LAC 50:XV.3101. Introduction

A. Hospice care is an alternative treatment approach that is based on a recognition that impending death requires a change from curative treatment to palliative care for the terminally ill patient and supporting family. Palliative care focuses on comfort care and the alleviation of physical, emotional and spiritual suffering. Instead of hospitalization, its focus is on maintaining the terminally ill patient at home with minimal disruptions in normal activities and with as much physical and emotional comfort as possible. B. The bureau terminates the pilot project for hospice care and establishes hospice as a covered service under the Medicaid State Plan. C. The bureau will continue to make Medicaid payments under certain circumstances for specified services provided in conjunction with Medicare hospice care for dually eligible individuals who reside in Medicaid reimbursed nursing facilities as provided in 4307 of this Subpart and in accordance with §1905(o)(3) of the Social Security Act.