Amid national hospice scrutiny, Amorem highlights accreditation and compliance in Burke County

As federal regulators intensify national investigations into hospice fraud, AMOREM says it is reaffirming its commitment to ethical practices, transparency and high-quality patient care for families in Burke County and across western North Carolina.

The nonprofit hospice and palliative care provider said increased scrutiny by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Justice underscores the importance of strong oversight that protects patients while allowing legitimate providers to continue their work.

Last month, the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation hosted a site visit for CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas, where hospice program integrity and enforcement priorities were discussed. According to NPHI, Oz emphasized focusing audits and enforcement on unethical providers while avoiding unnecessary burdens on mission-driven organizations.

“We fully support CMS and DOJ efforts to protect patients and ensure program integrity,” said April Moore, AMOREM's chief executive officer. “Strong oversight helps preserve trust in hospice services and allows ethical, community-based providers like AMOEREM to continue serving patients with compassion and accountability.”

AMOREM also cited its recent Community Health Accreditation Partner accreditation, awarded under CHAP’s Standards of Excellence. The accreditation confirms compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation and certification as a Medicare provider, according to the organization.

In addition to accreditation, AMOREM said it maintains internal compliance safeguards that include staff training on fraud, waste and abuse; internal audits; clear documentation and billing standards; separation of key operational roles; and confidential compliance reporting mechanisms.

AMOREM, formerly known as Burke Hospice and Palliative Care and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, has provided hospice and palliative care services in the region for more than 40 years. The organization operates patient care units in Valdese, Hudson and Lenoir, with a Boone unit planned, and provides in-home care throughout the communities it serves, including Burke County.

—AVN