Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts

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Preconference Tuesday October 25th, 2022

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
Preconference October 25th, 2022		10/25/2022	10/25/2022	9:00 AM	4:00 PM	10/25/2022 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Preconference October 25^th, 2022 Regulatory Deep Dive Judi Lund Person, MPH, CHC, Vice President, Regulatory and Compliance, National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, Alexandria, VA. 2022 has brought many changes and challenges for hospice and palliative care providers. The hospice enforcement remedies took effect on October 1. How will they work and what do we know about implementation? What about the hospice special focus program? Will it be proposed in the FY 2024 hospice wage index proposed rule? What other issues should keep us awake at night - TPE, other auditors, hospice fraud and abuse. Where are we with quality reporting? What are the key issues that CMS is focused on? What about spending outside the benefit? Is this the year where we will see the beginnings of a palliative care benefit? Will we see growth in the number of patients with serious illness so that they get the care they need and deserve? This session will have up to the minute content, data points and some crystal ball gazing with predictions for the future. MORE TO COME

Leadership Track- Tuesday October 26th, 2022

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
Leadership Track		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	9:00 AM	4:00 PM	10/26/2022 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Providing High Quality Hospice Care During Turbulent Times - How Present Challenges and Regulatory Compliance Strengthens Teams Carrie Cooley, RN, MSN, Principal, Weatherbee Resources The hospice industry is facing a myriad of unprecedented challenges including, but not limited to staffing insufficiencies, regulatory and payment changes, increasing payment-related scrutiny, new quality initiatives, publicly reported data, and staff burnout; while the primary focus remains the delivery of high-quality patient care. Hospices teams are charged with addressing each new challenge in real time with limited guidance and fewer resources than ever. Despite the tough times, these challenges can be used as pillars to create and support a more resilient and compliant hospice organization. This course will lay out specific strategies to empower hospice leaders to build internal processes and infrastructure that will allow their organization to survive – and THRIVE – for many years to come. Leadership Roundtable Carrie Cooley, RN, MSN, Principal, Weatherbee Resources and Deborah Dolaway, HPCFM Board President; Sr. Director of Palliative and Hospice Services, Cranberry Hospice & Palliative Care and Fragile Footprints Pediatric Palliative Care, Plymouth In this invitation only session, Ms. Cooley and Ms. Dolaway will facilitate a timely discussion among state hospice executives of HPCFM member organizations to explore and examine the issues facing hospice and palliative care today in an ever-changing health care environment while navigating the current phase of the public health emergency. Building on the keynote presentation, Ms. Cooley will provide an overview of the myriad of unprecedented challenges leaders are facing and highlight specific strategies that will empower leaders to build internal processes and infrastructure moving out of the public health emergency and beyond. Lunch HPCFM Annual Meeting of the Membership/Business Meeting/Audit Report/Voting Board of Directors/State of the State LGBTQ-Inclusive Care: What Leaders Need to Know Kimberly D. Acquaviva, PhD, MSW, CSE, FNAP, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA In this session, HPCFM member executives, administrators, and other leaders will learn how to transform their organizations to be LGBTQ-inclusive - and why doing so is essential to their success from a strategic perspective. Participants will leave the session with actionable strategies they can use to make positive changes at their organizations.

Session 1- Day One Wednesday October 26th, 2022

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
1A Leadership Roundtable		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/26/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Carrie Cooley, RN, MSN and Deborah Dolaway, HPCFM Board President In this invitation only session, Ms. Cooley and Ms. Dolaway will facilitate a timely discussion among state hospice executives of HPCFM member organizations to explore and examine the issues facing hospice and palliative care today in an ever-changing health care environment while navigating the current phase of the public health emergency. Building on the keynote presentation, Ms. Cooley will provide an overview of the myriad of unprecedented challenges leaders are facing and highlight specific strategies that will empower leaders to build internal processes and infrastructure moving out of the public health emergency and beyond.
1B Health Equity in Hospice Care: Strategies for Quality Improvement		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/26/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Mariana Sarango Cancel, BA, MPH, PhD, Abt Associates and Zinnia Ng Harrison, Abt Associates, 1B Health Equity in Hospice Care: Strategies for Quality Improvement Mariana Sarango Cancel, BA, MPH, PhD, Abt Associates, Boston and Zinnia Ng Harrison, Abt Associates, Catonsville, MD Health inequities persist in hospice settings, both in access to and quality of care. Ms. Sarango Cancel and Ms. Harrison will present guidance for assessing health equity in your hospice. The speakers will also describe hospice-reported challenges, strategies and solutions related to improving health equity to in hospice organizations.
1C Shifting Clinical Practice: Foundations of Deprescribing		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/26/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Shannon Dickson, Hospice Care in the Berkshires, Pittsfield 1C Shifting Clinical Practice: Foundations of Deprescribing Shannon Dickson, CHPN, RN, BAS, MBS/Healthcare Administration, DNP, FNP, Hospice Care in the Berkshires, Pittsfield Polypharmacy, the simultaneous use of multiple drugs to treat a single condition, may yield many adverse outcomes. For patients near end-of-life, medication risks may outweigh the benefit, placing a burden on patients and families. Ms. Dickson describe various deprescribing tools to enhance impact to patients and enhance clinical practice. The speaker will also identify standardization processes and the importance of education of designed for nurses around the integration of these processes into clinical practice.
1D Burials at Sea: A Greener and Affordable Alternative		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/26/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Brad D. White, USCG Master Licensed Captain 1D Burials at Sea: A greener and Affordable Alternative Brad D. White, USCG Master Licensed Captain, BS in Management, American Boat School, FBI Citizens Academy, New England Burials at Sea, Marshfield Hills Full-body burials at sea are considerably less expensive than a traditional funeral and are environmentally friendly. Captain White will list and describe best practices and the legal requirements to perform scatterings of human cremated remains as well as the proper disposition for full body burials at sea. The speaker will also highlight the necessary requirements for licensing, insurance and required documentation for specific government agencies for burials at sea.
1E Hospice and the MassHealth Benefit		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/26/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Abigail Newton, BA, MPA, MassHealth, Boston and April Miranda, BFA, MassHealth, Boston 1E Hospice and the MassHealth Benefit Abigail Newton, BA, MPA, MassHealth, Boston and April Miranda, BFA, MassHealth, Boston Understanding the myriad of MassHealth plans and components can be daunting. Ms. Newton and Ms. Miranda of the MassHealth Office of Long-Term Services and Support will present a high-level overview of MassHealth Benefit Plans and Managed Care Entities and their intersection with the MassHealth Hospice Benefit. The presenters will list the MassHealth Benefit types that include the Hospice Benefit, list the MassHealth Managed Care Entities that include the Hospice Benefit and describe the differences in the administration of the Hospice Benefit across MassHealth.
1F The Story of Dying is Lacking the Voice and Perspective of the Nurse. The Good News - Nurses Are The Solution		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/26/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Nicole DePace & Rebecca Souza 1F The Story of Dying is Lacking the Voice and Perspective of the Nurse. The Good News - Nurses Are The Solution. Nicole DePace, APRN, GNP-BV, ACHPN, BSN, MS, PhD Student, NVNA and Hospice, Norwell and Rebecca Souza, ANP, ACHPN, MSN, DNP, The Lancet's Executive Summary on The Report of the Lancet Commission on the Value of Death: Bringing Death Back Into Life (2022) concluded that “nurses, especially Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), are the backbone of most community-based palliative care programs and are effective leaders in clinical practice, program development, and administration.” Yet, the voices of nurses, their ideas, wisdom and innovation often go unheard and unseen. Ms. DePace and Ms. Souza will identify the key aspects of sustainable nurse-led models and describe the how tos for APRNs to extend reach and equitable access to palliative care. In addition, the speakers will highlight the valuable contributions of APRNs to healthcare teams, organizations and communities.

Session 2: Day One Wednesday October 26th, 2022

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
2A HPCFM Annual Business Meeting		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/26/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM 2A HPCFM Annual Business Meeting HPCFM Board Members, Leadership of each level of membership Hospice, Associate (Platinum & Gold) and Individual Members, current and in good standing. This session is part of the leadership track and will include business meeting, financial report and board elections. This session is not eligible for continuing education credit. HPCFM voting members receive an invitation to the session.
2B Promoting Hospice Excellence Through the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP)		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/26/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Brenda Karkos and Thomas J. Christian 2B Promoting Hospice Excellence Through the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) Brenda Karkos, RN, BSN, MSN/MBA, Abt Associates, Cambridge and Thomas J. Christian, Abt Associates, Cambridge Compliance with the HQRP requirements promotes the delivery of quality hospice care to patients and their caregivers and at the same time provides hospice providers an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to quality through quality measure (QM) results on Care Compare. Ms. Karkos and Mr. Christian describe the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP), Quality Measure (QM) development, the current HQRP measures, and defining success. The presenters will discuss the new claims-based measures, their construction, some of the identified trends, and a preview of future measure development. Hospice leaders, quality professionals, and clinical staff will use this information to meet the HQRP standards and identify potential improvements through Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs.
2C Topical Management for Pain and Bleeding in Hospice Related Wounds		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/26/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Laura Berry, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC-ACHPN, CWON, Care Dimensions, Danvers 2C Topical Management for Pain and Bleeding in Hospice Related Wounds Laura Berry, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC-ACHPN, CWON, Care Dimensions, Danvers Topical management of and pain and bleeding in hospice related wounds is an important aspect of patient-centered-care. Ms. Berry will describe the types of wounds that are appropriate for topical pain management. The presenter will also list and identify topical agents, medical supplies and prescription options, for management of bleeding wounds and pain management, including short and long-acting.
2D Dementia and Hospice: When Are Patients Living with Dementia Eligible for Hospice Care?		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/26/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Lisa Wasson, RN, CHPN, CMDCP, HopeHealth, Providence, RI 2D Dementia and Hospice: When Are Patients Living with Dementia Eligible for Hospice Care? Lisa Wasson, RN, CHPN, CMDCP, HopeHealth, Providence, RI Determining when patients with dementia are eligible for hospice is an important skill for all hospice clinical staff. Ms. Wasson will present and describe qualifying criteria that will aid in determining hospice eligibility for persons living with dementia. The presenter will also highlight comorbidities which may increase likelihood of hospice eligibility.
2E Death Rattle: Intervene or Let it Be		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/26/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Edward W. Martin, FAAHPM, FACP, BA, MD, MPH, HopeHealth, Providence, RI 2E Death Rattle: Intervene or Let it Be Edward W. Martin, FAAHPM, FACP, BA, MD, MPH, HopeHealth, Providence, RI Death rattle is commonly experienced by patients at the end-of-life. Severity can vary and there is often disagreement over how distressing death rattle may be to patients. There is also controversy relating to whether the symptom is being manage for the benefit of the patient or for family members. Dr. Martin will identify the risk factors for the development of death rattle as well as medications and non- pharmacologic approaches that can be used to manage death rattle near end-of-life.
2F A Consumer Advocacy Perspective on Contemporary Funeral and Body Disposition Options		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/26/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Heather Massey, Natural Deathcare Collaborative, and Jasmine Tanguay, A Sustainable Legacy 2F A Consumer Advocacy Perspective on Contemporary Funeral and Body Disposition Options Heather Massey, LMT, BSW, MSW, Natural Deathcare Collaborative, West Falmouth and Jasmine Tanguay, Certified Life Tribute Professional, BA, MA, A Sustainable Legacy, Stoughton Funeral and body disposition options are often confusing for patients and families. With a non- commercial approach, Ms. Massey and Tanguay will highlight key points including the perspective of the law, consumers' rights when working with funeral providers and alternative and virtual commemoration as meaningful rituals. The presenter will also list and explain the evolution of body disposition choices, including burial at sea, water cremation and donation for medical research, with a special emphasis on natural, simple and affordable disposition options.

Session 3: Day One Wednesday October 26th, 2022

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
3A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning + Inclusive Care: What Leaders Need to Know		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/26/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Kimberly D. Acquaviva, PhD, MSW, CSE, FNAP, University of Virginia School of 3A Kim Aquaviva Kimberly D. Acquaviva, PhD, MSW, CSE, FNAP, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA Treating everyone the same isn’t the same as providing LGBTQ-inclusive hospice and palliative care. When barriers get in the way of care that is patient-centered and has meaning and value to those needing it, no one wins. Access to high-quality, end-of-life care and palliative care for LGBTQ+ patients and families is imperative. Ms.Aquaviva will describe the barriers to and facilitators of high-quality palliative and end-of-life care encountered by one lesbian couple. The presenter will also highlight what hospice and palliative care professionals can do to increase access for LGBTQ+ patients and families moving forward.
3B Hospice Levels of Care and Lengths of Stay		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/26/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Shelly Dailey, National Government Services, Liverpool, NY 3B Hospice Levels of Care and Lengths of Stay Shelly Dailey, PhD(c), MSN, BSN, RN, CPHM, PhD(c), LPN, Associate Degree in Medical Administration (AOS), National Government Services, Liverpool, NY
3C Promoting Primary Palliative Nursing in Massachusetts Baccalaureate Nursing Programs		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/26/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Connie Dahlin, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN, AB, MSN 3C Promoting Primary Palliative Nursing in Massachusetts Baccalaureate Nursing Programs Connie Dahlin, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN, AB, MSN, Adult Primary Care, Salem Hospital/CAPC, Beverly and Susan Lysaght Hurley, Care Dimensions, Danvers Ensuring nurses have the education to care for individuals with serious illness is essential to quality health care. The results of a survey of undergraduate schools and colleges of nursing provides the foundation for a state strategy that will ensure quality, primary palliative education for undergraduate nursing students who will care for individuals with serious illness. Ms. Dahlin and Ms. Lysaght Hurley will present current national guidelines, scope, standards, and competencies that delineate primary and specialty palliative care. The presenters will also describe the strengths and challenges in facilitation of consistent primary palliative nursing education within schools and colleges of nursing.
3D Innovative Volunteer Programs: Thinking Outside of The Box		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/26/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Deanna Upchurch & Robin Blanchette 3D Innovative Volunteer Programs: Thinking Outside of The Box Deanna Upchurch, BA, MA, Comprehensive Bereavement Skills Training Center for Loss and Transition, HopeHealth, Providence, RI and Robin Blanchette, HopeHealth, Providence, RI Volunteer support is an integral part of any hospice team and is most effective when meeting the various needs of patients and families while simultaneously engaging volunteers in areas they feel are well aligned with their skill sets and levels of interest. Ms. Upchurch and Ms. Blanchette will discuss the achievement of this balance through one hospice organization's unique approach to implementing a variety of new programs that serve hospice patients, as well as their caregivers and family members, while cultivating a strong volunteer network of motivated helpers.
3E The Perils of Probate: Why Avoiding Probate is More Important Now Than Ever!		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/26/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Andrea Witt, and Christine Hurley, Spano & Dawicki, LLC, Saugus 3E The Perils of Probate: Why Avoiding Probate is More Important Now Than Ever! Andrea Witt, BA, JD, Spano & Dawicki, LLC, Saugus and Christine Hurley, BA, JD, Spano & Dawicki, LLC, Saugus For decades, patients and families have been contacting attorneys with the goal to avoid probate. This goal has never been more meaningful and important than today. The backlog of cases from the COVID- 19 pandemic has left courts overburdened with a backlog of cases and understaffed. This leads to significant delays, increased fees, and families who are left waiting many months to access assets, pay bills, sell real estate, and get the distribution of their deceased loved one’s assets. Ms. Witt and Hurley will present strategies to avoid this mess entirely. The presenters will differentiate between probate and non- probate assets; highlight post-death costs with trusts and estates (including deadline-driven tax filings) and finally will provide tips for organizing assets of even the most modest estate.
3F Hospice Audits		10/26/2022	10/26/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/26/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Susan Strauss, RN, BA, BS, MHS, Old Colony Hospice, West Bridgewater 3F Hospice Audits Susan Strauss, RN, BA, BS, MHS, Old Colony Hospice, West Bridgewater Governmental hospice audits are on the rise nationwide. It is no longer if an organization will get audited, but when an organization will be audited. Ms. Strauss will discuss governmental interest in hospice, describe the types of audits facing hospices and the steps to take in preparation for an audit, what auditors are looking for and what they focus on.

Session 4: Day Two Thursday October 27th, 2022

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
4A VA Enrollment and Available Services		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/27/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Mary Ellen Riordan and David Casey
4B Details to Come		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/27/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
4C A Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Approach to Suffering in Working with Veterans at End-of-Life		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/27/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Kristen Dillon and Jason Telles, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford 4C A Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Approach to Suffering in Working with Veterans at End-of-Life Kristen Dillon, ABPP, BA, PsyD, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford and Jason Telles, AGPCN-BC, ACHPN, BA, MSN, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford As a result of service, veterans near end-of-life may benefit from specialized care. Dillon and Telles will describe the possible effects of service which may impact mental health and lead to suffering as end-of- life approaches. The presenters will identify the service experiences and the treatment approaches to ease or alleviate suffering as veterans approach end-of-life.
4D Conflict Resolution: Strategic Methods for Addressing Dissatisfaction		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/27/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Sarah Creed, RN, BSN, Good Shepherd Community Care, Newton 4D Conflict Resolution: Strategic Methods for Addressing Dissatisfaction Sarah Creed, RN, BSN, Good Shepherd Community Care, Newton An in depth look into addressing patient and caregiver complaints while continuing to improve the patient/caregiver experience, as well as the clinician’s experience presents a host of challenges. Ms. Creed will discuss communication methods to improve patient and caregiver satisfaction and plan of care review processes to enhance patient and caregiver understanding of hospice care. The presenter will also highlight strategic approaches for patients and caregivers who are dissatisfied with the care at all phases of the hospice experience, including, but not limited to, bereavement.
4E Clinical Considerations and Caregivers’ Perspectives of Pediatric Bereavement		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/27/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Bryanna Tobin, MHA, MT-BC, BM in Music Therapy, Good Shepherd Community Care, Newton 4E Clinical Considerations and Caregivers’ Perspectives of Pediatric Bereavement Bryanna Tobin, MHA, MT-BC, BM in Music Therapy, Good Shepherd Community Care, Newton There is a difference between adult and pediatric bereavement. Ms. Tobin will share insight into the clinical implications and considerations surrounding pediatric bereavement service delivery including methods of programming for bereavement and legacy work. The presenter will identify perspectives from clinicians, bereaved families, and current research.
4F NGS Medicare Updates		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	10:30 AM	11:45 AM	10/27/2022 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Shelly Dailey, PhD(c), MSN, BSN, RN, CPHM, PhD(c), LPN, 4F NGS Medicare Updates Shelly Dailey, PhD(c), MSN, BSN, RN, CPHM, PhD(c), LPN, Associate Degree in Medical Administration (AOS) National Government Services, Liverpool, NY This session has been designed to provide a greater understanding of Medicare coverage and hospice election. Ms. Dailey will identify the requirements for certification, recertification and the face-to-face encounter and offer examples of measurable objective documentation and also summarize the Targeted Probe & Educate (TPE) Medical Review process and deliver top hospice claims denial information and how to avoid these denials. The presenter will also provide significant CMS and NGS references and resources, as well as a 1:1 question and answer period.

Session 5: Day Two Thursday October 27th, 2022

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
5A Hospice Advocacy at the Local Level: Vital to the Success of Hospice		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/27/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Elaine O'Reilly, Government Strategies 5A Hospice Advocacy at the Local Level: Vital to the Success of Hospice Details Coming Soon!
5B Health Care Proxies: How They Operate, How They Help You Maintain Control, and Recent Court Decisions		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/27/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Andrea Witt, BA, JD, Spano & Dawicki, LLC and Christine Hurley, BA, JD, Spano & Dawicki, LLC 5B Health Care Proxies: How They Operate, How They Help You Maintain Control, and Recent Court Decisions Andrea Witt, BA, JD, Spano & Dawicki, LLC, Saugus and Christine Hurley, BA, JD, Spano & Dawicki, LLC, Saugus It is well understood that a Health Care Proxy is a document where one names a trusted person to make medical decisions when one is unable. Yet, many aspects of a health care proxy are unknown to the general population. Ms. Witt will provide a clear definition of a health care proxy and how it operates using recent court decisions for context. The presenter will also identify and describe how to invoke and revoke a health care proxy. Attendees will understand how and when a health care proxy is invoke (or revoked).
5C If Compliance is a Book, the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) are One Chapter: Here is the Rest of the Story		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/27/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Pam Saucier, RN, BSN, MBA, Guardrails LLC, Dade City, FL 5C If Compliance is a Book, the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) are One Chapter: Here is the Rest of the Story Pam Saucier, RN, BSN, MBA, Guardrails LLC, Dade City, FL Hospice leaders look to the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) to aid in compliance. The CoPs are on chapter in running a compliant hospice program. Ms. Saucier will identify and list a variety of tasks in other areas that are essential and will decrease compliance risks. Human Resources, HIPPA, the Privacy and Security Rule and licensure are among the highlights of this compliance story.
5D Caregiver Confidence: The Impact of Education on Caregiver Outcomes		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/27/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Deanna Upchurch and John Corvese 5D Caregiver Confidence: The Impact of Education on Caregiver Outcomes Deanna Upchurch, Ba, MA, Comprehensive Bereavement Training Center for Loss and Transition, HopeHealth, Providence, RI and John Corvese, Hospice Volunteer, HopeHealth, Providence, RI Educating the community can cultivate a network of confident caregivers who become knowledgeable advocates for those they are caring for. Ms. Upchurch will highlight multiple benefits of education regarding illness, progression, and caregiving strategies. The presenter will describe the difference between outcomes for those with education versus those without education and give an example of a model for community education.
5E The Role of Child Life Specialists in Pediatric Hospice		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/27/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Stephanie Kilday, CCLS, DS, BS, MS, HopeHealth, Attleboro 5E The Role of Child Life Specialists in Pediatric Hospice Stephanie Kilday, CCLS, DS, BS, MS, HopeHealth, Attleboro Child Life Specialists have specialized training and education to help children cope with the stress and uncertainty of end-of-life through developmentally appropriate education to answer questions and reduce anxiety, therapeutic play activities to provide a sense of normalcy, and memory- making art projects for the purposes of building a child's legacy. During this session, participants will understand the benefit of child life services in pediatric hospice at end-of-life. They will also learn how the role of the child life specialist transitions during end-of-life: from palliative care services, to hospice, and eventually to bereavement services for the family. The presentation level is proficient/intermediate. Child Life Specialists are trained to help children cope with the stress and uncertainty of end-of-life through developmentally appropriate education, to answer questions and reduce anxiety, using therapeutic play activities that provide a sense of normalcy, and memory-making art projects for the purposes of building a child's legacy. Ms. Kilday, will explain the role and value of a Child Life Specialist as a member of a hospice or palliative care team and list and describe when to make a referral.
5F Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Useful Psychospiritual and Bereavement Interventions in a COVID Reality		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	1:00 PM	2:15 PM	10/27/2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presenter: Andrew Tripp, BA, MDiv, PhD and Mary Ann Thibeault- Vandette, BA, MDiv 5F Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Useful Psychospiritual and Bereavement Interventions in a COVID Reality Andrew Tripp, BA, MDiv, PhD, VNACare Hospice and Palliative Care, Needham and Mary Ann Thibeault- Vandette, BA, MDiv, VNACare Hospice and Palliative Care, Woburn Many tools for psychospiritual and bereavement care came from one’s capacity to be present. The use of necessary masks, hides facial expressions. New infection control policies and procedures limit therapeutic touch. Psychosocial and spiritual care team members need to rely on other interventions to help reduce anxiety, grief, and spiritual distress. Mr. Tripp will describe mindfulness-based techniques and expressive art interventions. The presenter will share tools for the clinical toolbox that will help people connect, process feelings, and experience growth and healing.

Session 6: Day Two Thursday October 27th, 2022

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
6A Building Back Vibrant Volunteer Programs		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/27/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Sheryl Meehan, CVA, Business-Northeastern, Care Dimensions, Danvers 6A Building Back Vibrant Volunteer Programs Sheryl Meehan, CVA, Business-Northeastern, Care Dimensions, Danvers Volunteer services are essential to hospice care. As hospices strive to bring back and/or rebuild vibrant volunteer programs, Ms. Sheehan will identify and describe tools to re-build Volunteer Programs in consistent, innovative and high-quality ways. The presenter will also highlight best practices for developing and implementing long-range goals.
6B Risk Acceptance and Self-Determination for Home Hospice Patients		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/27/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Erin Colgan-Snyder, LICSW, BSW, MSW, Care Dimensions, Waltham 6B Risk Acceptance and Self-Determination for Home Hospice Patients Erin Colgan-Snyder, LICSW, BSW, MSW, Care Dimensions, Waltham Balancing perceived safety risks that patients are willing to accept may present unique challenges when providing care to hospice patients in the home setting. Ms. Colgan-Synder will describe techniques for managing organizational concern for patient safety with patient goals and rights to self-determination. The speaker will also discuss the assessment of safety risk, patient acceptance of risk and steps to minimize risks and meet patient goals.
6C Hospice in an Assisted Living Residence: Collaboration is Key		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/27/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Susan Strauss and Laurie Cashman 6C Hospice in an Assisted Living Residence: Collaboration is Key Susan Strauss, MHA, BA, BS, RN, Old Colony Hospice & Palliative Care, West Bridgewater and Laurie Cashman, Massachusetts Assisted Living Association, Waltham Hospice care is provided wherever patients reside, including Assisted Living Residences. Ms. Strauss and Ms. Cashman will describe successful collaboration between hospice providers and assisted living residences. The presenters will highlight the benefits of collaboration, focused on patient/resident-centered care, goals of care, roles and responsibilities and respect for patient/resident choice.
6D Walking the Last Step with Families: Effective Conversations about Funeral Care		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/27/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Pamela J. Reidy, BA, MA, Seminary and Ordination, Miles Funeral Home, Holden 6D Walking the Last Step with Families: Effective Conversations about Funeral Care Pamela J. Reidy, BA, MA, Seminary and Ordination, Miles Funeral Home, Holden Receiving accurate information, in a compassionate setting, by a trusted health care professional helps families take the next steps when a loved one dies. Ms. Reidy will identify effective decision-making strategies, consider the importance of ritual and describe approaches to locate resources for disposition of the body, funeral services, rituals, celebrations of life, burial and bereavement.
6E Having The Talk about Sex with People Who Are Close to Death		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/27/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Stephanie C. Chando, PhD, MEd, MSW, LCSW 6E Having The Talk about Sex with People Who Are Close to Death Stephanie C. Chando, PhD, MEd, MSW, LCSW, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA In the absence of comprehensive sexuality education, adults approaching end-of-life may want to ask questions about sexuality-related issues. Talking about sex with adults is important and can be a professional challenge. Working through one’s discomfort may help hospice team members begin the talk. Ms. Chando will present valuable tools that will allow team members to listen for verbal and nonverbal responses in talking with residents about sex. Ms. Chando will provide tips to use when faced with challenging situations.
6F The Correlation between Hospice Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Reports (PEPPER) and Payment-Related Scrutiny: Strategies to Mit		10/27/2022	10/27/2022	2:30 PM	3:45 PM	10/27/2022 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Presenter: Carrie Cooley, RN, MSN, Principal, Weatherbee Resources The Correlation between Hospice Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Reports (PEPPER) and Payment-Related Scrutiny: Strategies to Mitigate Risk of Problematic PEPPER Data Carrie Cooley, RN, MSN, Principal, Weatherbee Resources This session offers a detailed examination of the direct correlation between a hospice organization’s Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER) and payment-related scrutiny. Carrie will discuss the current environment of data-driven payment-related scrutiny in hospice and the most common reasons for an audit to be initiated by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) contractors including a Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) audit, Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC) audit, Supplemental Medical Review Contractor (SMRC), and other post-payment audits currently being conducted by other CMS contractors. Lastly, this session includes recommendations for mitigating PEPPER-driven payment-related scrutiny including examination of a hospice’s Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) program, implementation of a compliance program, and conducting pre-billing audits to identify and remediate payment-related risk.

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