Admission Guidelines
Admission to hospice care is based on specific medical and clinical guidelines that help determine when a patient is eligible to receive end-of-life support. To qualify, a physician must certify that the patient has a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows its expected course. Eligibility is not determined by a specific diagnosis alone, but by the overall progression and severity of the condition, which may include cancer, advanced heart or lung disease, dementia, or other serious illnesses. Guidelines often consider factors such as declining physical function, increased hospitalizations, weight loss, and the need for increased assistance with daily activities. These diagnostic criteria ensure that patients receive timely, appropriate care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Hospice teams work closely with referring providers, patients, and families to assess readiness and provide a smooth transition into care.
Clinical Reference Scales
The following reference scales are used by healthcare professionals in various settings. These scales are incorporated in the Diagnosis Guidelines and are often documented by our clinical staff in the care of our patients. Please see Diagnosis Guidelines for more specific admission criteria.
Palliative Performance Scale (PPS)
Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST)
State and Federal regulations require that the following two criteria be met for a patient to be eligible for hospice care:
1. Two physicians must certify the patient’s life expectancy is 6 months or less, if the illness runs its normal course.
2. Patient has chosen care that focuses on symptom management rather than curative treatment.
Individuals eligible for Sanctuary Hospice’s services may experience some or all of the following:
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Progressive weight loss
- Deteriorating mental abilities
- Recurrent infections
- Decreased ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Sanctuary Hospice’s patients do not have to be homebound
