{"id":355817,"date":"2018-06-26T12:39:41","date_gmt":"2018-06-26T17:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/hospice-care-regulations-and-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-09-06T10:41:31","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T15:41:31","slug":"hospice-care-regulations-and-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/hospice-care-regulations-and-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Hospice Care Regulations and Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hospice Care Regulations and Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Although advancements in medical care have boosted life expectancies, death is inevitable. While many of us have no idea when our end will come, some terminally ill patients have an idea when they will die. Many choose hospice care to provide comfort in their last days. Hospice care eases their transition from life to death by addressing their needs. These needs include emotional, social, and spiritual.<\/p>\r\n

Hospice care is often provided in a hospice facility or at the patient’s home. Care may address the emotional needs of the patient’s family and caregivers.<\/p>\r\n

This article focuses on patient rights and federal hospice care laws and regulations.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding Hospice Care<\/h2>\r\n

Hospice care is one of two types of patient care available to those with serious or terminal illnesses. Palliative care is also available to patients who suffer from serious or terminal illnesses and works to provide quality-of-life care. Both types of care focus on the needs of patients facing serious illnesses.<\/p>\r\n

One significant difference is that hospice care is for patients who need end-of-life care. Palliative care is for patients at any stage of a serious illness. Hospice focuses on patients with six months or less to live, as documented in the patient’s medical record. In contrast, palliative care is often provided along with curative treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Palliative care<\/h3>\r\n

Many people think palliative care<\/a> is synonymous with hospice care, but they are not the same. Palliative care differs from hospice care. Those with serious illnesses such as cancer or HIV\/AIDS can receive palliative care. Non-terminal patients can get this level of care at any stage of their serious illness. Palliative care focuses on the patient’s quality of life.<\/p>\r\n

During palliative care, patients can develop a plan of care or advance directives with the help of their team. A palliative team may include the following:<\/p>\r\n