One team, one plan of care
Our care team
Hospice care is given by a team, not by one person. Medicare requires every hospice to have an interdisciplinary group that includes a doctor, a registered nurse, a social worker and a counselor. Hospice aides, volunteers and other staff work with them. The team writes one plan of care with the patient and family, and reviews it on a regular schedule as needs change.
Reviewed by our medical director, September 24, 2026
On this page (6 sections)
What is a hospice interdisciplinary team?
Federal hospice rules (42 CFR 418.56) require each hospice to name an interdisciplinary group. At a minimum it includes a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, a registered nurse, a social worker, and a pastoral or other counselor. The group works with the patient, the family and the patient's own doctor to write an individual plan of care.
A registered nurse on the team is named to coordinate the plan, so that the nurse, aide, social worker and chaplain are working from the same information. The team reviews and updates each plan of care as often as the person's condition requires, and at least every 15 days.
Who is on the team and what each person does
Hospice doctor and medical director
Certifies eligibility with the person's own doctor, oversees the medical side of the plan of care, and guides the team on symptom control.
The medical director's roleYour own doctor (attending physician)
You can keep the doctor you choose as your attending physician. That doctor works with the hospice doctor on the plan.
RN case manager
A registered nurse who assesses pain and other symptoms, adjusts the plan with the doctor, teaches family caregivers, and coordinates the rest of the team.
Licensed vocational nurse (LVN)
Provides nursing care and symptom checks under the direction of the registered nurse.
On-call nurse
A hospice nurse answers the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can visit when needed.
Hospice aide
Helps with bathing, dressing, skin care and other personal care. A registered nurse writes the aide's instructions and checks on the aide's work.
Medical social worker
Helps with emotional strain, family communication, advance directives, community resources and practical planning.
Chaplain or spiritual counselor
Offers spiritual support for any faith or none. Only if the person or family wants it.
Bereavement coordinator
Plans grief support for family before and after a death, for 13 months after a death.
Bereavement supportVolunteers
Trained volunteers offer companionship, short breaks for caregivers and help in the office.
Volunteer with usDietary counselor and therapists
Dietary counseling, and physical, occupational or speech therapy, are arranged when the plan of care calls for them.
How often does the team visit?
There is no fixed number. Visits are set by the plan of care and change as the person's needs change. Some people see a nurse once or twice a week when symptoms are steady and much more often when they are not. Family or hired caregivers provide day-to-day care between visits. See what hospice provides and the four levels of care.
Who leads Beta's team?
| Role | Name and credentials |
|---|---|
| Administrator | Gina Allain, RN |
| Medical director | Oscar Chien, MD, California physician license A54999 |
| Director of patient care services | Gina Allain, RN |
| Chief operating officer | Jack Demirchyan |
| Contact for bereavement questions | Jackie Melkonyan |
| Volunteer program | Ask the main office at (909) 347-7000 to be connected |
We list names only with each person's approval. Clinical credentials are worded as they appear on the person's California license. Languages spoken across the team: English, Spanish, Russian, Armenian and other languages. Ask us to confirm a language match for the clinician assigned to you when care is arranged.
How the team works with facility staff
We care for people wherever they call home, including nursing facilities, RCFEs (residential care facilities for the elderly) and board-and-care homes, in coordination with facility staff. The hospice team manages the hospice plan of care. Facility staff keep providing the daily care they already provide. See hospice in assisted living.
Common questions
Can we ask for a different nurse or aide?
Yes. Tell the RN case manager or call the office. You have the right to be involved in your plan of care and to voice concerns without fear of reprisal. See patient rights.
Do we have to accept a chaplain visit?
No. Spiritual care is offered, never required. The same is true of volunteer visits.
Who do we call at night or on a weekend?
The same main number. A hospice nurse answers the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can visit when needed.
Does the hospice team replace family caregivers?
No. Hospice staff visit, teach and support. They are not in the home all day and night. During a short symptom crisis, more intensive care may be provided when medically necessary.
About this page
- Written by
- Beta Hospice care team
- Clinically reviewed by
- our medical director
- Last reviewed
- September 24, 2026
- Next review
- March 24, 2027
How we write and review this site
Sources
- 42 CFR 418.56: Interdisciplinary group, care planning and coordination of services (opens in a new tab)
- 42 CFR 418.76: Hospice aide and homemaker services (opens in a new tab)
- 42 CFR 418.64: Core services (opens in a new tab)
- Medicare.gov: Hospice care coverage (opens in a new tab)
These sources support the general information on this page. For one personās care and coverage, talk with the hospice team.
You do not have to decide alone.
Call (909) 347-7000 any time, or leave your number and someone from Beta's hospice team will call you. No decision is needed to call. Most families start with a question.
Only a hospice doctor, together with the personās own doctor, can confirm hospice eligibility. A website cannot.
- A nurse answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- You can stop hospice at any time
- You have the right to choose your hospice