MI

Regarding CMS-3140-P: As a social work student who has worked as a volunteer long-term care ombudsman, I am writing to support the proposed rule change in CMS-3140-P. I have witnessed good hospice care in nursing homes, but I think any opportunity to strengthen that care is a good idea, especially as the aging population grows in number. I think most people in nursing homes and hospice work very hard to take care of their patients, but because of the nature of long-term care facilities, there is always a chance that someone could slip through the cracks and not receive the care they are entitled to and expect. That is why I support the plan to clarify the responsibilities of nursing home staff and hospice staff, and put them in a written contract. Such clarifications can only help end-of-life patients and their families at such a difficult time.