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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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CMS 2025 Proposed Rule Signals Changes to Quality Measurement, Omits Program Integrity Actions

Hospice News

However, stakeholders in the hospice space contend that the increase is insufficient in light of continued inflation, interest rates, staffing shortages and wage hikes. To continue providing the high level of care our patients and their families deserve, hospices require a payment rate that accurately reflects the current economic challenges.

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Blue Monarch CEO: Hospice Startup Seeks to Raise Bar on Quality

Hospice News

Nurse practitioner Raphael and registered nurse Britt Akobundu, a married couple, launched San Diego-based Blue Monarch Hospice this past March, with the intent of improving the quality of life for not only patients and families, but also health care workers. . It’s just a matter of time before the need for hospice rises.

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