Virginia Law

A. No person shall establish or operate a hospice program or a hospice facility, as defined in § 32.1-162.1 of the Code of Virginia, without having obtained a license.

B. The hospice program must comply with:

1. This chapter (12VAC5-391);

2. Other applicable federal, state or local laws and regulations; and

3. The hospice program's own policies and procedures.

When applicable regulations are similar, the more stringent regulation shall take precedence.

C. The hospice program shall submit or make available reports and information necessary to establish compliance with this chapter and applicable law.

D. The hospice program shall permit representatives from the OLC to conduct inspections to:

1. Verify application information;

2. Determine compliance with this chapter;

3. Review necessary records and documents; and

4. Investigate complaints.

E. The hospice program shall notify the OLC 30 working days in advance of changes effecting the hospice program, including the:

1. Location of the administrative office or mailing address of the hospice program;

2. Ownership or operator;

3. Services provided;

4. Administrator;

5. Hospice program name;

6. Establishment or relocation of a hospice facility; and

7. Closure of the hospice program.

F. The current license from the department shall be posted for public inspection.

G. Service providers or individuals under contract must comply with the hospice program's policies and this chapter, as appropriate.

H. The hospice program shall not use any advertising that contains untrue, deceptive, or misleading statements or claims or untrue, deceptive, or misleading disclosures of fees and payment for services.

I. The hospice program shall have regular posted business hours and be fully operational during business hours. Patient care services shall be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This does not mean that a hospice program must accept new clients on an emergency basis during nonbusiness hours.

J. The hospice program shall accept a patient only when the hospice program can adequately meet that patient's needs.

K. The hospice program must have an emergency preparedness plan in case of inclement weather, natural disaster, or pandemic disease outbreaks to include contacting and providing essential care to patients, coordinating with community agencies to assist as needed, and maintaining current information on patients who would require specialized assistance.

L. The hospice program shall encourage and facilitate the availability of flu shots for its staff and patients.