Navigating Hospice Care: Understanding Discharges and Challenges

Introduction to Hospice Care

Hospice care is a specialized form of medical and emotional support designed for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. It provides comfort and support to those in their final stages of life, while helping to ease the burden on their loved ones. Hospice care ensures that patients are as comfortable as possible during this challenging time. However, one question that often arises is: can someone be kicked out of hospice care?

Common Reasons for Hospice Discharge

Hospice care can be terminated if a patient no longer meets the eligibility criteria or behaves in a manner that jeopardizes their own or the staff's safety. Here are some of the reasons why a patient might be discharged from hospice care:

1. Failing to Meet Eligibility Criteria

Patients who no longer meet the criteria for hospice care, such as showing a decline in their condition, can be discharged. Hospice services are intended for those who are at the end of life, and if a patient is no longer in this stage, they should no longer receive hospice care.

2. Non-Compliance with Rules and Regulations

Hospice patients must adhere to certain rules and regulations. For instance, some patients are not allowed to smoke while using oxygen, as this can be dangerous. Other patients may be discharged if they fail to have a caregiver or if they engage in other behaviors that could put the safety of themselves or others at risk.

3. Abusive Behavior and Violations of Trust

In some cases, patients may be discharged if they display violent or abusive behavior towards staff. Additionally, if a patient is selling their prescriptions, which is inappropriate and potentially illegal, they may also be removed from hospice care. These actions can have serious consequences, such as legal troubles and being blacklisted from certain pharmacies.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The decision to discharge a patient from hospice care is not taken lightly. Hospices must follow strict legal and ethical guidelines. For example, if a patient sells their prescription drugs, the pharmacy is required to report the behavior to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This can lead to significant legal and personal consequences for the patient, including being blacklisted from all local pharmacies.

Case Study: Drug Abuse and Misuse

A notable instance involves a family that was entrusted with someone's hospice care. The family misused the medications, leading to the patient being sent home. However, the pharmacy reported their actions to the DEA, resulting in the family being blacklisted from all local pharmacies. Not only does this affect the family, but it can also impact the ability of other patients to receive quality care in the future.

Conclusion

While hospice care is a vital support system for terminally ill patients and their families, it is not an indefinite service. Various circumstances can lead to a discharge from hospice care, such as failing to meet eligibility criteria, non-compliance with rules, abusive behavior, or misuse of medications. It is important for patients and their families to understand these potential reasons and the consequences involved, to ensure that everyone involved in the care process is treated with dignity and respect.