§ 418.52 Condition of participation: Patient's rights.

The patient has the right to be informed of his or her rights, and the hospice must protect and promote the exercise of these rights.

(a) Standard: Notice of rights and responsibilities. (1) During the initial assessment visit in advance of furnishing care the hospice must provide the patient or representative with verbal (meaning spoken) and written notice of the patient's rights and responsibilities in a language and manner that the patient understands.

(2) The hospice must comply with the requirements of subpart I of part 489 of this chapter regarding advance directives. The hospice must inform and distribute written information to the patient concerning its policies on advance directives, including a description of applicable State law.

(3) The hospice must obtain the patient's or representative's signature confirming that he or she has received a copy of the notice of rights and responsibilities.