The state of hospice: Impacts on equity, quality, and nursing—An AAN consensus paper

BACKGROUND: Hospice care has been an integral component of the United States healthcare system for over fifty years. Significant changes have impacted how care for people with serious illnesses is supported and reimbursed. Hospice has transitioned from a volunteer activity supported by philanthropy to a highly sophisticated business funded by Medicare, increasingly offered by for-profit and private equity companies. PURPOSE: This consensus paper examines the current state of hospice care in the US and the impact of changing hospice business models on health equity, healthcare quality, and nursing practice. METHODS: Review of current literature and government policy statements related to hospice care and payment. DISCUSSION: Re--ations include updating policies to account for private equity involvement, evaluating current quality measures, addressing the existing Medicare Hospice Benefit, ensuring transparency and oversight for hospice agencies, and ensuring patient and caregiver education about hospice services. CONCLUSION: These re--ations aim to preserve the fundamental values of hospice, supporting compassion, dignity, and comfort while ensuring the quality of care to patients and families in need.