Thanks Adam. As I said, I learned all this the hard way.
Jay - thanks for the reminder, however as an NP...I am not allowed to sign these certifications. Until there is literally an act of congress, NPs in this country cannot write home health orders/hospice order, sign the certifications/re-certifications or admit pts to these services. Nursing homes are also included in this.
Fortunately, I have a good working relationship with the hospice director in my area. And unfortunately, that does not carry over the the home health medical director. So when my patients need home health, they have to transfer care. They are not happy campers about this.
But I guess this is a whole 'nother can of worms.
Barbara
