Hospice Provider License

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is transitioning all licensing activities to a new electronic licensing system that makes it easier for providers to submit a licensing application, manage, update, renew, and print their license information.

We are excited to announce that the Licensed Hospice Provider and Residential Hospice application process launched Feb. 28. More information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System Help Page.

This page has been updated with information about the new e-Licensing system. Please note that MDH will no longer accept paper applications.

I’m a licensed hospice provider – what do I need to do?

For current hospice provider license holders, MDH has transferred their information to the new Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System where their license will reside. Hospice provider license owners will receive an email communication from the e-Licensing system with instructions and next steps. License holders will receive a renewal notice from the system at least 90 days prior to their expiration date. If all your correspondence from MDH is going through a shared email box, please check your spam folder or ask the staff person who monitors the shared email box for instructions.

Contact information

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Federal Licensing, Certification and Registration team via email at Health.HRD-FEDLCR@state.mn.us or call 651-201-4200.

Have a question about Hospice licensing and certification? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice.

A hospice provider may not operate in the state of Minnesota without a valid license issued by the commissioner.

New applicants for a hospice provider, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System, Hospice Provider License.

New applicants for a residential hospice facility, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System, Residential Hospice License.

More information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System Help Page.

If you are trying to renew your license, please contact the Federal LCR team for help on renewing steps at Health.HRD-FEDLCR@state.mn.us.

To receive a license, a hospice provider must:

1. Provide centrally coordinated core services in the home and inpatient settings and make other services available, which may be provided by employees or contracted staff.
2. Require that medical components of the hospice care program be under the direction of a licensed physician who serves as medical director.
3. Require that the palliative care provided to a hospice patient be under the direction of a licensed physician.
4. Utilize an interdisciplinary team that meets regularly to develop, implement, and evaluate the hospice provider’s plan of care for each hospice patient and the patient’s family. Within 48 hours of admission, a licensee must enter a written service agreement with the patient or the patient’s responsible person describing the cost of services. Services are provided in accordance to the plan of care developed by the interdisciplinary team. Changes in the services provided which do not cause a change in fees do not require a written modification of the service plan agreed to by the patient or the patient’s responsible person.
5. Provide accessible hospice care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
6. Utilize an ongoing system of quality assurance.
7. Require that volunteer services be provided by individuals who have completed a hospice volunteer training program and are trained to provide the services required.
8. Provide a planned program of supportive services and bereavement counseling available to patients and families during hospice care and the bereavement period following the death of the hospice patient.
9. Require that inpatient services be provided directly or by arrangement in a licensed hospital or nursing home or residential hospice.
10. Owner(s) or managerial official(s) completes and are cleared from their background study under Minnesota Statutes, section 144.057 (see Forms and Documents).

These forms are intended to be downloaded and completed by individuals and organizations seeking to be licensed as a hospice program. Use the forms below to apply for an initial license, or to renew your current license. Please read and understand all applicable documents, statutes, and rules listed below before applying for this license.

• A Guide to Hospice Care Services (PDF)  
• Background studies for Controlling Persons and Managerial Officials (PDF)
• Example Form: Certificate of Liability Insurance (PDF). Providers are required to submit evidence of workers’ compensation coverage with their application (initial and renewal); this example shows how the form should be filled out.

Minnesota Statutes, section 144A.75 – Definitions; Service Requirements
Minnesota Statutes, section 144A.751 – Hospice Bill of Rights
Minnesota Statutes, section 144A.752 – Regulation of Hospice Care
Minnesota Statutes, section 144A.753 – Licensure
Minnesota Statues, section 144A.754 – Enforcement
Minnesota Statutes, section 144A.755 – Information and Referral Services

Minnesota Administrative Rules: Chapter 4664, Hospice Services

• Medicare State Operations Manual Chapter 2: The Certification Process (PDF)
• CMS - Survey & Certification - General Information
• Medicare State Operations Manual Appendix M: Guidance to Surveyors: Hospice (PDF)
• Entrance Conference (Federal Evaluation: Hospice) (PDF): Sample form describing the entrance conference portion of an MDH survey of a hospice facility.

These websites provide information about the quality of care at hospice services providers and are intended for consumers who want to learn more about the services offered at each provider.

• Hospice Compare Website (cms.gov)
• Hospice Star Ratings (CAHPS) Survey Results

• Health Care Provider Evaluation and Investigation Results
• Verify a Facility License or Professional Credential
• File a Complaint against a Facility or Professional
• Hospice Bill of Rights

• Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care

• Regional Health Care Preparedness Coordinators (RHPCs)
• Bed Rail Safety for Health Care Providers