcome Home Vietnam Nearly $50,000 was raised to support the work Veterans Day events. A Welcome Home event is not that NHPCO is doing to help improve the care only important for hospice patients, it is important that Veterans receive at the end of life. We Honor for the community, as well. Events ranged from 30 Veterans was featured prominently as a successful to 900 people in attendance. example of these efforts. Many Veterans of the Vietnam era were not treated with respect upon their return home. They’ve shared stories of removing their uniform and VITAS Honors Veterans at Cape changing back into civilian clothes upon their Canaveral National Cemetery arrival in the states. Our We Honor Veteran partners Submitted by: Crystal Decker, Public throughout the country have made this day special Relations Specialist, VITAS Healthcare for the Vietnam Veterans in their care and in the The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery hosted a community. Thank you to all of our partners who late March “Sea to Shining Sea” event that honored hosted Welcome Home events and submitted stories. Veterans who served during the Vietnam War We cannot wait to see more Welcome Home events period and throughout the year! also promoted healing for Veterans, their To read the full WHV Newsletter, and see past families and issues, please visit WeHonorVeterans.org. grateful South Vietnamese Fred Robinson, VITAS admissions liaison and former refugees. Marine, is pictured with representatives from the Vietnam Unforgettable Memories Foundation. Find us on Twitter!

@WeHonorVeterans MAKE A SPECIAL MOMENT POSSIBLE FOR YOUR PATIENT

The Lighthouse of Hope Fund is available to patients v Who request special wishes and experiences (ex. flying people in to visit, special events like fishing trips or special dinners, opportunities to spend time with PROVIDING family and friends in a memorable way, etc.) MEANINGFUL v Who are cared for by one of NHPCO’s provider members AND MEMORABLE v Who have a life expectancy of one year MOMENTS or less v Who have no other means to fund the FOR THOSE LIVING WITH A LIFE-LIMITING ILLNESS. specific request

Selection Criteria The hospice provider must submit a completed Lighthouse of Hope Fund Application

www.nationalhospicefoundation.org/lighthouseofhopefund

Hospice I Palliative Care Opportunity Charlotte Metro Area Outstanding opportunity for B/C Physician to join a well established and growing Hospice and Palliative Care Program in Gastonia, North Carolina, located less than 30 minutes from Charlotte. This position will cross over for both inpatient and outpatient Palliative settings, as well as with Hospice. The program is currently serving the Gaston County community with a 19-bed off site Hospice inpatient facility and Nurse Practitioners are providing Palliative Care.

Services in patient homes and to local long-term Acquisition Services has the experience and track care facilities. CaroMont Health is an independent record to help you receive the best valuation for not for profit healthcare system with multiple what you have worked so hard to build. affiliates, including a 435 bed hospital, a large

Call 469.693.6646 or email to: [email protected] primary care and specialty physician network and for a confidential discussion. an accredited Cancer Center committed to improving the health status of the community. Hospice Acquisition Services, LLC PO Box 2303 Allen, TX 75013-2303 If interested in being considered for this www.hospiceacquisitions.com opportunity, please apply online.

1731 King Street, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22314 703/837-1500 www.nhpco.org

Vice President, Strategic Communications...... Jon Radulovic Advertising Inquiries...... Communications Team, 703/837-3143 Membership Inquiries...... Solutions Center, 800/646-6460

Past issues of NewsLine are posted online: www.nhpco.org/newsline.

Copyright © 2019, NHPCO and its licensors. All rights reserved. NHPCO does not endorse the products and services advertised in this publication.

Affiliates: