CMS Pauses, Reassesses Special Focus Program, List Of Worst Hospice Performers

Hospice providers are celebrating CMS’ decision to cease implementing the Hospice Special Focus Program, which imposed increased oversight that led CMS to compile a list of poor-performing hospice providers that stakeholders say is based on a flawed rating formula, so the agency can evaluate the program further. CMS’ announcement on the SFP webpage follows a lawsuit that hospice providers in four states filed on Jan. 16 demanding the courts to force HHS to take down and abandon efforts to build...