Home Health Care and Hospice Services

Home Health Care was originally certified by the Indiana State Department of Health in 1977 and accredited by CHAP in 1992. Hospice was certified and accredited in 1996. CHAP and the State Department of Health make unannounced visits to assure quality standards are being met.

Home Health Care and Hospice are fully licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health, certified to provide Medicare/Medicaid services. Both also provide care through the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), CHOICE, MAW (Medicaid Waiver), private pay, veterans administration, and commercial insurance.

CHAP Accreditation

The Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) has been accrediting community health organizations since 1965. CHAP's structure supports the belief that quality can be achieved only by meeting the needs of the consumer. CHAP is the only consumer-driven accrediting body and uniquely relies on standards of excellence to assess a home care agency's fiscal viability, patient satisfaction, and strength of management. CHAP is the only accrediting body in the nation that offers full public assess to accreditation findings.

The federal government has formally recognized the important role played by CHAP, ensuring the quality of home health care services provided to Medicare/Medicaid patients.

On May 29, 1992, CHAP was granted "deemed" status for home health care, by the Department of Health and Human Services, becoming the first private accrediting body to be offered this distinctive authority. Home health care and hospice agencies that meet CHAP accreditation standards, will be considered to have meet the federal government's conditions for participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In 2002 Hoosier Uplands Hospice was granted "deemed" status by ISDH, making it the first CHAP accredited "deemed" status agency in the state of Indiana.

Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice was granted continuing CHAP accreditation with a commendation for the monthly health and public safety articles which are written by Melissa Jeremiah, RN, Director of Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice. CHAP accredited organizations must meet stringent standards of care. To earn the CHAP "Gold Seal of Approval," home health care and hospice agencies must demonstrate they continuously strive to improve client care. A CHAP accredited organization meets the highest quality standards in the nation. This means Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice has gone above and beyond what is required of them by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which is the federal agency that regulates home health care & hospices across the country.

Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice have met these four key principles set by CHAP: 1. Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice structure and function support its consumer oriented philosophy, mission and purpose. 2. Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice provides high quality services and products. 3. Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice has adequate human, financial and physical resources which are effectively organized to accomplish its stated mission/purpose. 4. Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice is positioned for long term viability.

At the exit conference Louise Rahmlow, RN, Lead CHAP Surveyor, had very good comments regarding Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice. She stated, "I want to thank everyone for their courtesy, assistance, smiles and for making our work easier and seeing us as team members." She went on to state, "I saw a high level of professionalism with the staff of Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice." In regards to the agency she stated, "I see the drive to continue to provide services and meet the needs of your community. I see that you exist to serve the community and you should be congratulated for that." She went on to state, "In comparison to other agencies you've done really well."

Professional Memberships

Indiana Association for Home & Hospice Care, Inc. (IAHHC)

National Association for Home & Hospice Care (NAHC)

National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)

Val J. Halamandaris, President of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice and Melissa Jeremiah, RN, Director of Operations for Hoosier Uplands Home Health Care & Hospice discussed the state of Home Health Care & Hospice during the Indiana Association for Home & Hospice Care Spring Conference on May 1, 2007.

Mayoral Proclamations for National Home Care & Hospice Month

Joanie King, PR/Market Specialist pictured with City of Salem Mayor Judy Chastain and Phyllis Morris, RN.

Juli King, RN, Hospice Patient Care Coordinator pictured with City of Bedford Mayor Joe Klumpp.

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