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In 2025, the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) has continued its implementation of strategic initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) across its credentialing programs. From in-depth exam item reviews to national outreach and inclusive resource development, HPCC remains committed to ensuring fairness and inclusivity in all certification processes. The following strategic initiatives reflect the progress HPCC has made and showcase the future direction of its DEIB efforts.

The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) is pleased to announce a call for abstracts for the 2026 HPNA Conference, which will be held May 7-8, 2026, at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, a Disney Resort Property.

HPNA joined several organizations on a Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) letter thanking sponsors of workplace violence prevention legislation.

With more Americans living longer and facing complex health conditions, the need for high-quality palliative care has never been greater. In a move to strengthen the evidence base for serious illness care, the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care (NCHPC) submitted written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, urging continued support for a national palliative care research strategy.

We’re thrilled to share that the Principal Call for Abstracts and Principal Call for Reviewers for the 2026 Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care is officially open! Whether you’re ready to present your ideas on the big stage or contribute your expertise behind the scenes as a reviewer, now’s your chance to get involved.

The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) is thrilled to announce its first ever Corporate Engagement Council (CEC) members, Composing Life Out of Loss and Amity Staffing. By joining the Council, these companies have demonstrated their commitment to supporting innovation and advances in hospice and palliative nursing care education, research, and development.

HPNA’s position, policy, and value statements are reviewed every five years. Prior to approval from the Board of Directors, all new, revised, and updated position or value statements are posted for public comment to allow for opinions relevant to the position or value statement for a 30-day period.

The Nursing Community Coalition is deeply disappointed to see the severe cuts suggested to key domestic and health care programs in the Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 skinny budget. As a broad overview of what will ultimately be included in the Administration’s FY 2026 budget, this initial blueprint stops short in meeting the nation’s growing demand for nursing workforce and research, especially as health care needs in our country continue to grow.

The Call for Applications for the 2026 HPNA/HPNF Board of Directors is now open! Serving on the board offers a unique, meaningful opportunity to broaden your leadership skills while deepening your dedication to hospice and palliative care.

The Call for Applications for the 2026 HPCC Board of Directors is now open! Serving on the board is an excellent way to advance your leadership skills and expand your commitment to the advancement of expert care in serious illness.

HPNA is proud to provide the Hospice and Palliative Care Orientation Guide for RNs and APRNs. This guide was designed to provide an eight-week orientation for early-career nurses or those new to the specialty of hospice and palliative care.

Each week features learning outcomes, acknowledges scope and state practice differences, resource recommendations, assignments, and key takeaways. This guide utilizes several HPNA resources, most of which are free for HPNA members.

The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation recently awarded seven outstanding professionals with a 2025 Sandra Lee Schafer Certification Scholarship. Among the recipients was Jannine Bournias, AGNP-C, a proud member of HPNA and a dedicated Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) from New Jersey.

House Nursing Caucus leaders are circulating a Dear Colleague letter that requests $530 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Nursing Workforce Development programs (Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. As you know, these programs are critical to the nursing community and support nursing students, nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). HPNA needs your help to get as many representatives’ signatures on the letter as possible to make a strong case to Appropriations Committee leaders to support this funding level for FY 2026.

As part of HPNF’s “Nurturing a Community of Caregivers” campaign, we are honored to share the inspiring stories of nurses whose passion and dedication are shaping the future of hospice and palliative nursing care. These professionals—empowered by donor support—are making a profound difference in the lives of patients, families, and communities.