National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. It is the largest nonprofit leadership organization in the United States dedicated to improving end-of-life care. Founded in the late 1970s, it represents a vast network of hospice and palliative care programs and professionals across the nation. The organization works to advance its mission through advocacy, education, and the establishment of quality standards for compassionate care for patients and families facing serious illness.

History and founding

The organization was established in 1978, emerging from the modern hospice movement inspired by pioneers like Dame Cicely Saunders in the United Kingdom. Its founding coincided with the early development of the Medicare hospice benefit in the United States, a critical piece of legislation that would shape the field. Key early figures included Florence Wald, often called the mother of the American hospice movement, and other advocates who recognized the need for a unified national voice. The organization's formation provided a crucial platform for collaboration and standardization as the concept of hospice care gained traction following the opening of the first U.S. hospice in New Haven, Connecticut.

Mission and core activities

The core mission is to expand access to high-quality hospice and palliative care for all people facing serious illness. Central to this work is the development and promotion of the Clinical Practice Guidelines and quality standards known as the Standards of Practice for Hospice Programs. The organization operates the Hospice HelpLine, a public service connecting individuals to local care providers. It also administers the We Honor Veterans program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, addressing the unique needs of military veterans at the end of life. These activities are designed to support both care providers and the patients and families they serve.

Organizational structure and membership

Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, the organization is governed by a Board of Directors composed of leaders from the hospice and palliative care field. Its membership encompasses a diverse coalition, including nonprofit and for-profit hospice agencies, palliative care programs, and individual professionals such as physicians, nurses, and social workers. Affiliated groups include the Hospice Action Network, its advocacy arm, and the National Hospice Foundation, which focuses on philanthropic support. This structure allows it to represent the interests of thousands of care providers across all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Public policy and advocacy

A primary function is to serve as the leading advocacy voice for the hospice community before the U.S. Congress, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and other federal agencies. Key advocacy efforts have focused on protecting and strengthening the Medicare hospice benefit, which provides the majority of funding for hospice services in America. The organization's Hospice Action Network mobilizes grassroots supporters to engage with legislators on issues impacting reimbursement, regulatory burdens, and care access. It also provides analysis on proposed rules from the Health and Human Services department and submits formal comments to influence policy.

Education and professional resources

The organization is a major provider of professional education and resources for the field. It hosts the annual Interdisciplinary Conference and the Clinical Team Conference, which are key gatherings for thousands of healthcare professionals. It offers a wide array of continuing education through webinars, online courses, and publications. The organization also provides critical operational tools, such as benchmarking data through the National Data Set and guidance on compliance with regulations from the Joint Commission. These resources are essential for maintaining clinical excellence and operational integrity among member organizations.

Impact and recognition

The organization has profoundly influenced the landscape of end-of-life care in the United States. Its advocacy was instrumental in the creation of the permanent Medicare hospice benefit in 1986 and its subsequent expansions. It has elevated national awareness through campaigns like National Hospice and Palliative Care Month each November. The organization's quality standards and research initiatives, often conducted in collaboration with institutions like the Duke University School of Medicine, have helped establish evidence-based practices. Its work ensures that millions of Americans and their families receive dignified, person-centered care during life's most challenging transitions. Category:Medical and health organizations based in Virginia Category:Hospice care organizations Category:Organizations established in 1978