LeadingAge staff met with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to discuss the implementation of the hospice survey changes authorized by the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The GAO ask includes changes to survey expectations for state and accrediting organization surveyors, a new hospice Special Focus Program, and general information on barriers to hospices serving Medicare beneficiaries.

LeadingAge shared several member stories of the new survey experience and expressed ongoing concerns with inadequate survey staffing. We reiterated support for the HOSPICE Act and its provisions, but also noted the implementation is critical for success as excessive regulations and oversight can lead hospices to close or consolidate, hurting general access to services.

LeadingAge asked to stay in touch with GAO as they move forward and more information becomes available on the implementation of the Special Focus Program.