The CARES Act outlined telehealth provisions that are allowed during a public health crisis. When a national emergency happens, several, major federal laws are passed to provide assistance to struggling businesses. In 2020, new hospice laws were passed to help hospice organizations in Texas.
New hospice services
The CARES Act, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, was an economic stimulus bill passed in 2020. This law allows hospices to perform recertification services and face-to-face visits using telehealth technology. These provisions were passed to extend the periods of medical emergencies that were prevalent during this year. The use of telehealth services for patients and their providers surged in popularity by mid-year.
That year, additional bills and laws were introduced to assist hospice organizations as they struggled with surging numbers of clients. One bill was designed to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to change Medicare requirements during the public health crisis.
Legal protections
Hospice law protects sick and dying patients, prevents employees from committing fraud and protects medical facilities from fraud. The laws also determine how long patients can stay in hospice, the type of care they receive and the expenses they pay. Employees are given access to advanced personal protective equipment and training to ensure that they’re performing the best jobs possible.
Hospice laws are always subject to change to reflect social and economic changes in society. The new laws provide short-term or long-term assistance to hospice organizations that may have high rates of deaths or enrollments. In addition, they have to provide high-quality, round-the-clock care and face the risks of medical malpractice.