Beginning December, 2008 Medicare and Medicaid required that all hospices have a Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) program. Hospice of Eastern Idaho has been collaborating with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) since 2007 and has a pledge of commitment to be supportive and participate in the QAPI "Quality Partners" initiative. This commitment is a 360 degree surveillance of the entire hospice operation. There are 10 components that include initiatives that are both clinical and administrative.

By using QAPI, we will be able to demonstrate the high quality of care we are already providing. By collaborating with NHPCO, we will share, learn and challenge ourselves to explore best practices. We are excited to have a new tool to document our existing quality of care, and hope all other hospices will adopt this program.