2.  National Hospice & Palliative Organization, 2008 SEC. § 418.58: QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT SUBPART C: PATIENT CARE

3.  National Hospice & Palliative Organization, 2008 § 418.58 Quality assessment and performance improvement (a) Standard: Program scope –Show measurable improvement in indicators for which there is evidence that improvement in those indicators will improve palliative outcomes and end of life support services –Replaces the existing § 418.66, ‘‘Condition of participation-Quality assurance”.

4.  National Hospice & Palliative Organization, 2008 § 418.58 Quality assessment and performance improvement (b) Standard: Program data –Must utilize quality indicator data, including patient care, and other relevant data, in the design of its program –Must use data collected to monitor effectiveness and safety of services and quality of care and identify opportunities and priorities for improvement –Frequency and detail of the data collection must be specified by the hospice’s governing body

5.  National Hospice & Palliative Organization, 2008 § 418.58 Quality assessment and performance improvement (c) Standard: Program activities –The hospice’s performance improvement activities must: Focus on high risk, high volume, problem prone areas Consider evidence, prevalence, and severity of problems in those areas Affect palliative outcomes, patient safety and quality of care