The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) 21-48, effective January 1, 2022, outlining new regulations for hospice patient recruiting and referral. Under Assembly Bill (AB) 1280, hospices are prohibited from paying referral sources for patient referrals, and hospice salespersons or employees receiving compensation for referrals cannot provide consultation on hospice services or informed consent. The election of hospice care must be completed by a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, medical social worker, chaplain, or counselor employed by the hospice. Additionally, hospices must provide patients or their representatives with verbal and written notice of their rights and responsibilities during the initial visit before furnishing care. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalties for the hospice facility.

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