Capabilities / Hospice & Palliative Care

Hospice & Palliative Care

Delivering 360-degree guidance for those supplying hospice & palliative care.

For more than 20 years, our coast-to-coast legal team has monitored continually shifting hospice & palliative care laws. Our hospice law and palliative care attorneys are nationally recognized thought leaders who anticipate industry issues in order to clear pathways for nonprofit and for-profit clients large and small. Our hospice attorneys implement optimal client positioning on proactive compliance, audits and investigations, licensing, corporate transactions, litigation, and growth. Familiar with the legal, clinical, and operational demands facing hospice and palliative care organizations, our legal teams efficiently address brief questions by phone as well as providing experienced negotiation during complex multimillion-dollar government audits.

Our hospice & palliative care tools and services include:

Hospice Podcasts

To view other COVID-19 Resources related to Hospice & Palliative Care, visit our content library.

Hospice Medicare & Medicaid Audits

Our Hospice Audit team has led the way in the vigorous defense of hospices in payor audits for over a decade, with consistently successful outcomes. Whether the audit relates to Medicare, Medicaid, or Medicare Advantage programs, the Hospice Audit team has the experience and skill to obtain the best result possible. The Hospice Audit team has also developed a number of analytical tools, including charts, guides, tracking spreadsheets, and tip-sheets for use by hospice personnel. These tools, together with our attorneys’ unrivaled experience in hospice audit, allows the Hospice Audit team to vigorously represent hospices in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Affiliations, Joint Ventures, and Acquisitions

Our experienced and multidisciplinary hospice legal team collaborates to negotiate, draft, and review sophisticated and customized agreements that allow hospice and palliative care providers to conduct day-to-day business, adapt to regulations, and grow their organizations. Frequent services our hospice attorneys provide include:

Mergers & acquisitions
Joint ventures
Strategic alliances
Vendor and service agreements
Employee and physician agreements

Other resources:

Palliative Care and Other Upstream Service Opportunities

Is your hospice organization considering expanding and diversifying your scope of services or revenue sources into non-hospice palliative care or other opportunities for getting further “upstream” in patients’ illnesses? Are you considering partnering or contracting with a Medicare Advantage plan or other managed care payor for hospice or upstream care services? Our talented and cross-disciplined team of attorneys can help you navigate the various legal considerations that arise from such opportunities, from working through licensure, staffing, and other compliance issues to negotiating payment and other contract terms. Recently, our hospice legal team achieved favorable results for a hospice client negotiating a Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) contract with a large national payor, including a nearly 10 percent increase over the originally proposed rates.

Licensing & Regulatory

Our attorneys stay current with the shifting regulatory landscape and how hospice organizations can remain licensed, certified, enrolled, and in compliance at a local, state, and federal level. Our hospice attorneys work to proactively streamline operations:

Corporate governance
Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs
Medicare licensure, certification, and enrollment
Reimbursements, repayments, and disclosures
Risk identification and loss reduction

Litigation & Crisis Management

When unexpected claims destabilize ongoing business, our attorneys serve as fierce advocates and seasoned crisis managers. Our legal team navigates suspended payment, risk, and exposure while defending clients before local, state, and federal judicial, quasi-judicial, administrative, and legislative bodies regarding a wide range of issues including:

Whistleblower complaints
Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS)
Stark Law
False Claims Act (FCA)
Investigations & audits

Listen to the Hospice and the False Claims Act Series podcast series

Representative Experience

Represented hospice in appeal of a Medicare audit that resulted in an extrapolated overpayment of more than $12 million. Advocated for the hospice through the appeal process including a hearing before an administrative law judge. The extrapolation was thrown out and the ALJ returned a fully favorable ruling, resulting in a final overpayment amount of $0.00.
Through administrative appeal process, decreased alleged $8.6 million hospice client's overpayment identified during Medicare audit to less than 1 percent: $77,000.
Appealed alleged overpayment finding during Medicare audit that placed nonprofit hospice client on brink of ceasing or selling operations, reducing overpayment by approximately $20 million.
Successfully argued for hospice client that Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC)'s $25 million extrapolated overpayment was invalid. At first level of appeal, hospice was vindicated leaving mere $70,000 in dispute.
Negotiated a $2 million settlement of a $25 million UPIC audit securing the hospice's future and its service to the community.
Through advocacy, secured non-intervention decisions by government prosecutors and subsequent case dismissals in numerous qui-tam whistleblower lawsuits across the country.
Secured elimination of $4.4 million extrapolated overpayment demand by UPIC. At reconsideration level of appeal, successfully argued that statistical extrapolation was fundamentally flawed and Qualified Independent Contractor (QIC) agreed that methodology was invalid.
Secured withdrawal of $15 million extrapolated overpayment demand by UPIC. Prior to filing first-level redetermination appeal, successfully argued that payment demand must be rescinded due to fundamental flaws in statistical extrapolation. Achieving withdrawal at this early stage allowed client to avoid years of costly litigation and, due to appeal backlog, the threat that multimillion recoupment would begin before case was heard by administrative law judge (ALJ).
Secured withdrawal of $12 million extrapolated UPIC audit finding before demand letter was issued. Almost immediately persuaded Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and UPIC that fundamental errors were made in audit documentation review, rendering overpayment determinations and statistical extrapolation inaccurate. The hospice was thus able to avoid costly and time-consuming appeal.
At first level of appeal, successfully overturned 84% of UPIC claim denials and secured removal of extrapolation, reducing $7 million repayment to nearly $96,000.
Secured removal of extrapolation decision for hospice resulting in reduction of overpayment from approximately $6 million to approximately $100,000.
Successfully defended one of the first federal hospice Medicaid Integrity Contractor (MIC) audits by obtaining withdrawal of nearly entire $3 million overpayment. Coordinated with local counsel to challenge State's ability to recoup Medicaid nursing home room and board dollars on basis that Medicare hospice services were alleged to have not been medically necessary.
Received favorable decisions from ALJ on all beneficiary denials appealed in extrapolated sample, reducing overpayment from approximately $4.6 million to just under $40,000.
Successfully defended state Medicaid audit seeking to recover $6+ million in nursing home room and board pass-thru payments. After initial response, recoupment was reduced to ~$82,000.

Podcast | November 13, 2024

Meet the New Laws, Same as the Old Laws: Overpayment Recoupment Update

Podcast | October 23, 2024

What's Good and Bad in Hospice Right Now: A Conversation with Greg Grabowski, Partner at Hospice Advisors

Podcast | October 02, 2024

What's the Latest on UPICs? Highlights From Recent Audit Activity, Part II

Podcast | September 11, 2024

What's the Latest on UPICs? Highlights From Recent Audit Activity, Part I

Podcast | August 21, 2024

Stories of Successful Hospice Leadership: The CEO and Chief Medical Officer Relationship

Podcast | July 31, 2024

A Rise in Medicare Deactivations: Tips for Avoiding This Financial Pain

Podcast | July 11, 2024

Check the Mail: Are You Getting a 4% Rate Cut?

Podcast | June 26, 2024

Hospice Labor and Employment Trends - Get Up to Speed Fast: What You Need to Know About the New Rules Involving Non-Competes and Exempt Employees

Podcast | June 12, 2024

A Refresh: What's New in the New OIG General Compliance Program Guidance

Podcast | May 22, 2024

Deal Breakers: Identifying Key Issues Early in Member Substitutions

Podcast | May 01, 2024

An Ounce of Prevention: Keys to Understanding and Preventing AI and Cybersecurity Risks

Podcast | April 17, 2024

A Command Performant(s): RAC Audits on the Rise

Podcast | April 03, 2024

The TPE Carousel. . . Around and Around We Go

Podcast | March 13, 2024

A Fond Farewell: Musings on the End of the Medicare Advantage Hospice Carve-In Demonstration

Podcast | February 28, 2024

OMG. . .The OIG is at it Again

Podcast | February 21, 2024

How One Hospice Owner Got Convicted of Healthcare Fraud and How You Can Avoid That Fate

Podcast | January 31, 2024

Hospice and Home Health Survey Perspectives: A Conversation with Kim Skehan, VP of Accreditation at CHAP

Podcast | January 10, 2024

Year in Review: Key Regulatory Updates in 2023

Podcast | December 13, 2023

An Alternative to Consolidations: Key Considerations for Management Services Organizations

Podcast | November 29, 2023

Stories of Successful Hospice Leadership: The CEO and Compliance Officer Relationship

Podcast | November 06, 2023

A Very "Special" Episode: Amid Controversy, CMS Launches the Hospice Special Focus Program

Podcast | November 01, 2023

Grace from CMS: Unexpected Good News on HIS and CAHPS Appeals

Podcast | October 18, 2023

This Bandwagon Has a Broken Wheel: OIG Joins the Inconsistent Approach to Hospice GIP Claims

Podcast | October 04, 2023

A Significant Departure: Unpacking What the New Antitrust Guidelines Mean for Healthcare Providers

Podcast | September 20, 2023

The Gift That Keeps On Giving: TPE Insights and Strategies

Podcast | September 06, 2023

Behind the Curtain: Enhanced Provider Enrollment Oversight

Podcast | August 23, 2023

What Does It Mean? Understanding the Practical Implications of the New 36-Month Rule for Hospices

Podcast | August 09, 2023

Survey Woes: CMS Ramps Up Hospice Survey Program and Consequences

Podcast | July 26, 2023

Joining Forces: Consolidation Through Member Substitutions

Podcast | July 12, 2023

Show Me the Money: New Study Confirms Hospice Saves Money for Medicare

Podcast | June 22, 2023

After ALJ: Options and Opportunities in the Face of an Unfavorable ALJ Decision

Podcast | June 07, 2023

An Unwanted Spotlight: DOJ Announces Hospice Fraud Is Top Priority

Podcast | May 24, 2023

A Glimpse Into the Other Side: Understanding the Perspective of Government Enforcers

Podcast | May 10, 2023

I Understood There Would Be No Math: Audits, Extrapolations, and a New Set of Rules

Podcast | April 26, 2023

Quick Takeaways From the 2024 Proposed Hospice Wage Index Rule

Podcast | April 12, 2023

Business Associates Here, There, and Everywhere: When Does Your Service Provider Really Need to Sign a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement?

Podcast | March 29, 2023

Heed Caution: Takeaways From the OIG's Advance Care Planning Report

Podcast | March 15, 2023

David v. Goliath: Taking on Payment Suspension and Extrapolation

Podcast | March 01, 2023

The Rules They Are A-Changin': CMS Proposes a Significant Change to the 60-Day Repayment Rule

Podcast | February 15, 2023

On the Road With Your Hospice Team: A Report From Home Care 100

Podcast | February 01, 2023

Surprise! What Hospices Need to Know About the No Surprises Act

Podcast | January 23, 2023

Hospice News Elevate Podcast: Meg Pekarske, Partner, Husch Blackwell

Podcast | January 18, 2023

Hospice Audit Series | Welcome to the Party: Contractor Participation at ALJ Hearings

Podcast | January 04, 2023

UPIC Report Card: The OIG's Evaluation of the UPICs Provides Insight Into the Future of Hospice Audits

Podcast | December 14, 2022

Is the Doctor In? Legal Considerations for Hospice Physician Contracting

Podcast | November 30, 2022

Do You Have a Backup? Building Redundancies Into Your Written Certification Process

Blog | November 22, 2022

Significant Change in Medicare Enrollment Risk Categories for SNFs

Podcast | November 09, 2022

A Zero Percent Error Rate: An Inspiring Story on How To Get There

Podcast | October 26, 2022

Strategic Restructuring for the Future | Not Just an Org Chart: Corporate and Regulatory Considerations for Hospice Transactions

Podcast | October 13, 2022

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series | The Results Are In: More Wins for Hospices in HIS Appeals

Podcast | September 28, 2022

Focus on What Matters: The Importance of the Hospice Election Statement

Podcast | September 14, 2022

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series | Pulling the Strings: New OIG Audits Scrutinize How Hospices Used Provider Relief Funds

Podcast | August 31, 2022

Hospice Innovators: A Conversation with Jaysen Roa, President and CEO of Avow Hospice

Podcast | August 17, 2022

Beyond Hospice: Home Health Agencies Plagued by UPICs and SMRCs

Podcast | August 03, 2022

Hospice Audit Series | And They're Off! The OIG's Nationwide Review of Hospice Eligibility Has Begun

Podcast | July 20, 2022

Hospice Audit Series | It's That Time of Year Again: Quality Data Reporting Determinations Raise New and Recurring Issues

Blog | July 14, 2022

Employment Considerations for Long Term Care Facilities under the Biden-Harris Administration

Podcast | July 06, 2022

Beyond Hospice: The OIG Renews Its Scrutiny of Home Health Agencies

Podcast | June 22, 2022

Nuts and Bolts of a Repayment Investigation: Keys to Conducting Investigations Under the 60-Day Repayment Rule

Podcast | June 08, 2022

Hospice Audit Series | Painting the Picture: How to Advocate for Clinical Hospice Eligibility in the Audit Appeal Process

Podcast | May 25, 2022

You've Got Mail: CMS Physician Outreach and How to Respond to It

Podcast | May 11, 2022

Hospice Audit Series | Turning the Screws: UPIC Enforcement Tactics and What They Mean for Your Hospice

Podcast | April 27, 2022

Strategic Restructuring for the Future: Exploring Upstream Revenue Opportunities for Hospices

Podcast | April 13, 2022

Hospice Audit Series | Audit Overlap: Connections and Contradictions Among Audits, Auditors and What to Do About Them

Podcast | March 30, 2022

Strategic Restructuring for the Future, Insights on Building a Hospice Network From the Ground Up: A Conversation With Mike Milward, CEO of the California Hospice Network

Podcast | March 16, 2022

Hospice Audit Series: Beyond Part D, OIG Scrutinizes the Hospice Industry to the Tune of $6.6 Billion

Blog | March 11, 2022

EEOC Issues Employer Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccinations and Religious Objections

Podcast | March 02, 2022

Hospice Leadership Strategy: Re-engaging Staff and Communities With Story

Podcast | February 16, 2022

Hospice Audit Series: The OIG's Impending Review of Nationwide Hospice Eligibility Demands a Robust Response From Hospices

Podcast | February 03, 2022

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: Exploring Answers to Hospices' Top Vaccination Questions

Podcast | January 19, 2022

Who's Watching Me? Addressing the Second-Guessing of Hospice Patient Care

Podcast | January 05, 2022

Beyond Regulations: Hospice Business Contracts and Contract Disputes

Podcast | December 15, 2021

Hospices and The False Claims Act: Proposed Amendment Would Increase Liability Risk

Podcast | December 01, 2021

Strategic Restructuring for the Future, Think Before You Sign: Five Key Insights for VBID and Managed Care Contracts

Podcast | November 11, 2021

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: Federal Vaccine Mandate Rules - Breaking Down What They Mean for Hospices

Podcast | October 20, 2021

Hospice Audit Series: Insights for Winning at Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearings, Part II

Podcast | October 06, 2021

Hospice Audit Series: Insights for Winning at Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearings, Part I

Podcast | September 24, 2021

Drumroll Please: The Latest on HIS Appeals

Podcast | September 22, 2021

Strategic Restructuring for the Future, Putting a Plan Into Action: A Conversation With Gloria Brooks on Building End-of-Life Partnerships

Blog | September 15, 2021

Healthcare Providers to Receive $25.5 Billion in Relief Funds

Podcast | September 08, 2021

Hospice Audit Series: A Beginning and an End from CMS - TPE Resumes While QIC Demonstration Ends

Video | September 01, 2021

An Attorney's Perspective for Hospice Boards: Being Proactive for the Future - Video

Blog | August 31, 2021

Parsing Out Changes in the Election Addendum Made by the Final Hospice Wage Index Rule

Podcast | August 25, 2021

Parsing Out Changes in the Election Addendum Made by the Final Hospice Wage Index Rule

Blog | August 20, 2021

Hospice Governance Academy Spotlight Interview: An Attorney's Perspectives for Hospice Boards

Video | August 18, 2021

An Attorney's Perspective for Hospice Boards: Ensuring an Effective Compliance Program - Video

Podcast | August 11, 2021

Governance Series: Common Board Challenges and Tips for Dealing with Them

Blog | July 30, 2021

An Unexpected Flurry: HIS Noncompliance Letters Have Many Scratching Their Heads

Podcast | July 29, 2021

An Unexpected Flurry: HIS Noncompliance Letters Have Many Scratching Their Heads

Video | July 28, 2021

An Attorney's Perspective for Hospice Boards - Video

Podcast | July 14, 2021

Staying Prepared: Hospices and the False Claims Act, Part III - Success in False Claims Act Lawsuits

Blog | July 14, 2021

Staying Prepared: Hospices and the False Claims Act, Part III

Podcast | June 30, 2021

Strategic Restructuring for the Future, Succeeding in Value-Based Care: How Hospices Can Collaborate Through Network Models

Podcast | June 22, 2021

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: New Deadlines Announced for Reporting on and Using Your Provider Relief Fund Payments

Podcast | June 16, 2021

Privacy Series: HIPAA Breaches - When It Is, and When It Is Not a Breach

Articles | June 04, 2021

American Health Law Association PG Bulletin: Federal Funding for Mental Health Treatment and the IMD Exclusion: Where Do We Stand? (log-in required)

Podcast | June 02, 2021

Hospice Innovators: A Conversation with Dr. Kathleen Benton, CEO of Hospice Savannah

Podcast | May 19, 2021

Staying Prepared: Hospices and the False Claims Act, Part II - Successful Approaches to Government Investigations

Podcast | May 05, 2021

Hospice Audit Series: How are Hospices Faring at ALJ Hearings?

Podcast | April 21, 2021

Hospice Audit Series: CMS Program Integrity Audits Are Back!

Podcast | April 14, 2021

Hospice Audit Series: The Second Guessing of Billed Hospice Physician Visits

Articles | April 12, 2021

HomeCare: Lessons Learned From a Decade of Defending Hospices

Podcast | March 31, 2021

Hospice Audit Series: Spring Audit Bloom—Medicaid UPICs and MAC ADRs

Podcast | March 17, 2021

Staying Prepared: Hospices and the False Claims Act Part 1 - What Will Hospices Face and What Can They Do About It

Podcast | March 03, 2021

Hospice Audit Series: The Latest Developments and Strategies for Success in the Ever-changing Audit Landscape

Podcast | February 17, 2021

Strategic Restructuring for the Future: The State of the Hospice Market

Podcast | February 03, 2021

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: The Latest on Using and Reporting Your Provider Relief Funds

Podcast | January 27, 2021

Hospice Survey Overhaul: An Unwelcome Surprise in COVID Relief Bill

Podcast | January 13, 2021

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: The Latest on Testing and Vaccinating Employees

Podcast | January 06, 2021

Hospice Innovators: A Conversation with William Finn of Hospice of the Western Reserve

Podcast | December 16, 2020

Governance Series: A Good Hospice Board in Action - What it Looks Like

Podcast | December 02, 2020

Privacy Series: The New Information Blocking Rule - What It Means For Hospices

Podcast | November 11, 2020

Will the U.S. Supreme Court Weigh in on Hospice Prognostication? Industry Hopes to Preserve AseraCare Court Decision.

Podcast | October 28, 2020

Perspectives on End-of-Life Care: An Exploration of Its Past, Present and Future - A Conversation with Dr. Janet Bull

Podcast | October 14, 2020

Enforcement Relief: What New Regulatory Reforms Could Mean for Hospices

Blog | October 06, 2020

Emergency Order #2 Targets Staffing Demands in Wisconsin Healthcare Facilities

Podcast | September 30, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: The Government Yet Again Updates Rules for FFCRA Paid Leave and Provider Relief Fund Reporting

Podcast | September 16, 2020

Governance Series: Working Together - Tips for Ensuring A Compliant Relationship Between You and Your Hospice Board

Podcast | September 02, 2020

Hospice Labor and Employment Trends: Labor Relations Revisited – The Union At Your Door

Podcast | August 21, 2020

No Delay for Hospices: October 1st Brings New Election and Addendum Requirements

Podcast | August 05, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: Hospice Physicians are Being Tested by COVID-19, and Increased Scrutiny Lies Ahead—What to Expect and What to Do

Podcast | July 22, 2020

COVID-19 Hasn't Interrupted Everything: Certain Hospice Audit Activity Continues Despite Public Health Emergency

Legal Updates | July 16, 2020

COVID-19: CMS Green Lights Contractors to Restart Hospice Medical Reviews

Podcast | July 08, 2020

Innovators Series: A Conversation with Carla Davis, CEO of Heart of Hospice LLC

Podcast | June 24, 2020

Is the Aseracare precedent in jeopardy? Courts Questioning Clinical Judgment Standards

Legal Updates | June 23, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: A Pleasant Surprise for Hospices As HHS Lifts Relief Fund July 10th Quarterly Compliance Report Deadline

Podcast | June 10, 2020

Are You Ready for October 1, 2020? Honing in on CMS's Impending Election Statement and Election Statement Addendum Requirements

Legal Updates | June 09, 2020

CARES Act Provider Relief Fund: Connecting HHS's Dots on Whether Your Tranche #1 Payment Is an Overpayment

Podcast | June 03, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: Legal and Accounting Perspectives on Commonly Asked Provider Relief Fund Questions

Podcast | May 22, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: Keeping Up with HHS's Constantly Evolving Guidance on the Provider Relief Fund

Blog | May 15, 2020

Missouri Encourages COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing but Urges Caution with Serological/Antibody Testing

Podcast | April 24, 2020

Innovators Series: A Conversation with Michael McHale, President and CEO of TRU Community Care

Blog | April 21, 2020

How Nonprofits Can Address Development During the COVID-19 Crisis

Podcast | April 14, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: $30 Billion in Relief Funds Made Available, but Strings are Attached!

Blog | April 14, 2020

Tools for Your Hospice Toolbox: How to Evaluate, Allocate and Track the Use of CARES Act Relief Payments (An Introduction)

Podcast | April 10, 2020

Labor and Employment Trends – COVID-19 Edition: FFCRA Insights for Healthcare Providers

Blog | April 10, 2020

CMS Special Open Door Forum Addresses Pressing Telehealth Questions

Blog | April 08, 2020

Tools for Your Hospice Tool Box: Telehealth Flowchart for Billable Hospice Physician and Nurse Practitioner Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Podcast | April 03, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: Recent Developments Regarding Telehealth, Virtual Visits, and Medicare Audits and Appeals

Blog | March 30, 2020

The Small Business CARES Act Guide for Those Who Provide Care (Hint: There Are Good Loan Options)

Podcast | March 27, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: Insights and Strategies for Virtual Visits, Telehealth and Medicare Appeals

Blog | March 27, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-To Series: Taking Advantage of the Temporary Quality Reporting Data Submission Relief

Blog | March 20, 2020

Tools for Your Hospice Tool Box: If Nursing Facilities Are Improperly Restricting Access to Hospice Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic, We Have a Tool That Can Help

Podcast | March 19, 2020

COVID-19 Hospice How-to Series: Navigating and Troubleshooting Coronavirus Challenges

Blog | March 14, 2020

Guidance for Hospice Providers to Address the Visitors Ban Imposed by Nursing Facilities to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19

Podcast | March 05, 2020

The Next Wave From OIG: Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Audits

Podcast | February 20, 2020

Hospice Labor and Employment Trends: The Old and the New in 2020

Podcast | February 06, 2020

Breaking Down TPEs: Facts and Strategies

Podcast | January 23, 2020

Your Hospice Team Has a New Home

Event | September 15, 2024

Reception During the 2024 NHPCO Conference

Speaking Engagements | February 26, 2024

Speaker, "Beyond SNF: Intro to Post-Acute/Fundamentals of Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursement in Long Term Care," AHLA Long Term and Post-Acute Care Law and Compliance Program

Speaking Engagements | February 20, 2024

Speaker, "Medicare Auditing and Legal Update," WiHPCA Webinar

Speaking Engagements | October 3, 2023

Speaker, "Discerning When Audits Trigger Internal Investigations," 2023 NHPCO Annual Leadership Conference

Speaking Engagements | October 2, 2023

Speaker, "Appeal Success: Practical Tips for Managing Audits," 2023 NHPCO Annual Leadership Conference

Speaking Engagements | September 30, 2023

Speaker, "Hospice Compliance Certificate Program," 2023 NHPCO Annual Leadership Conference

Speaking Engagements | April 25, 2023

Moderator, "End of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency," Wisconsin Hospice & Palliative Care Association Webinar

Speaking Engagements | October 13, 2022

Speaker, "Getting Upstream: Palliative Care Opportunities, Trends & Updates," Hospice & Home Care Webinar Network

Speaking Engagements | March 9, 2022

Speaker, "Write Your Ticket: Navigating Managed Care Plans," NHPCO 2022 Leadership and Advocacy Conference

Speaking Engagements | March 30, 2021

Speaker, "The Cures Act Information Blocking Rule 101: Key Takeaways for Hospice Compliance," National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Speaking Engagements | March 17, 2021

Speaker, "What's Next? Information Blocking: Compliance and Enforcement," Greater Kansas City Healthcare Association

Speaking Engagements | March 4, 2021

Speaker, "Acquisition of Home Health and Hospice Agencies," American Health Law Association

Speaking Engagements | February 17, 2021

Speaker, "10 Years Defending Hospices in Audits and Investigations, What We Learned and What the Future Holds," Illinois Hospice & Palliative Care Organization webinar

Speaking Engagements | October 1, 2020

Speaker, "Hospice Compliance and Legal Update," Hospice Fundamentals 2020 Fall Workshop

Speaking Engagements | August 26, 2020

Speaker, "What the New Wage Index Rule Means: Takeaways and Tips," Kentucky Association of Hospice & Palliative Care webinar

Speaking Engagements | June 5, 2020

Speaker, "CARES Act Provider Relief Fund: Practical Considerations for Hospices in Using Their Relief Payments," California Hospice Network webinar

Webinar | May 27, 2020

COVID-19 Town Hall for Hospices

Speaking Engagements | May 7, 2020

Co-presenter, "Up to the Minute Information on the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund: What You Need to Know," National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization webinar

Media Mentions | October 22, 2024

Hospice News: What Hospices Need to Know About Whistleblower Lawsuits

Media Mentions | July 08, 2024

Hospice News: Hospices Face Cybersecurity Risks

Media Mentions | May 28, 2024

Hospice News: Early Talks About Governance Essential for Nonprofit Hospice Affiliations

Media Mentions | February 22, 2024

Hospice News: The Risk of Criminal Charges in Hospice Fraud Cases

News Releases | January 24, 2024

Albert Lin Named to Operating Board of Directors of Hospice Austin

Media Mentions | January 02, 2024

Hospice News: Investigating Medicare Hospice Overpayments

News Releases | August 11, 2023

Jonathan Porter Named Fellow of American Bar Foundation

Media Mentions | June 13, 2023

Jonathan Porter Quoted by Hospice News on DOJ's Increased Priority on Hospice Fraud

Media Mentions | March 07, 2023

Partners Pekarske, Nowicki Discuss Uptick in Hospice Audits with Hospice News

Media Mentions | February 08, 2023

Hospice News: Lawyers: Hospices Must Ensure Stark Law Compliance for Upstream Care

Media Mentions | February 02, 2023

HomeCare: Hospice Audits Surged in 2022, Firm Says

News Releases | February 01, 2023

Husch Blackwell Guides Clients through Surge in Hospice Audits

Media Mentions | December 16, 2022

Hospice News: Hospice, Home Health Nurses Unionize at Oregon's St. Charles Health System

Media Mentions | November 27, 2022

Hospice News: Regulatory Focus in Hospice Giving Buyers Pause in M&A Deals

Media Mentions | November 15, 2022

Hospice News: OIG Rolls Provider Relief Fund Audits for Hospices

Media Mentions | November 09, 2022

Hospice News: Meticulous Documentation a Hospices Best Defense in HIS Audit Appeals

Media Mentions | October 28, 2022

Hospice News: Redundancy Key to Avoiding Hidden Red Flags in Hospice Election Statements

News Releases | October 25, 2022

U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Review Dismissal of Whistleblower Lawsuit Against Bethany Hospice

Media Mentions | October 17, 2022

Law360: High Court Won't Address FCA Pleading Standard (log-in required)

Media Mentions | October 17, 2022

Reuters: U.S. Supreme Court turns down chance to review False Claims Act standard

Media Mentions | October 13, 2022

Hospice News: Hospices Have Little Recourse for Payment Suspensions During Audits

Media Mentions | August 10, 2022

Home Health Care News: Why Home Health Insiders Expect Uptick In Audits, Inquiries From Federal Watchdogs

Media Mentions | July 21, 2022

Hospice News: Hospices Could Face Legal Risks When COVID PHE Ends

News | July 11, 2022

Home Health Care News: What Home Health Providers Can Learn from Hospice OIG Audits

Media Mentions | June 17, 2022

Hospice News: Hospice Physicians ‘Incredibly Important' to Audit Appeals Process, Patient Eligibility

Media Mentions | June 09, 2022

Hospice News: Health Care Lawyers: Hospices Must Ready Themselves for More UPIC Audits

Media Mentions | May 25, 2022

Reuters: SCOTUS should stay out of False Claims Act dispute, says DOJ

Media Mentions | May 24, 2022

Law360: FCA Pleading Split Is Finally Kaput, DOJ Tells High Court (log-in required)

News Releases | May 11, 2022

Julian Rivera Receives ABA Health Law Section Champion of Diversity & Inclusion Award

News Releases | February 03, 2022

Husch Blackwell's Brenton Elected to Wisconsin Hospice & Palliative Care Association Board of Directors

Media Mentions | February 03, 2022

Hospice News: Hospices, Investors Navigate Deal-Threatening Regulatory Hurdles

Media Mentions | January 18, 2022

Reuters: SCOTUS asks top lawyer: How much detail needed to plead false claims?

News | December 17, 2021

Hospice News: FCA Amendments ‘Cast a Wider Net' on Providers

Media Mentions | December 14, 2021

IB Madison: Professional of the Week | Meg Pekarske

News Releases | September 30, 2021

Husch Blackwell's Hospice Team Secures Elimination of 2% Payment Reduction Penalty

Media Mentions | June 09, 2021

Hospice News: Hospices Extending Community Partnerships Developed During COVID

News Releases | May 06, 2021

Husch Blackwell Defeats FCA Whistleblower Litigation for Hospice

Media Mentions | April 23, 2021

Hospice News: Hospice Providers Seeing an Uptick in Regulatory Audits

Media Mentions | March 26, 2021

Hospice News: Private Equity Investment in Hospice Hits All-Time High, Valuations Rising

Media Mentions | March 04, 2021

Hospice News: Husch Blackwell Secures $44 Million Cut in Hospice Overpayments

Media Mentions | February 23, 2021

HomeCare: Husch Blackwell Secures Hospice Overpayment Reduction

News Releases | February 22, 2021

Husch Blackwell's Hospice Team Opens 2021 with Significant Audit Victory

The victory was the most significant victory to date for the Madison, WI-based team, which arrived at Husch Blackwell in January 2020.

Media Mentions | February 16, 2021

Hospice News: HHS Releases New PRF Funding Requirements, Delays First Reporting Deadline

Media Mentions | January 12, 2021

Hospice News: Hospice of the Western Reserve Boosts COVID Resilience Via JVs, Partnerships

News Releases | November 06, 2020

Husch Blackwell Authors U.S. Supreme Court Amicus Brief in Key FCA Litigation

Media Mentions | October 27, 2020

Law360: Justices Told FCA Circuit Split Poses 'Far-Reaching' Threat

Media Mentions | October 01, 2020

Medscape: Physicians Misjudge a Terminal Patient's Life Span: Is It Fraud? (log-in required)

Media Mentions | September 04, 2020

Hospice News: Hospice Employees May Turn to Unions if Feeling Unheard

Media Mentions | June 09, 2020

Hospice News: Hospices Contend with COVID Relief Funding

Media Mentions | February 20, 2020

Madison Magazine: More Than Exceptional - Highlighting the women who go beyond exceptional

Media Mentions | January 29, 2020

Wisconsin Law Journal: Husch Blackwell expands Madison health care team (log-in required)

Media Mentions | January 27, 2020

Law360: Health Hires: Latham, Husch Blackwell, Verrill Dana

News Releases | January 13, 2020

Husch Blackwell Lands Two Healthcare Groups in Wisconsin

“That two prominent groups of lawyers from two different firms see the same potential and opportunity at Husch Blackwell speaks volumes about our firm’s commitment to Madison and the larger Wisconsin market,” said Paul Eberle, Husch Blackwell’s Chief Executive.

Media Mentions | January 13, 2020

Milwaukee Business Journal: Husch Blackwell adds 12 health care attorneys from competing firms in Madison

Media Mentions | January 13, 2020

Urban Milwaukee: Husch Blackwell Lands Two Healthcare Groups in Wisconsin

Media Mentions | January 13, 2020

Wisconsin Law Journal: Husch Blackwell adds 12 attorneys to Madison practice (log-in required)

Related areas of focus:

Healthcare Healthcare M&A, Joint Ventures, and Other Transactions Healthcare Providers Healthcare Real Estate Healthcare Regulatory & Compliance Counseling Hospice Medicare & Medicaid Audits Medicaid Reimbursement Strategies

Key Contacts

Meg S.L. Pekarske

Partner

Bryan K. Nowicki

Partner

View our entire team

“

Our nonprofit mission-driven hospice operates in a very conscientious manner. Our Husch Blackwell hospice partners are attuned to that and often assist us in making affordable decisions that also meet our needs. We are confident in the attorneys who assist us and appreciate the team’s knowledge of our organization and operations. They anticipate our needs and convey strategies in a meaningful way. They are outstandingly knowledgeable!

David Fielding, President and CEO, Trustbridge