The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) outlining changes to hospice agency licensure requirements, oversight, and enforcement. The letter extends the moratorium on new hospice licensure until emergency regulations are adopted, or until March 29, 2024, at the latest. It also requires hospice agency license applicants to demonstrate unmet need for hospice services in their proposed service area and specifies mandatory management personnel. The AFL prohibits approval of a change of ownership (CHOW) within five years of the initial license issuance, with exceptions for extenuating circumstances. Additionally, it establishes a complaint process for licensed hospice agencies and expands grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation. Lastly, the letter requires the department to conduct validation surveys on 5% of hospice agencies that attained licensure via accreditation in the previous year.

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