Good Afternoon,
I am reaching out for guidance and assistance in gathering information on the regulatory rules and requirements regarding hospice patients in facilities ,and the role and responsibility of the hospice medical directors.
It is my understanding that when a hospice patient resides in a facility, hospice remains responsible for the 'medical direction and management of the patient. However, are there any specific limitations within the scope of the hospice physician.
1) Are hospice medical directors allowed to prescribe medications for facility hospice patients, in the absence of the attending? And if so, is there a licensure issue - do they have to be credentialed at that particular facility? (The hospice director is already signing the CTI and signing the POC.)
2) What are the regulatory limitations or restrictions, if any, on the hospice medical director managing the care and medication for these in-facility patients?
3) Is there a different requirement for a hospice medical director that is contracted with the hospice agency, as opposed to one that is directly employed by the hospice agency?
I am looking for the documented regulations that can be referenced, if available. Any guidance in this regard would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Kamara Barnes
VHSNJ at Home, LLC
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