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Hospice Medical Director Receives 50-Month Prison Sentence for $150M Fraud

Hospice News

A federal judge has sentenced Jesus Virlar-Cadena, formerly a medical director for the Texas-based hospice company Merida Group, to 50 months in prison for his role in a $152 million scheme. The Texas Medical Board suspended his medical license in 2019, when he pleaded guilty to the fraud charges.

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VitalCaring Primed for Hospice Expansion in 2024

Hospice News

The Texas-based home health and hospice company VitalCaring Group was built largely through acquisitions, and the company expects to step up that strategy in 2024 with an emphasis on hospice. The company, which also offers pediatric and companion care, has also opened a few de novos and has more planned for this year.

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California-Based Community Hospice Responds to Worker Lawsuit

Hospice News

California-based Community Hospice, Inc. Current and former employees of the nonprofit hospice organization filed a $5 million lawsuit in April for unpaid wages during the pandemic. Established in 1979, the nonprofit organization provides hospice and palliative care in three counties near the San Francisco area of northern California.

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1Care’s COO: Executives with Bedside Experience Give Hospices a Competitive Edge

Hospice News

Hospice executives with a nursing background can bring unique competitive advantages. This has been the case for Nevada-based 1Care Hospice & 1Care Kids, particularly as they contended with the pandemic and widespread workforce shortages, according to COO Eddie Belluomini. 1Care was their first venture.

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Hospices Increasingly Invest in Environmental Sustainability

Hospice News

More hospices are going green, making short-term investments to cultivate long-term sustainability. Among these companies is Agrace Hospice & Supportive Care, which unveiled an initiative last October to become carbon neutral by 2025, according to President and CEO Lynne Sexten. Amedisys, Inc.

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Addus Bolstering Workforce, Building Density for Hospice, Home Health, Personal Care

Hospice News

Hospice operators have relied on contract nursing to stay afloat during a time of worsening labor pressures, elevated turnover and rising demand for care. Competition with travel nursing firms has been among the drivers of wage increases for hospice companies. The company’s net service revenues rose 10.4.% in Q1 to $226.6

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Why Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Operators Invest in Home-Based Hospice Programs

Hospice News

Offering hospice can be a gamechanger for skilled nursing and assisted living operators looking to stand out from competitors and improve patient reach. Home-based care, including hospice, has become an increasingly attractive space for facility-based health care providers of all walks. Among the 1.6