HHAeXchange Expands in Manhattan

by | Jul 24, 2025 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:                                 Hollie Barnridge
Alloy, on behalf of HHAeXchange
855-300-8209
hhaexchange@alloycrew.com

HHAeXchange Unveils New Corporate Headquarters in New York City

New location reaffirms the company’s commitment to its employees and customers with expanded office space to support enhanced collaboration, creativity, and innovation

NEW YORK, June 3, 2025 – HHAeXchange, a leader in homecare management solutions for providers, caregivers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and state Medicaid programs, today announced the opening of its new corporate headquarters in New York City. 

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the reimagined workspace is a reflection of the company’s recent growth and its commitment to delivering advanced solutions for the home and community based services (HCBS) industry. The new space also marks an important step in uniting teams from HHAeXchange’s recent acquisitions of Sandata, Cashé Software, and Generations Homecare System. Efforts to foster stronger collaboration across functions will accelerate the delivery of a more connected, efficient experience for customers nationwide. 

“We are always striving to better meet the needs of our customers, and bringing our employees together at our new headquarters will support greater collaboration that drives product innovation. New York has been our home base since 2008, and we’re proud to grow the HHAeXchange footprint locally while creating a welcoming work environment for our network of employees, customers, and partners from across the nation.”

Paul Joiner

CEO, HHAeXchange

For more than 15 years, HHAeXchange has been at the forefront of homecare technology, innovating software solutions that empower personal care providers, self-direction program administrators, MCOs, and state Medicaid agencies to achieve operational efficiency, increased compliance, and improved member outcomes. The new central office space reflects HHAeXchange’s focus on supporting its teams and customers, helping to advance care delivery for all members.

HHAeXchange

In addition to the office’s collaborative workspace, HHAeXchange’s new headquarters features state-of-the-art employee training rooms and flexible meeting spaces designed to foster engagement with customers, prospective clients, and partners.

In His Own Words

We sat down with Paul Joiner, CEO of HHAeXchange, to talk about the new office space, how its impacting the company culture, and what’s next for the company. See our accompanying article here.

About HHAeXchange

Founded in 2008, HHAeXchange is the leading technology platform for homecare and self-direction program management. Developed specifically for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS), HHAeXchange connects state agencies, managed care organizations, providers, and caregivers through its intuitive web-based platform, enabling unparalleled communication, transparency, efficiency, and compliance. In 2024, HHAeXchange expanded through the strategic acquisitions of Sandata, Cashé Software, and Generations Homecare System, strengthening its commitment to advancing the industry. For more information, visit hhaexchange.com or follow the company on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

“Planning for In-Home Care”

by | Jul 24, 2025 | Advocacy, Home Health, Hospice, Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:                                                                       Elyssa Katz
571-281-0220
communications@allianceforcareathome.org

The Alliance’s CaringInfo Program Launches New “Planning for In-Home Care” Section

Rebrands to Align with Expansion to Serve Full Home-Based Care Continuum

ALEXANDRIA, VA and WASHINGTON, DC – CaringInfo.org, a program of the National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance), is expanding its resources with a new website section – “Planning for In-Home Care” – as well as a brand refresh to align with its growing audience. CaringInfo provides free resources to educate and empower patients and caregivers to make informed decisions about home, serious illness, and end-of-life care and services.

CaringInfo

While CaringInfo began with a focus on serious illness and end-of-life care and support, the program’s content is expanding to provide information and resources on the full spectrum of home-based care services. As a first step in this expansion, CaringInfo has launched “Planning for In-Home Care,” a new section on the website focused on the various types of care available at home.

The National Alliance for Care at Home CaringInfo

Planning for In-Home Care

The new section covers essential topics including when in-home care is needed, preparing for in-home caregivers, who provides in-home care services, how to find a caregiver, and how to pay for in-home care. 

“CaringInfo is a valuable resource used widely among hospice, palliative, and advance care planning experts and professionals as well as patients and families who need help and guidance.”

Dr. Steve Landers

CEO, The National Alliance for Care at Home

Landers, continued, “The launch of ‘Planning for In-Home Care’ marks an exciting step in the continued expansion of CaringInfo to provide resources and guidance on the full continuum of home-based care and to serve as a resource to all providers under the Alliance umbrella. Finding and navigating care at home can be difficult for patients and their loved ones, especially as it is often needed during life’s most vulnerable moments. These free, accessible resources help ensure everyone seeking home-based care can make informed decisions to get the support they need.”

Visual Update

The updated CaringInfo design is intended to remain familiar for return visitors who trust the site as their go-to source for making care decisions, while aligning with the Alliance’s core brand. This visual update indicates CaringInfo’s realignment to serve the full home-based care community, including home health, home care, Medicaid HCBS, palliative care, and hospice providers.

The National Alliance for Care at Home CaringInfo

CaringInfo’s goal is that all people are making informed decisions about their care. In addition to easy-to-understand information about caregiving, advance care planning, and the types of care available to those who need it, CaringInfo also offers a complete library of annotated advance directive forms for all 50 states, plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. The full site is available in both English and Spanish.    

Visit CaringInfo.org, which is free and available to all, to explore the full site as well as the new content.

# # #

About the National Alliance for Care at Home

The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the leading authority in transforming care in the home. As an inclusive thought leader, advocate, educator, and convener, we serve as the unifying voice for providers and recipients of home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and Medicaid home and community-based services throughout all stages of life. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.

©2025 The National Alliance for Care at Home. All rights reserved.

Alora is CHAP Verified

by | Jul 24, 2025 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:           Alora Healthcare Systems
Media@AloraHealth.com
800-954-8250

Alora Healthcare Systems Earns CHAP Verified Status for Home Health, Hospice, and Home Care Software

ATLANTA, July 23, 2025 — Alora Healthcare Systems, a leading provider of cloud-based solutions for post-acute care, announced this week that its full suite of software solutions – Home Health, Hospice, and Home Care, has earned CHAP Verified status from CHAP, Inc. (Community Health Accreditation Partner).

This designation confirms that Alora’s solutions meet CHAP’s highest standards in operational excellence, compliance, and quality improvement. The verification process included a detailed review of Alora’s functionality and alignment with CHAP’s Standards of Excellence. CHAP verified that Alora’s software fully supports compliance and actively enhances care delivery.

Alora Home Health CHAP verified

“The Alora team consistently delivers impressive software across Home Health, Hospice, and Home Care, marked by its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and powerful tools for operations and compliance. Their dedication to listening to customer feedback is evident in continuous enhancements like the OASIS-E analyzer, real-time reporting, and integrated HR and billing platforms, all designed to meet individual care needs and regulatory requirements efficiently.”

Teresa Harbour

COO, CHAP, Inc.

CHAP Verified status highlights Alora’s ability to support agencies in achieving compliance while advancing post-acute care technology. The platform is designed for efficiency, enabling high-quality, patient-centered care amid a changing regulatory landscape.

Sathish John, CEO of Alora, remarked, “This achievement is a direct reflection of our mission to simplify workflows for clinicians, administrators, and caregivers, while focusing on compliance, quality, and feedback.”

Alora’s comprehensive platform includes tools for documentation, billing, scheduling, visit verification, compliance, HR, and more, providing a streamlined experience for both skilled and non-skilled care.

This recognition strengthens Alora’s commitment to empowering home-based care agencies with CHAP Verified solutions that drive excellence and regulatory confidence.

# # #

About Alora

Alora is a leading provider of cloud-based home care software, home health software, and hospice software, for agencies across the U.S. Known for its intuitive interface and award-winning support, Alora delivers robust, integrated tools that empower agencies to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and focus on patient care.

About CHAP

CHAP is the nation’s first accrediting body for home and community-based healthcare organizations. As an independent, nonprofit accrediting body, CHAP advances the highest standards of community-based care.

© 2025 Alora Healthcare Systems

Implementing QHINs Interoperability Part 4

by | Jul 18, 2025 | Admin, Regulatory

by Ben Rosen, Sr. Client Success Manager, Netsmart

Interoperability

What You Need to Know About Interoperability and How it Affects You: Part 4

For over two decades, tech companies and government agencies have been moving toward the goal of interoperability in healthcare technology. At long last, standards and protocols are in place—and continually being improved—to support open data exchange networks. As a result, healthcare providers, including human services, post-acute providers and specialty practices, have more opportunities to participate in alternative payment models and adapt more readily to the evolving payment landscape.

This is part four of a four-part series covering the forces that are driving interoperability, as well as the future vision of open networks, and what it all could mean to your organization. Read Part One Here; Read Part Two Here; Read Part Three Here.

Interoperability in Healthcare

QHIN Implementation, Use Cases, and Benefits

Qualified Health Information Networks (QHIN) can support a range of use cases, including treatment, payment, healthcare operations, public health reporting and patient access to their records. These are referred to as Exchange Purposes (XPs), and all QHINs must facilitate a request for this data. The difference lies with how QHINs facilitate those requests and provide that information to you as a participant. The data uses the same network that all QHINs have built too, but there is value in what your current technology vendor can do with the data.

Complete Information Supports Decision-Making and Compliance

By enabling data exchange, QHINs help ensure providers have access to complete, up-to-date information that has the potential to improve decision-making and reduce redundant tests. The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement™ (TEFCA) network also supports the exchange of more robust types of data than before, offering participants more holistic views of individuals to support a whole-person care approach.

A QHIN can help your organization stay compliant with interoperability mandates designed to align technology with regulatory requirements, such as the 21st Century Cures Act and TEFCA. As the data exchange landscape shifts toward a more regulatory-based landscape with TEFCA at the core, remaining in compliance with certification requirements becomes increasingly important.

Complete Information Interoperability QHIN

Preparing for TEFCA and QHIN Participation

As outlined in Part 3 of this blog series, getting the most out of joining a QHIN starts with assessing your current interoperability capabilities:

  • Identify gaps in your data exchange processes and data needs
  • Collaborate with your EHR vendor to ensure technical readiness and ensure they can accommodate the QHIN data to be used with your EHR
  • Explore QHIN options and compare their offerings for your current EHR features and functionality
  • Understand and create a plan for your organization to use or increase the use of FHIR-based integrations

Once you’ve determined which QHIN will work best for your organization, you can begin nailing down specifics and start planning implementation.

Costs, Implementation and Onboarding

Costs vary by QHIN vendor and may include membership fees, transaction fees and additional charges for optional services.

Onboarding typically includes:

  • Technical integration into your EHR
  • Staff training
  • Testing and validation of data exchange
  • Establishing compliance with TEFCA requirements/signing agreements to participate

Joining the TEFCA network is built into some existing integration processes and capabilities. There are legal agreements specific to TEFCA to sign, but all technical implementations are much easier to facilitate as an already existing EHR client, assimilating into already existing workflows.

Security and Privacy

QHINs are required to meet strict security and privacy standards under TEFCA, including compliance with HIPAA and other relevant regulations. All QHINs are HITRUST-certified and ensure robust security backing for all network transactions and therefore must have incident response and mitigation procedures in place in case of a security incident. It’s important to understand the full enterprise security plan for the QHIN you decide to use and how they protect all of their solutions/programs, not just QHIN.

It’s important to understand the full enterprise security plan for the QHIN you choose and how they protect all their solutions/programs, not just QHIN. Choose a partner with a robust history as an ONC-certified EHR vendor so your data is protected in all facets of exchange. Verify enterprise-wide security procedures and incident response plans.

Regulatory Benefits and Use Cases

By selecting a QHIN and participating in a nationwide interoperability framework, your organization can stay ahead of regulatory changes, improve patient outcomes and reduce the administrative burden of managing multiple data exchange partners. With the changing regulatory landscape, including the HTI-1 and HTI-2 rules, all ONC-certified vendors must abide by those parameters. TEFCA is taking a more central role in helping to prep organizations and users to be compliant with those regulatory standards. For this reason, QHINs with a rich history of ONC certification and who have regulatory staff will have an advantage.

Exchange Purposes

Under TEFCA, QHINs will facilitate the exchange of multiple types of data, referred to as Exchange Purposes (XPs). Initially, there were six core XPs that were revealed for TEFCA:

  • Treatment –To support the provision, coordination or management of healthcare among providers
  • Payment–For activities related to billing, claims and reimbursement under HIPAA
  • Healthcare Operations–For administrative, quality improvement and other operational functions
  • Public Health–To support public health authorities in disease surveillance, reporting and response
  • Government Benefits Determination – To help determine eligibility for government programs, such as Medicaid
  • Individual Access Services – To empower individuals to access their own health data securely and conveniently

These XPs have now been expanded to include subtypes that can be read about here, via the RCE approved resource and SOP. As mentioned previously, all QHINs will be required to support the exchange of these XP’s, and all participants of QHINs will be required to respond to Treatment and Individual Access Services. An important deciding factor when choosing a QHIN is to understand the workflows to receive this information into your EHR, as well as the capabilities to persist and action the information.

# # #

Interoperability Ben Rosen Netsmart
Interoperability Ben Rosen Netsmart

Ben Rosen is a senior client success manager and business unit owner for the interoperability solution suite at Netsmart. With more than a decade of healthcare experience, Ben has led numerous initiatives to integrate healthcare systems and enhance data sharing across the care continuum. His dedication to advancing healthcare interoperability drives his active involvement in industry initiatives and standards organizations, where he provides insight for frameworks such as HL7 FHIR, USCDI and others. Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

©2025 by The Rowan Report, Peoria, AZ. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in the Netsmart blog and is reprinted here with permission. For more information or to request permission to print, please contact Netsmart.

Bill to Strengthen Hospice

by | Jul 18, 2025 | Admin, Hospice, Regulatory

From the office of Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA)

Carter, Bera introduce Bill to Strengthen Palliative and Hospice Care Workforce

Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) today introduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), bipartisan legislation to invest in training, education, and research for the palliative care and hospice workforce, allowing more practitioners to enter these in-demand fields. 

Palliative and hospice care focus on providing comfort and quality of life improvements for those seriously ill, extending quality of life and reducing the length of hospital stays for many patients.

Earl L. "Buddy" Carter

“Caring for someone living with serious illness or at the end of their life is one of the most compassionate, selfless things one can do, and we must ensure that these heroes have the assistance, training, education, and tools available to provide the highest quality care possible. As a pharmacist, I understand the toll burnout takes on the health care industry, and I am committed to bolstering the workforce so nurses, doctors, and all health care workers can continue to pursue their passion for helping others.”

Earl L. "Buddy" Carter

(R-GA), U.S. House of Representatives

Ami Bera, M.D.

“As a doctor, I know how important it is to provide patients with comfort, clarity, and support when they’re facing serious illness,” said Rep. Bera. “The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act is a smart, bipartisan step to ensure more health care professionals are trained to deliver this kind of care. By expanding training programs and strengthening our health care workforce, we will make sure that patients and families have access to the care they need to manage pain, make informed decisions, and live with dignity.”

Workforce Shortage

In 2001, just 7% of U.S. hospitals with more than 50 beds had a palliative care program, compared with 72% in 2019. Those working in the field, 40% of whom are 56 years of age or older, report high rates of burnout, in response to the increasing number of patients requiring treatment. 

Reps. Carter and Bera’s bill, which has a Senate companion led by Senators Baldwin and Capito, alleviates these strains through workforce training, education and awareness, and enhanced research.

Widespread Support

“As we face a critical shortage of health professionals with expert knowledge and skills in palliative care, AAHPM applauds Representatives Carter and Bera for their leadership in introducing the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act to ensure all patients facing serious illness or at the end of life can receive high-quality care. We urge Congress to recognize the importance of a well-trained, interprofessional healthcare team to providing coordinated, person-centered serious illness care and to act now to build a healthcare workforce more closely aligned with America’s evolving healthcare needs. Advancing PCHETA will go a long way towards improving quality of care and quality of life for our nation’s sickest and most vulnerable patients, along with their families and caregivers.”

Kristina Newport, MD FAAHPM, HMDC

Chief Medical Officer, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine

“Palliative care treats the whole person, not just the disease. Ensuring health care providers can be trained in this specialized, coordinated form of care and providing funding for robust public education through the Palliative Care Education and Training Act can help increase access to palliative care for cancer patients and make their cancer journey less difficult. We commend Reps. Carter and Bera for their leadership and steadfast commitment to palliative care and to improving quality of life for patients, including those impacted by cancer.”

Lisa A. Lacasse

President, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

“Every person living with serious illness or facing the end of life deserves compassionate, expert care that honors their choices and helps them live comfortably on their own terms. The Alliance celebrates Representatives Carter and Bera’s leadership in introducing the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, which will ensure families have access to the trained professionals they need during life’s most difficult moments. As our population ages, this critical investment in education and training will help us meet the growing demand for quality palliative and hospice care

Dr. Steve Landers

CEO, National Alliance for Care at Home

Supporting Organizations

Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Physician Associates, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American College of Surgeons, American Geriatrics Society, American Heart Association, American Psychological Association, American Psychosocial Oncology Society, The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Association for Clinical Oncology, Association of Oncology Social Work, Association of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Nurses, Association of Professional Chaplains, The California State University Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care, Cambia Health Solutions, Cancer Support Community, CaringKind, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Center to Advance Palliative Care, Children’s National Health System, Coalition for Compassionate Care of California, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Courageous Parents Network, The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health, GO2 for Lung Cancer, The HAP Foundation, HealthCare Chaplaincy Network, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, LEAD Coalition, LeadingAge, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Motion Picture & Television Fund, National Alliance for Care at Home, National Alliance for Caregiving, National Brain Tumor Society, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Marrow Donor Program, National Palliative Care Research Center, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National POLST Paradigm, Oncology Nursing Society, Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition, PAs in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Second Wind Dreams, Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network, Society of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacists, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Supportive Care Matters, Susan G. Komen, Trinity Health, West Health Institute, The Alliance for the Advancement of End-of-Life Care, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, Alzheimer’s Orange County, Arizona Association for Home Care, Arizona Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina, California Association for Health Services at Home, The Center for Optimal Aging at Marymount University, Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition, Delaware Association for Home & Community Care, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association, Georgia Association for Home Health Agencies, Georgia Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Granite State Home Health & Hospice Association (NH), Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Home Care Association of Florida, Home Care Association of NYS, Home Care Association of Washington, Home Care and Hospice Association of Colorado, Homecare and Hospice Association of Utah, Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa, Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York, Hospice Care and Kentucky Home Care Association, Hospice Council of West Virginia, Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts, Idaho Health Care Association, Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Indiana Association for Home, Kokua Mau, LeadingAge California, LeadingAge Georgia, LeadingAge New Jersey/Delaware, LeadingAge Ohio, LifeCircle-South Dakota’s Hospice and Palliative Care Network, Louisiana Mississippi Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association, Michigan HomeCare and Hospice Association, Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care, Missouri Alliance for Home Care, Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Association, Nebraska Association for Home Healthcare and Hospice, Nebraska Home Care Association, Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice, Ohio Health Care Association, Oklahoma Association for Home Care and Hospice, South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association, The Oregon Hospice & Palliative Care Association, Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice, Texas ~ New Mexico Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Virginia Association for Home Care and Hospice, VNAs of Vermont, The Washington State Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and West Virginia Council for Home Care and Hospice.

Read full bill text here.

# # #

Earl L. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter is an experienced businessman, health care professional and faithful public servant. For over 32 years Buddy owned Carter’s Pharmacy, Inc. where South Georgians trusted him with their most valuable assets: their health, lives and families. While running his business, he learned how to balance a budget and create jobs. He also saw firsthand the devastating impacts of government overregulation which drives his commitment to ensuring that the federal government creates policies to empower business instead of increasing burdens on America’s job creators.

A committed public servant, Buddy previously served as the Mayor of Pooler, Georgia and in the Georgia General Assembly where he used his business experience to make government more efficient and responsive to the people. Buddy is serving his fifth term in the United States House of Representatives and is a member of the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee and the House Budget Committee. As a pharmacist serving in Congress, Buddy is dedicated to working towards a health care system that provides more choices, less costs and better services.

A lifelong resident of the First District, Buddy was born and raised in Port Wentworth, Georgia and is a proud graduate of Young Harris College and the University of Georgia where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Buddy married his college sweetheart, Amy. Buddy and Amy have three sons, three daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren.

Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA)Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. has represented Sacramento County in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013. The 6th Congressional District is located just east and north of California’s capitol city, Sacramento, and lies entirely within

Sacramento County.

During Congressman Bera’s twenty-year medical career, he worked to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of healthcare. After graduating from medical school in 1991, he did his residency in internal medicine at California Pacific Medical Center, eventually becoming chief resident. He went on to practice medicine in the Sacramento area, serving in various leadership roles for MedClinic Medical Group. Chief among his contributions was improving the clinical efficiency of the practice. He then served as medical director of care management for Mercy Healthcare, where he developed and implemented a comprehensive care management strategy for the seven-hospital system.

In Congress, Bera uses the skills he learned as a doctor to listen to the people of Sacramento County and put people ahead of politics to move our country forward. His priority is to work alongside people in both parties to address our nation’s most pressing challenges and make government work. Bera believes Congress should be a place for service, not for politicians who only look out to protect their own careers, pay, and perks.

Hospice Hope

by | Jul 10, 2025 | Admin, CMS, Hospice, Outcomes, Regulatory

by Peggy Rattarree, Principle Product Manager, Curantis Solutions

Hospice HOPE

The importance of documenting symptom impact for patient-centered care

In hospice care, the focus isn’t just on treating symptoms; it’s on improving the quality of life for patients and their families. This is where Hospice HOPE takes center stage, emphasizing the importance of documenting symptom impact to deliver truly patient-centered care. By understanding how symptoms affect each patient’s physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being, hospice teams can provide care that aligns with their unique needs and goals.

What is hospice HOPE?

Hospice HOPE stands for Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation. It’s a philosophy that places the patient’s comfort, dignity, and goals at the forefront of care delivery. Documenting symptom impact is a critical part of this approach because it provides a detailed understanding of how symptoms affect the patient’s overall quality of life.

In hospice care, every patient’s journey is unique. By actively tracking and documenting symptom impact, care providers can move beyond generic treatments and embrace a truly individualized approach that prioritizes what matters most to the patient.

Why documenting symptom impact matters?

Moves us to patient-centered care

Documenting symptom impact allows hospice teams to focus on what truly matters to the patient. Instead of simply addressing symptoms like pain, nausea, or fatigue in isolation, it provides a holistic view of how these symptoms affect the patient’s daily life. For example:

  • Pain
    • How does it limit mobility or the ability to participate in meaningful activities?
  • Fatigue
    • Is it preventing patients from spending time with loved ones?
  • Nausea
    • Is it reducing their ability to eat or enjoy meals?
Curantis Solutions Hospice HOPE

By asking these questions and recording the answers, hospice providers can better tailor interventions to manage not just symptom management but the overall patient experience.

Improves communication across the care team

In hospice care, communication is everything. Documenting symptom impact ensures that every member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), from nurses and physicians to social workers and chaplains, has access to the same comprehensive information.

This documentation:

  • Creates a shared understanding of the patient’s condition
  • Helps align the team’s goals with the patient’s priorities
  • Reduces duplication of efforts and enhances care coordination

When everyone is on the same page, patients and families receive more seamless, cohesive care.

Hospice HOPE Communication

Supports compliance and quality standards

Regulatory bodies like CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) require hospices to document and monitor patient symptoms to ensure care quality. But beyond compliance, tracking symptom impact demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.

Documenting symptom impact allows hospices to:

  • Identify trends and gaps in care
  • Measure the effectiveness of interventions
  • Use data to advocate for better resources or innovations in care delivery

Empowers families and caregivers

When symptom impact is documented, families and caregivers gain a clearer understanding of their loved one’s condition. This transparency fosters trust and collaboration between the hospice team and the family, ensuring everyone is working toward the same goals.

For example, a caregiver might better understand why a loved one sleeps more during the day or avoids certain foods. These insights can help families feel more prepared and supported during a challenging time.

Final Thoughts

With CMS rolling out Hospice HOPE, documenting symptom impact is no longer optional. It’s the standard for compassionate, high-quality care. This shift helps hospice organizations go beyond symptom control and into whole-person care that honors each patient’s life journey.

This is part one in a two-part series on Hospice HOPE. Check back next week for part two.

# # #

Peggy Rattarree Curantis Solutions Hospice HOPE
Peggy Rattarree Curantis Solutions Hospice HOPE

Peggy is an IT professional with over 30 years’ experience. She has defined and developed software products in industries such as grocery management, financial services, and reporting and analytics. In her 2.5 years with Curantis, Peggy has helped to shape the definition and delivery of the application. She brings a passion for agility and has been integral in transitioning Curantis to an environment of delivery on cadence, release on demand.

Peggy has a Bachelor of Music degree from University of North Texas.

©2025 by The Rowan Report, Peoria, AZ. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in the Curantis Solutions blog and is reprinted here with permission. For more information or to request permission to print, please contact Curantis Solutions.

Alliance Statement on House Passage of Reconciliation Bill

by | Jul 3, 2025 | Advocacy, Breaking News, Partner News, Regulatory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:                                                       Elyssa Katz
571-281-0220
communications@allianceforcareathome.org

Medicaid Provisions Threaten Home and Community-Based Services for Millions of Vulnerable Americans

Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC, July 3, 2025. The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) issued the following statement today in response to the House’s passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” also known as the Reconciliation bill, which now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

“The Alliance is deeply troubled by the Medicaid provisions within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which has passed both chambers of Congress and now awaits President Trump’s signature,” said Alliance CEO Dr. Steve Landers. “These provisions—including work requirements, reduced provider taxes, and new cost-sharing mandates—prioritize short-sighted budget savings over the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable citizens who rely on home and community-based services (HCBS).”

Dr. Steve Landers

CEO, The National Alliance for Care at Home

The Alliance Advocates for Care at Home

The home care community advocated throughout the legislative process for Congress to mitigate these harmful Medicaid provisions. The legislation will reduce state provider tax rates, cutting funding that states rely on to support HCBS programs. New work requirements and mandatory cost-sharing will also create administrative burdens for both providers and beneficiaries, likely resulting in coverage losses that extend beyond those directly targeted by these policies. Further, new limits on home equity for long-term care recipients will force older adults to sell their homes, leading to unnecessary institutionalization.

Continued Advocacy

“As these Medicaid provisions become law, the Alliance will work tirelessly to monitor their implementation and advocate for the protection of Medicaid enrollees, families, and providers nationwide,” said Dr. Landers. “We will continue to champion the delivery of HCBS – proven services that are preferred by beneficiaries and save the system money.”

Careful Consideration Needed

Landers CEO The Alliance Reconciliation Bill

The Alliance calls on federal and state officials to implement these new requirements with careful consideration of their impact on vulnerable populations and to work collaboratively with providers to minimize disruption to essential services.

# # #

About the National Alliance for Care at Home

The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the leading authority in transforming care in the home. As an inclusive thought leader, advocate, educator, and convener, we serve as the unifying voice for providers and recipients of home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and Medicaid home and community-based services throughout all stages of life. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.

© 2025 The National Alliance for Care at Home. This press release originally appeared on The Alliance website and is reprinted here with permission. For additional information or to request permission to print, please see the contact information above.

Follow our continuous updates on the bill passage, what it means for Medicare and Medicaid, and how the provisions of the bill will be rolled out in our accompanying article here.

HIPAA Compliance Voice Activation

by | Jun 27, 2025 | Admin, Artificial Intelligence, Regulatory

by Curantis Solutions

HIPAA Compliance for Voice Activated Technology

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance is critical in the healthcare field, particularly regarding any technology that handles patient information, including HIPAA-compliant voice technology. Understanding the implications of HIPAA is essential for ensuring that innovations in healthcare technology do not compromise patient data privacy regulations.

Patient Privacy Protection

HIPAA enforces strict privacy protections for all patient data, including voice recordings and summaries. Voice recognition technology in healthcare must ensure that data is only accessible to authorized personnel. Any voice-activated system must adhere to HIPAA security measures for handling Protected Health Information (PHI).

Data Security Requirements

Voice-activated systems must implement safeguards to protect patient information from unauthorized access and breaches. This includes both physical and electronic security measures, such as:

Voice Activation HIPAA
  • Encryption
    • Data should be encrypted both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Access Controls
    • Systems must restrict access to only those who need to know, using multi-factor authentication and role-based permissions.
  • Audit Trails
    • Voice-activated technologies should log all access activity, tracking who accessed data, when, and what specific information was retrieved.

HIPAA Training Requirements for Voice-Activated Systems

HIPAA emphasizes the need for staff training and awareness regarding handling PHI in voice-recognition software. Training programs should cover:

  • Best Practices
    • Staff should be instructed on correct voice command usage to minimize accidental PHI disclosures in public or unsecured environments.
  • Identifying PHI
    • Employees should learn to recognize and protect sensitive patient data when interacting with voice-activated systems.

Data Minimization Principles

Under HIPAA, organizations should limit data collection to only what is necessary for specific tasks. This includes:

  • Minimal Data Handling
    • Only essential PHI should be processed and stored.
  • Anonymization Processes
    • Voice-activated systems should anonymize data when full patient identification is unnecessary, reducing security risks.

Incident Response Protocol

In the event of a data breach involving voice-activated patient summaries, organizations must follow HIPAA-compliant response steps:

  • Incident Reporting
    • Immediate breach investigation and reporting per HIPAA timelines.
  • Notification Requirements
    • Patients must be notified if their PHI has been compromised, along with steps taken to mitigate risks.

Summary

HIPAA compliance directly impacts how voice-activated patient summaries are implemented in healthcare. Ensuring compliance requires:

  • Robust data security measures
  • Thorough staff training
  • Strict vendor agreements
  • Comprehensive privacy protections

By aligning voice-activated patient summaries with HIPAA regulations, healthcare organizations can enhance patient care, safeguard sensitive information, and build trust with patients and families.

# # #

About Curantis Solutions

Curantis Solutions was founded on a desire to put hospice and palliative care first. We are dedicated to radically transforming standard electronic health records into a refreshingly simple and intuitive experience so that providers can keep their focus where it matters most – on the patients and families they serve. 

With a genuine culture of caring, we have assembled a team of highly talented individuals who are passion-driven and feel connected to their role in supporting the bigger mission of enabling high-quality end-of-life care. From forward-thinking technologists to hospice and palliative care experts, and every role in between, our team works with great integrity, accountability and responsiveness to bridge the latest technology with smart design to keep patient care at the center of what we do.

©2025 This article was originally published by Curantis Solutions and is reprinted with permission. For additional information or to request permission, contact Curantis Solutions.

Evaluating QHINs Interoperability 3

by | Jun 27, 2025 | Admin, Clinical, Regulatory

by Ben Rosen, Sr. Client Success Manager, Netsmart

Interoperability

What you need to know and how it affects you Part 3

For over two decades, tech companies and government agencies have been moving toward the goal of interoperability in healthcare technology. At long last, standards and protocols are in place—and continually being improved—to support open data exchange networks. As a result, healthcare providers, including human services, post-acute providers and specialty practices, have more opportunities to participate in alternative payment models and adapt more readily to the evolving payment landscape.

This is part three of a four-part series covering the forces that are driving interoperability, as well as the future vision of open networks, and what it all could mean to your organization. Read Part One Here; Read Part Two Here.

Interoperability in Healthcare

Evaluating QHINs for your Organization

As outlined in Part Two of this series, all Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) must apply and be accepted according to the baseline requirements outlined by the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). While the rigorous testing and project tasks for each QHIN are the same, they may differ in services offered, geographic focus, technical capabilities, pricing and specific target markets. This blog will explore similarities and differences between QHINs, to provide insights that will arm organizations with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about selecting a QHIN.

How to choose the right QHIN for your organization

As with any major business decision, consider what your organization is currently doing for data exchange and connectivity and how these factors are likely to change in the next 18 to 24 months:

  • The services you provide today and with whom you exchange data.
  • The communities you serve.

Prospective QHINs should have experience in serving the technology needs of the communities you serve and exhibit an understanding of how your service lines could impact the types of data transactions you use. If your strategic plan calls for expanding your services or community footprint – either organically or through partnerships with other providers – you’ll need to consider how your current needs will evolve and how that will affect your QHIN criteria.

QHIN candidates should have experience working with your electronic health record (EHR) vendor and be able to manage a smooth integration with your existing technology. Compatibility with your

EHR will help simplify implementation and further establish the network as a good fit for your organization. Integration capabilities of the QHIN should lend well to your current EHR build, such as being able to integrate the QHIN data directly to your EHR workflows.

Consider technical requirements

Each QHIN will have to build to and abide by the same standards for exchange via TEFCA. These requirements are outlined in the Common Agreement and the QHIN Technical Framework documents. Differentiation among QHINs will come from doing an analysis of your organization’s data exchange requirements and then determining how well they match up with the technical infrastructure and capabilities of the QHINs.

If your service lines require special consent practices or you do business in a state with strict data laws, it is paramount that your QHIN be technically capable of handling your most complicated information sharing needs from day one. Network 

Technology

size and geographic coverage should also factor into your decision as well as the QHIN business itself. QHINs today fall into categories such as developer platforms, data exchanges, and EHRs.

Questions to ask your QHIN short list candidates

Use the previously mentioned factors to focus on your top candidates, then it’s time to start asking about specifics:

  • Cost structure and pricing

    • QHINs may charge a per-transaction fee for their connectivity services. The specific services they can charge for are outlined by TEFCA, but the amount they can charge is not. Be sure to ask about ongoing costs and transaction fees so you can accurately project costs.

  • Additional services, such as analytics or public health reporting

    • All QHINs can provide you with connectivity for data exchange. But you should also explore each QHIN’s ability to provide reporting, analytics and other value-added services that will help you relate that data to your organizational goals.

  • Customer support and ease of onboarding

    • Ask about the onboarding process, how long it typically takes and the level of support you can expect from start to finish.

  • Plans to implement FHIR

    • QHINs will all be held to the same FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standards for exchange via TEFCA. When evaluating FHIR capabilities for QHINs, it’s important to understand what the QHIN’s strategy is around subscription services and bulk data access. This also ties into the consideration that even though a QHIN may support FHIR standards, you need to evaluate how well those pieces of information are actually integrated so you receive the information in a usable form.

  • Ongoing compliance with TEFCA and security standards

    • Technology companies must meet strict standards to become a QHIN. But you should also inquire about further monitoring and safety measures that guard against breeches of security and other concerns.

  • Total transactions and how different kinds of transactions are managed

    • Ask vendors for metrics around total transactions facilitated on their network and how they manage the different exchange types that are available via TEFCA. You also should find out ratio of errors to successes they have with their current network participants.

Final Thoughts

Due diligence is always essential whenever you choose technology. Scrutinizing all the factors outlined above for QHINs is particularly important because of the potential they will have for enhancing data sharing throughout your organization. In the final part of this blog series, we will explore actual QHIN use cases and the benefits they may offer.

Coming soon in Interoperability Part 4:QHIN implementation, use cases, and benefits.

# # #

Interoperability Ben Rosen Netsmart
Interoperability Ben Rosen Netsmart

Ben Rosen is a senior client success manager and business unit owner for the interoperability solution suite at Netsmart. With more than a decade of healthcare experience, Ben has led numerous initiatives to integrate healthcare systems and enhance data sharing across the care continuum. His dedication to advancing healthcare interoperability drives his active involvement in industry initiatives and standards organizations, where he provides insight for frameworks such as HL7 FHIR, USCDI and others. Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

©2025 by The Rowan Report, Peoria, AZ. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in the Netsmart blog and is reprinted here with permission. For more information or to request permission to print, please contact Netsmart.

PocketRN SYNERGY HomeCare Partner

by | Jun 20, 2025 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:                                       Melissa Drake
Imagine Productions
Melissa@imagineprstrategy.com
(732) 236-1569

William Leiner
PocketRN
will.leiner@pocketrn.com

PocketRN, SYNERGY HomeCare Partner for Dementia Care

This partnership will operate under CMS’s Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model

Tempe, AZ, June 16, 2025. PocketRN, a provider of virtual nursing care, and SYNERGY HomeCare, a homecare company, announced they will form a national partnership to test the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their family caregivers. 

SYNERGY HomeCare Speaks

“This is an exciting collaboration that amplifies and elevates the services both PocketRN and SYNERGY HomeCare bring to their clients,” said Rich Paul, chief operating officer for SYNERGY HomeCare. “As the fastest growing homecare franchise in a relatively young industry, we have a tremendous opportunity to positively impact a large number of people affected by dementia. SYNERGY HomeCare has a long history of aligning with a wide array of national partners, health plans and third-party payers to create a highly diversified referral base and extend services to a greater pool of clients. Our partnership with PocketRN is another excellent example of our ability to survey the evolving homecare landscape and find meaningful ways to deliver even more value through strategic partnerships.”

GUIDE Model

Under CMS’s Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, PocketRN will be one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country, working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their family caregivers. This partnership allows for integration of medical and non-medical care in the home.

PocketRN SYNERGY HomeCare Partnership

According to the CMS, many people with dementia do not consistently receive high-quality, coordinated care, despite its prevalence. As a result, they experience poor outcomes, including high rates of hospitalization, emergency department visits and post-acute care utilization. They also experience high rates of depression, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and poor management of other co-occurring conditions.

New Approach

The GUIDE Model, which launched July 2024, is testing a new payment approach for supportive services for people living with dementia, including comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or help line; and certain respite services to support family caregivers. People living with dementia and their family caregivers will have the assistance and support of a care navigator to help them access clinical and non-clinical services such as meals and transportation through community-based organizations.  

“This is an exciting collaboration that amplifies and elevates the services both PocketRN and SYNERGY HomeCare bring to their clients. Our partnership with PocketRN is [an] excellent example of our ability to survey the evolving homecare landscape and find meaningful ways to deliver even more value through strategic partnerships.”

Rich Paul

COO, SYNERGY HomeCare

Partners

SYNERGY HomeCare’s partnership with PocketRN is rooted in the fact that a significant portion of its client base has a dementia diagnosis. The company’s locations nationwide provide in-home memory care support for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as respite care for their family caregivers.

PocketRN Speaks

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with SYNERGY HomeCare to bring our revolutionary Nurse for Life model to the millions of dementia patients and families who need it most,” said PocketRN CEO Jenna Morgenstern-Gaines. “With PocketRN, patients and families get unwavering support from a dedicated, trusted nurse as they navigate the complexities of managing dementia at NO cost to them. Nurses are a critical part of the care continuum across all health fields and even more so as they provide a cohesive ‘glue’ for patients and their families throughout their dementia journey.”

Access to Care by Referral

PocketRN’s partnership with SYNERGY HomeCare to deliver the GUIDE Model will help people living with dementia and their family caregivers have access to education and support, such as training programs on best practices for caring for a loved one living with dementia. The GUIDE Model also provides respite services for certain people, enabling family caregivers to take temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. 

Under this partnership, PocketRN will refer families in need of respite care to local SYNERGY HomeCare agencies. Respite is being tested under the GUIDE Model to assess its effect on helping caregivers continue to care for their loved ones at home, preventing or delaying the need for facility care. Similarly, SYNERGY HomeCare can refer their clients to PocketRN in the event they would benefit from 24/7 access to virtual clinical support.

For more information on CMS’ GUIDE Model, visit: cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide. 

# # #

About SYNERGY HomeCare

SYNERGY HomeCare is the fastest-growing national franchisor in the home care industry with over 240 franchises operating in more than 550 territories across the U.S. The company provides a broad range of non-medical in-home services including personal care, companion care, memory care and specialized care for individuals who are living with physical or developmental disabilities, chronic health conditions or recovering from illness or surgery. No matter what each person’s circumstances are, SYNERGY HomeCare steps in with effective, comforting, life-affirming care that moves people emotionally and physically forward. For more information visit SYNERGYHomeCare.com or find an in-home care location near you.

About PocketRN

PocketRN gives patients, families, and caregivers a Nurse for Life. Its mission is to close the gap between home and healthcare by: enabling nurses to care proactively and continuously at the top of their license, enabling caregivers with peace of mind and the confidence to support others, and enabling patients to access whole-person, trusted, empathetic care when and where they want it. PocketRN is the glue that holds together fragmented experiences in care so that partners, clinicians, patients, and families get back more of what they need: quality time. For more information, visit www.pocketrn.com or engage with PocketRN on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

©2025. This press release was issued jointly by PocketRN and SYNERGY HomeCare and is reprinted with permission. For more information or to request permission to use, please see media contacts above.