This is a self-paced course with optional knowledge check quizzes after each lesson. These non-graded quizzes allow you to check your understanding of the lesson objectives before proceeding to the next lesson. After the final lesson you will be required to take the final exam. You must score 70% or higher to pass the course and obtain a certificate of completion.

• Define the uniqueness of a holistic approach to the terminally ill patient.
• Describe the philosophy of hospice.
• Outline the history of hospice development.
• Define terminal as it applies to qualification for hospice enrollment.
• Define the eligibility criteria for a hospice patient's enrollment
• Identify the barriers in discussions of death and hospice enrollment
• Define the certification process necessary for hospice enrollment.
• List the team members that are involved in the care and support of a hospice patient and family.
• Describe the role of each core team member
• Describe the role of the additional team members that may be assigned to the hospice patient and/or family.
• Identify the covered services available to the hospice patient and family.
• Identify the differences between Medicare "A" (Hospital) Insurance and the Medicare Hospice Benefit
• Describe how the Federal and State guidelines impact a hospice agency and the delivery of services
• Describe the four levels of hospice care
• Identify the typical payer sources for financial reimbursement of hospice care.

0.8 Contact Hour: based on 60 minute contact hour

The estimated time for completion for this activity is 0.8 hour(s).

Health care professionals and volunteers to: include Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Social Workers, Physicians, Chaplains/Counselors, Home Healthaides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Homemakers, Volunteers, Therapists, and others interested in hospice services and information.

Kathy Richie, BSN, RN, Lores Vlaminck, RN, BSN, MA, Technical Nurse Consultant, Lores Consulting

Materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection. Retention of the materials for longer than the class term, unauthorized further dissemination of the materials, or use of copyrighted materials in any way other than intended for this class is prohibited by Copyright and Teach Act laws.

This course was developed with Rochester Community and Technical College's Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division located in Rochester Minnesota. Development was funded from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.