(a) An organization licensed as a hospice by the Department of Public Health shall be authorized to (1) operate a hospice facility, including a hospice residence, that provides inpatient hospice services, or (2) provide hospice home care services for terminally ill persons. Such services shall be provided to those patients who would otherwise receive such care from family members. The facility or residence shall provide a homelike atmosphere for such patients for a time period deemed appropriate for home health care services under like circumstances. Any hospice that operates a facility or residence pursuant to the provisions of this section shall cooperate with the Commissioner of Public Health to develop standards for the licensure and operation of such facility or residence.

(b) On and after January 1, 2008, any organization seeking initial licensure as a hospice by the Department of Public Health shall (1) agree to provide hospice care services for terminally ill persons on a twenty-four-hour basis in all settings including, but not limited to, a private home, nursing home, residential care home or specialized residence that provides supportive services, and (2) present to the department satisfactory evidence that such organization has the necessary qualified personnel to provide services in such settings.

(c) No organization may use the title “hospice” or “hospice care program” or make use of any title, words, letters or abbreviations indicating or implying that such organization is licensed to provide hospice services unless such organization is licensed to provide such services by the Department of Public Health.