FL H0539

Extends the deadline for the Department of Elderly Affairs and Agency for Health Care Administration to adopt hospice outcome measures from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2019, and requires adoption of national hospice outcome measures developed under 42 C.F.R. § 418.54.

Makes national hospice outcome measures publicly available in a consumer-friendly format that allows comparison of measures across multiple hospices.

Authorizes hospice physicians, nurses, and social workers to assist in disposing of unused controlled substances prescribed to patients at the time of death, requiring hospices to establish written disposal policies and procedures.

Increases patient record retention requirements from 5 to 6 years after termination of hospice services and expands access to confidential interdisciplinary patient records through multiple authorization methods including patient authorization, legal guardian approval, court orders, and self-proved wills.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.