About PHPCN

The Pennsylvania Hospice and Palliative Care Network was established in 1979 and incorporated in 1980 to provide an organizational structure for hospice programs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The first meeting, held in 1980, was sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Today, PHPCN has grown to more than 200 organizational and individual members state-wide.

PHPCN shapes the future of Hospice and Palliative care in the Commonwealth by:

• Benefiting and supporting the PHPCN membership through education, consultation, technical assistance and opportunities for professional growth;
• Working cooperatively with the legislature, regulatory bodies, and sources of reimbursement to ensure an ongoing viability of Hospice and Palliative care; and
• Endorsing a dynamic approach to the special kind of caring which retains and strengthens the concept and philosophy of Hospice and Palliative care.

In 1998 the Pennsylvania Legislature voted to pass Hospice Licensure to ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to the highest quality and consistent hospice care. As of 1999 all hospices operating in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.