Hospice care versus home health care: regulatory distinctions and program intent

A significant percentage of community health care agencies have both a certified hospice and home health program component. These agencies commonly utilize many of the same "cross-trained" staff in both programs. However, these programs are not identical in focus, scope and regulatory practice. This paper examines both certified hospice and certified home health care practice from the standpoint of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The distinctions made in these two sets of regulations (hospice, 42 CFR 418.50-.100 and home health, 42 CFR 484.10-.52) point to important differences in program and management practice.