R432-750-2. Purpose

A hospice program provides support and care for persons with a limited life expectancy so that they might live as fully and comfortably as possible.

(1) A hospice program recognizes dying as a normal process resulting from disease or injury.

(2) A hospice service neither hastens nor postpones death.

(3) A hospice program exists in the hope and belief that, through appropriate care and the promotion of a caring community sensitive to their needs, patients and families may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preparation for death that is satisfactory to them.

(4) The hospice program is a health care agency or facility which offers palliative and supportive services providing physical, psychosocial, spiritual and bereavement care for dying persons and their families.

(5) A hospice provides services through an interdisciplinary team of professionals and volunteers.

(6) Hospice services are available in both the home and an inpatient setting.