1. In addition to any survey pursuant to sections 197.250 to 197.280, the department may make such surveys as it deems necessary during normal business hours. The department shall survey every hospice in accordance with Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The hospice shall permit the department’s representatives to enter upon any of its business premises during normal business hours for the purpose of a survey.

2. As a part of its survey of a hospice, the department may visit the home of any client of such hospice with such client’s consent.

3. In lieu of any survey required by sections 197.250 to 197.280, the department may accept in whole or in part the survey of any state or federal agency, or of any professional accrediting agency, if such survey:

(1) Is comparable in scope and method to the department’s surveys; and

(2) Is conducted in accordance with Title XVIII of the Social Security Act for initial application or renewal of the hospice’s certificate.

4. The department shall not be required to survey any hospice providing service to Missouri residents through an office located in a state bordering Missouri if such bordering state has a reciprocal agreement with Missouri on hospice certification and the area served in Missouri by the agency is contiguous to the area served in the bordering state.

5. Any hospice which has its parent office in a state which does not have a reciprocal agreement with Missouri on hospice certification shall maintain a branch office in Missouri. Such branch office shall maintain all records required by the department for survey and shall be certificated as a hospice.