NEW: CMS Posts New Hospice Quality Measures User’s Manual

by Marian Essey, RN, BSN, COS-C

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently made available the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) Quality Measure Specifications User’s Manual, Version 1.03, effective October 1, 2025. The manual includes the specifications for calculating all assessment-based and claims-based measures included in the HQRP including the 2 new HOPE-based process measures:

1. Timely Follow-up for Pain Impact
2. Timely Follow-up for Non-Pain Symptom Impact

The CAHPS® Hospice Survey is not covered in the manual.

CMS has also provided an accompanying change table that highlights the changes to the manual from the last version. Both the manual and change table are available on the HQRP website, under the Current Measures subsite, in the downloads at the bottom of the page.

Wondering how HOPE is used to calculate measures?

Consider joining us for the OASIS Answers 2-part recorded webinar: HOPE in Action. This easy-to-follow webinar focuses on:

• Four HOPE timepoints and the special visit(s) needed for symptom follow-up
• All items new to HOPE
• Revised and challenging HIS items that remain in HOPE
• Realistic hospice scenarios allowing you to “show what you know” and reinforce concepts learned in this series

Follow OASIS Answers to keep on top of new CMS information related to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program, the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE), and more!

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