The following information is obtained during the referral and/or admission process and is considered "essential information" to determine a patient's eligibility for the program:

• The patient meets the criteria per Medicare and National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Guidelines, with a limited life expectancy and/or a chronic illness, for which there is no cure.
• The patient and the patient's family desire and need hospice service
• The patient and the caregiver(s) either desire or only have the option of palliative rather than curative care or treatment.