Initial and Comprehensive Assessment and Hospice Quality Reporting Data

In short

• A registered nurse must do the initial assessment within 48 hours after the election, or sooner if the physician, patient or family asks.
• The whole team completes the comprehensive assessment within 5 calendar days after the election. Social worker and chaplain visits count toward it.
• Review every drug the patient takes, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies, and assess the family's grief and coping needs.
• Update the assessment at least every 15 days and after any big change, before the team meeting.
• Complete the quality reporting items at admission, update visits and discharge, as the CMS manual says.