State proposes changes in hospice operations

State officials are discussing changes in hospice care that they hope will make it more available to Nevadans.

The state Health Division opened discussions Monday in Las Vegas on allowing hospice organizations that don't have free-standing buildings to operate from hospital wings and nursing homes. The division will have similar discussions in Reno at the Washoe County Health District on Thursday.

Currently only three hospices in Southern Nevada don't have free-standing buildings. Family Home Hospice Inc., New Hope Hospice of Nevada Inc. and Hospice of Integrated Health Services provide care in only people's homes.

Peter Barcus, president of the Hospice Association of Nevada, thinks the change, which was brought about by the passage of Senate Bill 382, will encourage more people who need hospice care to seek help.

"The latest census in Las Vegas shows that there are about 400 people receiving hospice care," Barcus said. "Based on our population, national figures show that we should have about 800 people in either their homes (receiving care) or in a facility."

Lynn Rosenbach, administrator of Family Home Hospice Inc., said sometimes people requiring hospice care need to be moved to a hospital or nursing facility to stabilize their conditions. While nursing staffs can take care of their medical needs, she said emotional and spiritual needs also must be addressed by someone trained in hospice treatments.

A public hearing on how hospices should operate from buildings other than their own is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 8 at the Grant Sawyer State Office Building, 555 E. Washington Ave. A final proposal will be presented then.

archive