When a patient, family, or representative wishes to choose comfort care instead of pursuing life-prolonging treatment, hospice may be considered. If decided upon, the hospice benefit may be elected following an explanation and understanding of the program. The Hospice Medical Director (or the patient’s attending physician should they choose to retain their services) must certify the patient’s life expectancy is unlikely to exceed six months if the illness follows its normal course and that the necessary criteria have been met.