§ 418.3 Definitions.

For purposes of this part—

Attending physician means a—

(1)

(i) Doctor of medicine or osteopathy legally authorized to practice medicine and surgery by the State in which he or she performs that function or action; or

(ii) Nurse practitioner who meets the training, education, and experience requirements as described in § 410.75(b) of this chapter; or

(iii) Physician assistant who meets the requirements of § 410.74(c) of this chapter.

(2) Is identified by the individual, at the time he or she elects to receive hospice care, as having the most significant role in the determination and delivery of the individual's medical care.

Bereavement counseling means emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual support and services provided before and after the death of the patient to assist with issues related to grief, loss, and adjustment.

BFCC–QIO means Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization.

Cap period means the twelve-month period ending September 30 used in the application of the cap on overall hospice reimbursement specified in § 418.309.

Clinical note means a notation of a contact with the patient and/or the family that is written and dated by any person providing services and that describes signs and symptoms, treatments and medications administered, including the patient's reaction and/or response, and any changes in physical, emotional, psychosocial or spiritual condition during a given period of time.