Mississippi House Bill HB1298

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Hospice care; authorize to be provided to persons who are not terminally ill under certain circumstances.

Impact

The potential impact of HB 1298 on state laws is significant as it shifts the parameters of who can receive hospice services. By allowing non-terminal patients to access hospice care, it may increase the demand for such services, requiring hospice facilities to adapt their offering to meet this new eligibility. This could also involve training for healthcare staff and adjustments to operational protocols to accommodate a broader patient demographic. Importantly, this expansion could lead to enhanced care options for individuals suffering from serious, non-terminal conditions that could benefit from hospice-type services.

Summary

House Bill 1298 amends existing Mississippi law to allow hospice services to be provided to individuals who are not terminally ill but can benefit from palliative and supportive care services. It specifically modifies sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 concerning hospice care eligibility, expanding the scope of care to include those who may not be in the final stages of a terminal illness. This change is contingent upon approval from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, suggesting that federal oversight plays a critical role in the implementation of this bill.

Contention

While proponents of the bill may argue that it enhances access to necessary healthcare services, critics may express concerns about the implications for resource allocation and the possible dilution of hospice care, which has traditionally focused on terminally ill patients. There may be discussions regarding the adequacy of training and resources required to effectively provide quality care to this new patient group. Additionally, stakeholders may raise questions about the long-term implications for state healthcare funding and the sustainability of hospice operations under these new provisions.