Hospice of the Panhandle Taps New CEO; New Strategy Director Appointed at Unity Hospice

Hospice of the Panhandle Promotes New CEO from Within West Virginia-based Hospice of the Panhandle has appointed Chief Clinical Officer Nikki Bigiarelli as its new CEO. Bigiarelli will work alongside its current CEO Margaret Cogswell before she retires on June 1, 2023. Cogswell has led the organization for the past 36 years. As Bigiarelli takes […]

Former VITAS Manager Becomes VP of Operations; Hawaii E.D. Doc Turns Hospice Medical Director

Former VITAS Manager Returns to Fill Operational VP Role Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHEM) subsidiary VITAS Healthcare recently named Laury Bliss as its new vice president of operations in southern California. She returns to the company after nearly three years at the helm of San Diego-based The Elizabeth Hospice as its chief strategy officer. Prior to […]

Hospices, Health Systems Expand Pediatric Palliative Care, Hit Staffing Barriers

A contingent of health care providers across the country are making new investments in pediatric palliative care, but building these programs is no easy feat. Many hit obstacles such as a dwindling workforce, limited access to training and a generally poor understanding of children’s specific needs. Though a rising number of hospices and other providers […]

Senate Bill Would Boost Hospice Respite Care During COVID-19

U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) have introduced new legislation that would allow hospice patients to receive respite care in their homes during a national emergency, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would also extend the allowable length of stay to 15 days, up from the current limit of […]