BOARD MOVES TO COMBAT HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE FRAUD IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY
April 7th, 2026
LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors advanced a motion by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Kathryn Barger to strengthen oversight and enforcement against fraud in the home health and hospice industry, protecting vulnerable residents and restoring trust in critical healthcare services.
The motion comes amid a rise in fraudulent practices by some providers, including billing for care not delivered and enrolling patients using stolen identities—putting patients at risk and undermining the integrity of the healthcare system. In Los Angeles County alone, more than 4,700 home health and hospice agencies are currently operating, with a growing concentration in recent years.
“Fraud in home health and hospice care is not just a financial crime—it is a direct threat to the health and safety of some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Los Angeles County is doing our part and will not allow bad actors to exploit gaps in oversight while patients and families are put at risk. Stronger coordination and accountability across every level of government is essential to protect people and restore trust in these critical services.”
“Hospice and home health care exist to serve our most vulnerable residents, so fraud in these industries is a profound betrayal of their trust,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Los Angeles County cannot stand by while unscrupulous individuals exploit any gaps between local, state, and federal oversight. We must work toward stronger coordination and accountability at every level of government to protect the patients and families who depend on these critical services.”
The motion directs the Department of Public Health to report back with recommendations to improve coordination between local, state, and federal agencies in investigating and enforcing fraud cases. It also calls on the County to formally urge the State of California and the federal government to strengthen oversight, increase enforcement efforts, and improve accountability for accrediting organizations responsible for monitoring a majority of providers.
Currently, many providers operate under a federal “deemed status,” allowing private accrediting organizations—rather than government agencies—to conduct compliance reviews. This structure can limit local oversight and delay investigations, highlighting the need for stronger coordination and transparency across jurisdictions.
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