Heartlinks Achieves Deficiency-Free Survey from State and CMS
The Heartlinks’ hospice staff and program received zero deficiencies from the Washington State Department of Health and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services during its Hospice Recertification Survey, meeting all state licensing and federal Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs).
On July 15-17 state surveyors conducted an immediate and rigorous assessment of Heartlinks’ in-home hospice patient care, conditions of participation, and clinical documentation. After the three-day survey, Heartlinks was found to be in substantial compliance meeting all state and federal guidelines for quality hospice care.
“Achieving a deficiency-free survey is an extraordinary recognition of the care and compassion our team delivers every day,” says Heartlinks CEO Shelby Moore. “It reflects our commitment to clinical excellence, compliance, and—most importantly—the well-being of our patients and families.”
State licensing required that Heartlinks’ policies, personnel files, and patient records be reviewed to ensure alignment with WAC 246-335. Surveyors interviewed staff and patients, observed care delivery, and investigated complaints.
For Federal CoPs, surveyors reviewed patient rights, comprehensive assessments, interdisciplinary care planning, and documentation for compliance with 42 CFR Part 418. Heartlinks’ quality assurance performance improvement program, volunteer engagement and training, and the medical director’s role in oversight were also critically evaluated.
“Being survey-ready means maintaining up-to-date policies, thorough documentation, and strong internal review processes to demonstrate that we’re providing safe, effective, and patient-centered care,” says Moore.
Hospice organizations receive an unannounced survey every three years or sooner if there are concerns. The last survey Heartlinks received was in 2022, also receiving zero deficiencies.
About Heartlinks:
Heartlinks provides no-cost hospice care, palliative care, and grief support for adults and children in Benton and Yakima counties. The nonprofit also opened its first Adult Family Home in Sunnyside in the fall of 2024. Heartlinks is funded in part by the generous support of its community.
