Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice
A hospice in Charleston, Illinois 61920
700 W Lincoln Ave, Ste 100, Charleston, Illinois 61920. (800) 454-4055.
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The short answer
Record last released by CMS on Oct 23, 2026.
- 8 deficiencies cited in the last three years
- 5of 5 family caregiver rating
- 10of 10 CMS’s Hospice Care Index
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean3
- Star ratings
- CMS rates some kinds of place from 1 to 5 stars, more stars meaning better on CMS’s own measures for that kind: for a nursing home, its health inspections, staffing and quality measures. A rating is CMS’s summary of those measures; it doesn’t promise good care. Source: CMS, Care Compare and the Five-Star Quality Rating System.
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
What did inspectors find?
8 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 7 hospices serving ZIP code 61920 had 5.
The last inspection on record was on Nov 7, 2025: a reaccreditation inspection by The Joint Commission.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, Hospice ZIP Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
When those deficiencies happened
8 deficiencies in 1 month of the last 36. Last cited Nov 2025. Most serious: Standard-level. The last 3 years, to Oct 27, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Nov | Dec | ||||||||||
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each deficiency, as cited
Rule titles as CMS’s inspectors cite them, set in sentence case.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Nov 7, 2025: reaccreditation inspection by The Joint Commission8 deficiencies
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EP Training Program (42 CFR 418.113(d)(1)(i))
“Observed in Record Review. The organization had not included volunteer staff in its emergency management training. In 2 of 2 volunteer records reviewed, the organization had not documented emergency management training consistent with their roles and responsibilities in an emergency. This finding was discussed with the volunteer coordinator.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c)(4))
The inspectors’ words, 397 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 12 of 14 active patient records reviewed, .it was noted the organization failed to ensure that the hospice plan of care plan includes all services needed for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and related conditions, including medications and treatment necessary to meet the patient’s needs. Upon review of the records, multiple PRN pain medication ordered to be given for pain without specifying which PRN medication should be administered based on defined parameters. For example, in HOSRRHV#1 Morphine concentrate 20 mg/ml 0.25 ml PO as needed every 2 hours for pain; Norco 5-325 mg 1 tablet PO as needed every 4 hours for pain. Also noted in record HOSRRHV#2 Acetaminophen 325 mg 2 tablets PO every 6 hours for pain ; Tramadol 50 mg 1 tablet PO PRN every 6 hours for breakthrough pain. In addition, oxygen was ordered to be administered at 2 LPM via NC, however, it did not specify if it is for PRN or continuous. HHRRHV#3, Morphine Sulphate 20 mg/ml 0.25 ml PRN every 2 hours for pain and Norco 5 mg-325 mg tablet oral 1-2 tablet PRN every 4 hours for pain. HOSRRNHV#1; Acetaminophen 325 mg 2 tablet PRN every 4 hours for pain; Morphine Concentrate 20mg/dl 0.25 ml every 2 hours PRN for pain. HOSRRNHV#2- Acetaminophen 500 mg 2 capsule PRN every 6 hours PRN Morphine Concentrate 20mg/ml 0.25 ml every 2 hours PRN for pain; HOSRRNHV#3- Acetaminophen 325 mg 2 tablet PRN every 4 hours for pain; Morphine Concentrate 20mg/dl 0.25 ml every 2 hours PRN for pain. HOSRRNHV#4- Acetaminophen 325 mg 2 tablet PRN every 4 hours for pain; Morphine Concentrate 20mg/dl 0.25 ml every 2 hours PRN for pain. HOSRRNHV#6 - Morphine Concentrate 20 mg/ml oral PRN every 2 hours for pain Lidocaine 4% topical patch PRN every 12 hours for mild pain. HOSRRNHV#7- morphine concentrate 20 mg/ml 0ral 0.25 ml- 1ml every 2 hours PRN for pain , Tylenol 325 mg every 4 hour PRN for pain. HOSRRNHV#8-Morphine Concentrate Tramadol 50 mg 1 tablet PO PRN every 6 hours for pain, Hydrocodone 10 mg-Acetaminophen 325 mg 1 tablet PRN every 4 hours for pain. Lastly, HOSRRNHV#9 - Tylenol 325 mg 2 tab PRN every 4 hours for mild pain, Morphine Concentrate 20 mg/ml oral PRN every 2 hours for pain. This finding was discussed and validated by the hospice Director.”
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Counseling services (42 CFR 418.64(d)(1)(iv))
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 4 bereavement records reviewed, the organization was not able to validate that bereavement services were offered and provided to or declined by the bereaved. This was evidenced by the lack of a bereavement care plan. This finding was discussed with hospice leadership.”
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Hospice aide assignments and duties (42 CFR 418.76(g)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 145 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 9 of 9 active patient records with hospice aide services, it was noted the organization had failed to ensure that the written patient care instructions for a hospice aide must be prepared by a registered nurse who is responsible for the supervision of a hospice aide. For example, in record of HOSRRHV#1, HOSRRHV#3,HOSRRHV#4, HOSRRNHV#1, HOSRRNHV#2, HOSRRNHV#4, HOSRRNHV#5, HOSRRNHV#8, Aide was assigned to monitor pulse, respiration, and blood pressure on every visit. However, the hospice aide care plan did not include written instructions specifying when the aide should report abnormal vital sign readings to the RN based on established parameters. Lastly, HOSRRNHV#9, patient was placed on oxygen continuously. Upon review of the aide care plan, the box where it says may remove oxygen while having personal care, was not marked off. This finding was discussed and validated by the hospice Director.”
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Hospice aide assignments and duties (42 CFR 418.76(g)(2)(ii))
The inspectors’ words, 117 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 3 of 9 active patient records reviewed with hospice aide services, it was noted the organization failed to provide services that are included in the plan of care. For example, in review of record HOSRRNHV#1, the Aide failed to provide incontinence care and toilet assist as instructed in the POC. No explanation or reason documented in the clinical record. Another example in HOSRRNHV#3, the hospice aide did not perform respiration and pulse. No explanation was documented. HOSRRNHV#8, Aide did not provide nail cleaning and filing as per aide care plan. No explanation documented. This finding was discussed and validated by the Hospice Director.This finding was discussed and validated by the hospice Director.”
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Discharge or transfer of care (42 CFR 418.104(e)(2)(i))
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 2 live discharge records reviewed, it was noted the organization failed to ensure that the hospice agency provides the patient’s attending physician with a copy of the hospice discharge summary. For example, upon review of record HOSRRDC#1, the patient had been discharged from hospice services due to extended prognosis; however, there was no evidence documented that hospice discharge summary was sent to the physician. This finding was discussed and validated by the Clinical Supervisor.”
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Use and mintenance of equipment and supplies (42 CFR 418.106(f)(2))
The inspectors’ words, 104 words
“Observed in Patient Home. In 1 of 3 patients with home oxygen therapy, it was noted the organization failed to ensure that the patient/family member receives instruction in the safe use of durable medical equipment and supplies. For example during home visit conducted (HOSRRHV#4) multiple oxygen tanks stored in closet with empty boxes, 2 folded wheelchairs and 1 pillow on top of the cylinders. The clinical staff was informed of the issue; however, the nurse did not take any action , such as reinforce education/teaching, by the staff. This finding was discussed and validated by the Clinical Supervisor who was present during the visit.”
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N/a (42 CFR 418.110(d)(1)(i))
“Observed in Document Review. During document review it was determined that annual fire door inspections had not been performed as required. This was verified by the maintenance team during document review.”
All 2 inspections in the last three years
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 7, 2025 | Reaccreditation inspection by The Joint Commission | 8 deficiencies cited |
| Jul 11, 2024 | Complaint inspection by the state | No deficiencies cited |
Is it certified?
- Medicare-certified hospice since Aug 10, 1999.
- Ownership: non-profit.
- No For hospices, home health agencies, hospitals and dialysis facilities, CMS writes deficiencies at two levels. Standard is the usual one; condition-level is the more serious, when a problem is serious enough that the provider doesn’t meet a whole condition of taking part in Medicare. Source: CMS, State Operations Manual. deficiency or CMS’s most serious finding: the place’s failure to meet a rule caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to someone in its care. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 489.3. on record in the last three years.
CMS, Hospice General Information. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Has anything been proven against it?
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospices, so none are shown.
- 0 deficiencies cited in the last three years came from inspections that included a complaint investigation.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Who does the caring?
- From Medicare claims (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024): 22.7 nurse care minutes per routine home care day, 9.8% of skilled nursing minutes at weekends and a visit near death for 94.3% of patients who died.
- Where its patients were cared for (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024): 41% at home, 8% in assisted living, 45% in a nursing facility, 6% in an inpatient hospice.
CMS, Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | This provider |
|---|---|
| Nurse care minutes per routine home care day | 22.7 min |
| Skilled nursing minutes at weekends | 9.8% |
| Visits near death | 94.3% of patients who died |
Who owns it?
- Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System owns 100% directly since Apr 25, 1983.
- 22 owners or officers are people: Steve L Childers (corporate director, 0%); Lee Taylor (corporate director, 0%); Mike Genta (corporate director, 0%); James E Zimmer (corporate director, 0%); Jay Gatrell (corporate officer, 0%); Dale Boyer (corporate director, 0%); Josh Bullock (corporate director, 0%); Dennis J Pluard (corporate officer, 0%); Dennis J Pluard (managing employee (on the payroll), 0%); Lucas L Catt (corporate director, 0%); Sean Fischer (corporate officer, 0%); John M Caltry (managing employee (on the payroll), 0%); Didi E Omiyi (corporate director, 0%); Barbara J Hall (corporate director, 0%); Kimberly A Uphoff (corporate officer, 0%); Kimberly A Uphoff (managing employee (on the payroll), 0%); Jennifer Garrison (corporate director, 0%); Jay M Markwell (corporate director, 0%); Alan D Metzger (corporate director, 0%); Holly Adams (corporate director, 0%); Fatima Alao (corporate director, 0%); Michael Radliff (corporate director, 0%).
- No private-equity firm among the owners CMS lists.
- No real-estate investment trust among the owners CMS lists.
CMS, Hospice All Owners and Hospice Enrollments. Released Sep 29, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Organisation | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System | Owns 5% or more directly | 100% | Apr 25, 1983 |
What do families say?
- Family caregivers rate it 5 of 5 in CMS’s survey (Oct 1, 2023 to Sep 30, 2025): 89% rated it 9 or 10 out of 10, and 90% would definitely recommend it.
- CMS’s Hospice Care Index: 10 of 10 (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
- 97.14% of patients were assessed on all seven of CMS’s measures at the start of care (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025); 71.2% had visits from a nurse or social worker on at least 2 of their last 3 days (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
CMS, CAHPS Hospice Survey and Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | Rating |
|---|---|
| Family caregiver survey ratingCMS star rating from its survey of patients’ family caregivers, 1 to 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Hospice Care IndexCMS’s Hospice Care Index, 0 to 10 (higher is better): a point for each of ten measures from Medicare claims on which the hospice meets CMS’s threshold | 10 of 10 |
How does it compare nearby?
- Of the 7 hospices CMS’s data show serving patients in ZIP code 61920, where this hospice’s office is, the middle number of deficiencies cited in the last three years was 5; this one had 8.
CMS, Hospice ZIP Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Place | Deficiencies, 3 years |
|---|---|
| Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice This hospice | 8 |
| Carle Hospice | 0 |
| Traditions Health | 6 |
| Hshs Hospice Illinois | 3 |
| Gentiva | 10 |
| Transitions Hospice Central Illinois LLC | 5 |
| Haven Hospice Il, LLC | 3 |
What the record doesn’t say
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospices, so none are shown.
- Only complaints that led to a citation appear; complaints that didn’t aren’t published.
- CMS ended its Special Focus Program for hospices with serious problems on Feb 14, 2025, so no hospice is marked as one.
- Hospice quality measures have a gap from October 2025: CMS replaced its patient assessment then, and public results from the new one (HOPE) are expected around November 2027.
Sources
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice General Information (yc9t-dgbk).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice Provider Data (252m-zfp9).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CAHPS Hospice Survey (gxki-hrr8).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, QCOR hospice inspection reports (Hospice Survey Reports - Oct 2021 through Sep 2026.xlsx).
Released Oct 23, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice All Owners (e983965e-1603-4cb8-82b5-c40090e380d1).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice Enrollments (25704213-e833-4b8b-9dbc-58dd17149209).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice ZIP Data (95rg-2usp).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: CMS. CMS’s own record is on Care Compare. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Oct 27, 2026.
From the hospice
The public record above comes first. Anything the hospice adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the hospice will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the hospice”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.