Aquinas Hospice of Missouri
A hospice in Kansas City, Missouri 64102
1600 Genessee, Suite 610, Kansas City, Missouri 64102. (816) 945-7107.
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The short answer
Record last released by CMS on Oct 23, 2026. We couldn’t read Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ list since Oct 27, 2026: qcor.cms.gov now refuses our reader. This record is as of then.
- 14 deficiencies cited in the last three years
- Not rated family caregiver rating
- 8of 10 CMS’s Hospice Care Index
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean2
- 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?
14 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 2 hospices serving ZIP code 64102 had 16.5.
The last inspection on record was on May 21, 2026: 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
14 deficiencies in 1 month of the last 36. Last cited May 2026. 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.
May 21, 2026: reaccreditation inspection by The Joint Commission14 deficiencies
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Content of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(c)(5))
The inspectors’ words, 118 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 10 patient records reviewed, the organization failed to ensure the comprehensive assessment and reassessment identified the patient’s need for hospice care and services. On review of RRNHV#7 the patient was admitted to service with a chronic wound to the heel. There was no documentation of a comprehensive wound assessment noted on the admission visit. There was mention of the wound but no documentation of a description of the size, character, odor, drainage, or surrounding skin as required. On the follow up visit two days later the LVN did not assess the wound. The first wound assessment documented was noted 5 days after admission. This observation was reviewed with the Hospice Administrator.”
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Update of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(d))
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 10 patient records reviewed, the organization failed to ensure the hospice interdisciplinary group update the comprehensive assessment no less frequently than every 15 days. In review of RRNHV#6 there was a 17 day gap in the RN comprehensive assessment visits from March to April and no documentation of an update of the comprehensive assessment by the RN in corresponding IDG meeting for that time period. This observation was reviewed with the DON, and Administrator.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c))
The inspectors’ words, 285 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 6 of 10 patient records reviewed, organization failed to ensure the plan of care reflect the patient and family goals that were specific, measurable, and time bound. On review of RRNHV#10 the goals established were not noted to be specific, measurable and time bound. For example a goal was Wound healing will be optimal. The goals were established on admission in February and had the same target dates in June. In RRNHV#9 an example was Maintenance of respiratory baseline s as evidenced by breathing at optimal level within disease parameters. In RRNHV#8 there were interventions for medication management and urinary elimination yet no goals established. In RRNHV#7 the goals were not individualized as all nursing goals had the same target date at the end of July. In RRNHV#6 a goal read Patient’s cardiovascular status is stable as disease progression allows. In RRNHV#5 the goal of Patient/caregiver verbalize demonstrate proper catheter care was established on admission in April with a target date in October. These observations were reviewed with the DON and Administrator. Observed in Patient Home. In 3 of 3 patient records reviewed, the organization failed to ensure the plan of care reflect the patient and family goals that were specific, measurable and time bound. On review of RRHV#3 the goal was Optimal activity level achieved and maintained within base line respiratory and energy parameters; TargetDate:6/30/2026 On review of RRHV#3 the Patient’s nutritional needs will be met as patient’s condition/comfort allows; TargetDate:6/30/2026 On review of RRHV#2 the goal Patient will demonstrate ability to cope with limitations;TargetDate:4/15/2026 On review of RRHV#1 the goal Pt/caregiver will demonstrate use of mechanical respiratory device(s);TargetDate:3/23/2026 This was reviewed with the DON, Administrator and Executive Director.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 210 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 4 of 10 patient records reviewed, the organization failed to ensure the plan of care (POC) include all services needed for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and related conditions. On review of RRNHV#10 there was documentation of the patient will issues of pain and decreased appetite yet no care plans established to guide the care. There was documentation the patient/family was seeking respite yet the issue was not reflected in the care plans. Further the patient was on Lantus and Insulin daily and that the family was monitoring blood glucose but no care plan for diabetes management. There were antibiotics for an infection in March yet the infection was not reflected in the POC. IN RRNHV#5 there was documentation of weight loss, UTI, Nausea, and issues with orthostatic hypotension yet there were no care plans established to guide the care for the issues. In RRNHV#7 the Certificate of Terminal Illness noted issues with weight loss, poor appetite, and dysphagia yet no care plan established to address the issues. In RRNHV#6 the was documentation of multiple UTI’s and a fall but no care plans established to address the infections or fall safety. These observations were reviewed with the Administrator, Executive Director, and DON.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c)(4))
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 10 patient records reviewed, the organization failed to ensure the plan of care (POC) include all services needed for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and related conditions. On review of RRNHV#6 there was documentation of an assessment of 2 wounds on admission yet there were no orders for the treatment of the wounds nor a care plan opened to guide the care of the wounds noted on the record. This observation was reviewed with the DON, Administrator, and Executive Director.”
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Counseling services (42 CFR 418.64(d)(1)(iv))
“Observed in Record Review. In 2 of 2 patient records reviewed, for bereavement services, the organization failed to ensure the bereavement plan of care note the kind of bereavement services to be offered and the frequency of the service delivery. On review of RRBR#1, and RRBR#2 there was a bereavement plan of care established yet the care plan did not specify the kind of bereavement services nor the frequency of the service delivery. This observation was reviewed with the Bereavement Coordinator , DON and Executive Director.”
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Competency evaluation (42 CFR 418.76(c)(5))
“Observed in HR File Review. In 1 of 7 HR files reviewed, the organization failed to maintain documentation that demonstrated staff competence was assessed and documented annually per policy. On review of HR#3 for the Medical Director (MD) there was no documentation of competency assessment annually as required. For the MD there was no competency assessment for 2024, and 2025. This observation was reviewed with the HR Staff and Administrator.”
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Hospice aide assignments and duties (42 CFR 418.76(g)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 195 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 3 of 9 patient records reviewed, receiving aide services, the organization failed to ensure written patient care instructions for the hospice aide were prepared by the registered nurse. On review of RRNHV#10 the documentation noted the patient with multiple wounds with wound treatments yet the aide plan of care there were no specific instructions for how the aide was to handle the patient’s wounds/treatments while providing care. In RRNHV#7 the patient had a wound with wound treatment yet there were no instructions for the aide regarding the wound. In RRNHV#6 the aide plan of care noted to give bath each visit but did not specify what type of bath was to be given. These observations were reviewed with the DON, Executive Director, and Administrator. Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 10 patient records reviewed, the hospice surveyor noted during the home visit that patient had a Peg Tube, Foley and Tracheostomy, however; the aide POC did not provide specific instruction regarding how the Aide was to handle the Peg Tube, Foley and Tracheostomy while care was provided. This was discussed and reviewed with the DON administrator and Executive Director..”
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Supervision of hospice aides (42 CFR 418.76(h)(1)(i))
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 9 patient records reviewed, with hospice aide services provided, the organization failed to ensure the RN supervise the hospice aide during an on-site visit to the patient’s home no less frequently than every 14 days. On review of RRNHV#6 there was a 17 day gap in aide supervisory visits documented between March and April. There was 22 day gap from April to May. These observations were reviewed with the DON, and Administrator.”
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Level of activity (42 CFR 418.78(e))
“Observed in Tracer Activities. During the volunteer program session and review it was noted the organization failed to provide day to day administrative and/or direct patient care services in an amount that, at a minimum equal 5% of the total patient care hours of all paid hospice employees and contract staff. Documentation showed the organization providing less than 4% volunteer time for 2024, less than 1% for 2025 and no volunteer hours logged so far for 2026. This observation was reviewed with the Volunteer Coordinator, and Leadership.”
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Professional management responsibility (42 CFR 418.100(e)(3))
“Observed in Competency Session. In 1 of 3 contracts reviewed, the organization failed to ensure the written agreement with an outside agency providing contracted services for the hospice included all required areas. The contract for DME failed to include a stipulation that services were to be provided only with the authorization of the hospice and delivered in accordance with the patient’s plan. This observation was reviewed with the DON, and Administrator.”
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Content (42 CFR 418.104(a)(3))
“Observed in Record Review. the hospice surveyor noted that there was incomplete documentation regarding the PRN medication for pain—it was missing the scale for why the medication should be administered. For example: On RRDC#2 0237CJ acetaminophen500mgoral tablet; Take2tab(s) orally every 8hours as needed [Comments: Do not exceed more than 4,000mg in 24 hours TOTAL (with Percocet)] StartDate:05/08/2026 In addition, On RRDC#2 0237CJ Pain Percocet 325mg-5mgoral tablet; Take1-2tab(s) orally every4hours as needed [Comments: Pain] Start Date: 05/07/2026 This finding was reviewed and discuss with the Director of Clinical Services.”
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Discharge or transfer of care (42 CFR 418.104(e)(1)(ii))
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 2 patient records reviewed, the hospice surveyor noted during the RRDC#1 0223 CN, the organization did not provide summary of care to receiving facility when patient was transferred to the receiving facility as required by the organization’s policy and procedure No 2-070.1 Revision dated April 2019. This finding was discussed with the director of clinical services.”
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Criminal background checks (42 CFR 418.114(d)(1))
“Observed in Competency Session. In 1 of 3 contracts reviewed, the organization failed to ensure the written agreement with an outside agency providing contracted services for the hospice include all required areas. On review of the contract for DME there was no stipulation that hospice contracts require that all contracted entities obtain criminal background checks on contracted employees who have direct patient access or access to patient records. This observation was reviewed with the DON and Administrator.”
The one inspection in the last three years
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | Reaccreditation inspection by The Joint Commission | 14 deficiencies cited |
Is it certified?
- Medicare-certified hospice since Aug 18, 2020.
- Ownership: for-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): 13 nurse care minutes per routine home care day, 7.1% of skilled nursing minutes at weekends and a visit near death for 96.6% of patients who died.
- Where its patients were cared for (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024): 76% at home, 17% in assisted living, 7% in a nursing facility.
CMS, Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | This provider |
|---|---|
| Nurse care minutes per routine home care day | 13.0 min |
| Skilled nursing minutes at weekends | 7.1% |
| Visits near death | 96.6% of patients who died |
Who owns it?
- Home Health and Hospice Holding Company LLC owns 100% directly since Jun 1, 2025.
- 18 owners or officers are people: Jason Grundstrom (corporate director, 16.66%); Jessica L Kalender-Rich (corporate director, 16.66%); Bradley A Appl (corporate director, 16.66%); Christopher K Wilson (corporate director, 16.66%); Allison A Stewart (corporate director, 16.66%); Clay T Appl (corporate director, 16.66%); Gunnar J Appl (owns 5% or more through other companies, 14%); Cory Matthew Appl (owns 5% or more through other companies, 14%); Bradley A Appl (owns 5% or more through other companies, 14%); Allison A Stewart (owns 5% or more through other companies, 14%); Clay T Appl (owns 5% or more through other companies, 14%); Jason Grundstrom (corporate officer); Bradley A Appl (corporate officer); Zackary K Appl (corporate officer); Ann Kurtz (managing employee (on the payroll)); Eileen M Orel (corporate officer); Eileen M Orel (managing employee (on the payroll)); Gloria Soendker (managing employee (on the payroll)).
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Hospice Holding Company LLC | Owns 5% or more directly | 100% | Jun 1, 2025 |
| Appl Holdco, Inc. | Owns 5% or more through other companies | 70% | Jun 1, 2025 |
| Cambridge Ventures, LLC | Owns 5% or more through other companies | 30% | Jun 1, 2025 |
| University of Kansas Hospital Authority | Owns 5% or more through other companies | 29.7% | Jun 1, 2025 |
What do families say?
- CMS gives no family caregiver survey rating: “The number of cases is too small to report Star Ratings.”
- CMS’s Hospice Care Index: 8 of 10 (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
- 98% of patients were assessed on all seven of CMS’s measures at the start of care (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025); 53.8% 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 | Not rated |
| 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 | 8 of 10 |
How does it compare nearby?
- Of the 2 hospices CMS’s data show serving patients in ZIP code 64102, where this hospice’s office is, the middle number of deficiencies cited in the last three years was 16.5; this one had 14.
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 |
|---|---|
| Aquinas Hospice of Missouri This hospice | 14 |
| Novus Lifecare | 19 |
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.