(3) any current clinically relevant information supporting all diagnoses.
If a patient elects to receive hospice care Medicare will not cover (a) treatment intended to cure the patient’s terminal illness and//or related conditions; (b) prescription drugs to cure the illness; and (c) room and board.
Patients or their representatives always have the right to revoke the election of hospice care at any time during the election period. To do so, the patient must draft a signed statement revoking their election and date when the revocation is effective. If the patient revokes their election they are not barred from seeking future hospice care if they are eligible.
Patients have the right to be informed of his or her rights, and the hospice must protect and promote the exercise of these rights. Patients have the right to:
- receive effective pain management and symptom control from the hospice for conditions related to terminal illness;
- involvement in her hospice plan of care;
- refuse care or treatment;
- choose their attending physician;
- confidential clinical record;
- be free from neglect, mistreatment, or any type of abuse;
- receive information about the services covered under the hospice benefit; and
- receive information about the scope of services that the hospice will provide and specific limitations on those services.
Hospice is a challenging and emotional time in your life if you are the patient or a family member. Be proactive and create an Advance Directive Plan that describes the care you want to receive and your wishes about continuing or withdrawing medical treatments during the final stages in your life. This is essential in the event that you become incapacitated and unable to speak. It will allow your family to spend those final precious days without the need to make difficult decisions on your behalf.
Jamaal R. Jones, Esq. is the Founding Partner of Jones Health Law, P.A. a law firm dedicated to providing legal services to Healthcare Professionals.
Understanding Hospice Care & Your Loved One’s Legal Rights was originally published on blackdoctor.org
