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For Immediate Release
October 6, 1998
Senate Sends White’s Bill to License Hospices to Governor
Harrisburg – Culminating more than a year’s work by Sen. Mary Jo
White (R-21), the state Senate today approved legislation to bring Pennsylvania
in line with 48 other states which require licensing for hospices. White said she expected Gov. Tom Ridge to sign the measure. The senator noted that Pennsylvania has the highest number of hospices
in the nation, but is one of only a handful of states that do not require
such health care services to be licensed. "It is vital that we help hospices assure that quality standards
are in place for agencies that deliver these services," she said. Hospice care has proven to be a cost-efficient, compassionate
service for the terminally ill, focusing on in-home care and providing
for the social, emotional and spiritual needs of both patient and family,
said White. Senate Bill 996, which would require such care to be licensed, would
provide consumer protection, allow for evaluation of hospice performance,
and better integrate hospices into our health care system, the senator
added. Families in need of hospice care are most vulnerable, the senator
added. Their loved one needs help and they want to do whatever it takes
to relieve their suffering. In addition, hospice care is reimbursed by
Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurers -- creating the potential
for abuse. "There have been no documented cases of abuse in Pennsylvania but
other states have had problems," said White. While cancer patients make up the predominant number of those receiving
hospice care, hospices provide care to any terminally ill individual, including
those with AIDS, Alzheimer’s, and terminal heart, lung, kidney and liver
diseases. Introduced in June 1997, Senate Bill 996 was first passed by
the Senate in December. The House of Representatives added some minor amendments
before approving it and sending it back to the Senate for today’s vote.
CONTACT: Leigh Ramsey (717) 787-9684
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