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This web section shares the latest news, trends, and events relevant to Metro DC Chapter social workers, including press releases, policy and issue statements, professional and licensing updates, training announcements, advocacy action alerts, research updates, and other information.

The Metro DC Chapter is one of 55 chapters of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the largest association of professional social workers in the United States. Our nearly 1,000 members serve all populations, including children, adolescents, families, older adults, immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, and others. They also serve clients in every DC ward and work setting, as well as in the DC metropolitan area such as Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland.

If you are a member of the media seeking an interview, comment, or answer to questions, please contact Executive Director Debra Riggs, CAE, at driggs.naswdc@socialworkers.org.


Medical Social Workers: CMS News Regarding Post-Acute Care Quality Reporting Programs, Hospice Visits in the Last Days of Life


In February 2022, the National Quality Forum (NQF) endorsed the claims-based measure, Hospice Visits in the Last Days of Life (HVLDL) as NQF #3645. NQF is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership-based organization that facilitates an evidence- and consensus-based approach to endorsing quality measures.

HVLDL reflects the proportion of hospice patients who received in-person visits from a registered nurse or a medical social worker on at least 2 of the final 3 days of life. HVLDL is the re-specified measure replacing the HIS-based Hospice Visits When Death is Imminent (HVWDII).

Public reporting for HVLDL will begin in May 2022 and will replace public reporting of HVWDII. More information, including a link to the NQF website, can be found on the HQRP Quality Measure Development webpage, announced the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).