The Hospice Clinician Blog

Extensive federal Hospice Conditions of Participation (CoP's) were published in the Federal Register June 5, 2008. These regulations became effective on December 2, 2008. A documented comprehensive assessment of each patient is required which must identify patient needs across the entire spectrum of hospice related care. Part of this assessment entails a review of each patient's drugs both prescription and OTC drugs, including herbal remedies. The review should address at least the following:

1) Effectiveness of drug therapy

2) Drug side effects

3) Actual or potential drug interactions

4) Duplicate drug therapy

5) Drug therapy currently associated with lab monitoring

With regard to the drug regimen review, the hospice is required to ensure that the interdisciplinary group confers with an individual with education and training in drug therapy management . This individual may be an employee of the hospice or under contract with the hospice to ensure that drugs and biologicals meet the patient's individual needs. In most cases this individual would be a clinical pharmacist.

Outcome Resources offers a service to provide Comprehensive Medication Reviews. Our team of PharmD's can provide these for all patients, just complex patients, or as needed if the qualified person the hospice employs is unavailable. Turnaround time is 24-48 hours, well within the 5 day timeframe established by the CoP's. If you are interested in learning more about the services we can offer to your hospice, Contact Us for more information.

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