N.D. hospice care for children lauded

Fargo, N.D. (AP) — Children and young adults up to age 21 with “life-limiting” diagnoses are eligible for North Dakota's Children's Hospice Program, which can serve up to 30 at a time.

The Forum says the number was set after the state Department of Human Services reviewed death records of children in recent years, with the goal of establishing a cap that would serve all children who need the services.

Karen Tescher, Human Services assistant director of medical services, says the budgeted cost is $27,138 per child per year.

Dr. John Thomas, medical director of Hospice of the Red River Valley in Fargo, says North Dakota's program is unusual in that essentially all children are eligible. He says the state deserves a lot of credit.

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