Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a serious or life-limiting illness or injury, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient’s loved ones as well.

At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.

If you need information on regulatory, compliance or quality issues for providers – visit the Regulatory and Quality sections of the website.

Download Choosing a Quality Hospice Worksheet for those looking for guidance in selecting a hospice.

In This Section
History of Hospice

A timeline of the creation and evolution of hospice care.

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Five Ways Hospice Helps Everyday Americans

Hospice is the original model of care that is patient- and family-centered and driven by patient goals.

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Hospice Facts & Figures

Provides statistics and data on the provision of hospice care and access in the US.

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Hospice FAQs

NHPCO offers answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

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Hospice Standards of Practice

Updated in 2022, NHPCO’s Standards of Practice for Hospice Programs is available for download.

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Medicare Hospice Benefit

Established in 1983 to provide Medicare beneficiaries with access to high-quality end-of-life care.

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Models and Demos

NHPCO offers information to members about the various models and demonstration projects that are being explored and are relevant for our members.

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Value of Hospice in Medicare Report

New research conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago and published in March 2023 shows that patients’ use of hospice care contributed to $3.5 billion in savings for Medicare.

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NHPCO Focus on Program Integrity and Oversight

NHPCO has always worked closely with lawmakers and regulators, and with the hospice community, to ensure the ideals at the heart of the hospice model are upheld in the practice of hospice...

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