.03 License Required.

A. A person may not operate or represent itself as operating a hospice care program in this State, without first obtaining a license from the Secretary.

B. Section A of this regulation applies to a home health agency, hospital, related institution, or other licensed facility that operates a hospice care program that is distinct from the other services that it is authorized to provide.

C. Types of Licenses. The Secretary shall require a hospice care program to be licensed as a:

(1) General hospice care program if the hospice care program provides, directly or by contract, home-based or inpatient care involving medical, nursing, or other skilled health services; or

(2) Limited hospice care program if the program provides, directly or by contract, nonskilled hospice services in a home-based setting.

D. A limited hospice care program shall refer patients in need of skilled services to a general hospice care program, or arrange for this care to be provided by an authorized health care provider.

E. Duration of License. A license expires on the third anniversary of its effective date unless it is:

(1) Renewed as provided in Regulation .04 of this chapter; or

(2) Revoked as provided in Regulation .27 of this chapter.

F. A license to operate a hospice care program is not transferable.