Policies

Preamble

To join the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) is to commit to work in accordance with its ethical standards and to encourage the development and implementation of the ethical standards within the hospice and palliative care community.

HPNA’s Ethical Standards of Conduct embody aspirational ethical standards. The aspirational ethical standards describe the conduct that individuals strive to uphold as HPNA members. Although adherence to the aspirational ethical standards is not easily measured, conducting themselves in accordance with these ethical standards is an expectation that members have of themselves as health care professionals. Among the aspirational ethical concepts HPNA embraces are those of respect, responsibility, fairness, and honesty.

• Respect is demonstrating a high regard for one’s self, others, and the resources entrusted to them. Those resources may include people, money, reputation, the safety of others, and natural or environmental resources. An environment of respect engenders trust, confidence, and performance excellence by fostering mutual cooperation – an environment where diverse perspectives and views are encouraged and valued.
• Responsibility is taking ownership for the decisions one makes or fails to make, the actions one takes or fails to take, and the consequences that result.
• Fairness is making decisions and acting impartially and objectively. A member’s conduct must be free from competing self-interest, prejudice, bias, and favoritism.
• Honesty is understanding the truth and acting in a truthful manner both in one’s communications and in one’s conduct.

Core Ethical Standards

As an HPNA member, one should aspire to:

• Respect and uphold public laws that govern one’s work;
• Be honest in conducting the member’s business and work;
• Respect the confidentiality of information gained through one’s work;
• Act fairly;
• Foster an ethical culture through one’s work; and
• Take responsibility for one’s conduct.

Store Policy

HPNA is committed to providing the highest quality information to advance expert care in serious illness. As a result, HPNA invites you to take a moment and browse the items available to you in the Shop. Any questions about a publication or an existing order can be directed to HPNA at info@hpna.org.

All publication sales are final and non-refundable. 

Member Discount

The HPNA member discount is only available to HPNA members purchasing HPNA publications and products for their own use and not for resale, distribution or other sharing. Members found purchasing HPNA publications and products with the member discount for the purpose of reselling will lose their right to future discounts and may be subject to discipline.

International Shipping

Canadian Customers
Orders will be shipped UPS Standard at a rate of 20% of the order total. Packages are subject to customs clearance charges, including duties, taxes, and brokerage fees, which are to be paid by the recipient upon receipt of the package. These charges are levied by the carrier and/or government, and none of these fees are paid to or collected by HPNA.

International Customers (Not Including Canada)
Please contact info@hpna.org for a shipment quote.

Shipping Exceptions

Orders to APO/FPO addresses, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories will be shipped by USPS Priority Mail.

Your privacy is a priority for the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) and its related entities including the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) and the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC). HPNA, HPNF, and HPCC are collectively referred to herein as HPNA. To maintain efficient service while respecting your privacy and protecting any personal information you share with us, HPAN has adopted and adheres to the following Privacy Policy. This privacy policy is incorporated into and is a part of the Website Teams and Conditions of Use Agreement  owned and operated by HPNA on behalf of itself, HPNF, and HPCC. Specifically, this privacy policy covers the following topics:

• Children’s Information
• Information Collection
• Information Use
• Information Sharing
• External Links
• Access to and Control of Information
• Data Security
• Data Retention
• Data Transfer
• Privacy Policy Updates
• Acceptance of Privacy Policy Terms
• Contact Information 

Children’s Information
The website and our services and products are not directed towards children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with information without parental consent, that information will be deleted from our records. 

Information Collection
This privacy policy applies to information that HPNA collects (i) on the website, (ii) through other platforms used in connection with the services and products that we provide, and (iii) by telephone, email, text message, letter, or other methods of communication. When you use our services or products (including, without limitation, sitting for an exam, attending a conference or webinar, etc.) we collect (i) information provided voluntarily and (ii) information collected automatically, as described in detail below. Please note that you may decline to share your personal information with us, in which case we may not be able to provide you with certain services or products. 

Information Provided Voluntarily

• Visitor or Member Information: We will collect personal information that you provide to us, including, but not limited to, your name, employer’s name, job title, mailing address(es), email address(es), telephone number(s), fax number, photograph, and date of birth. Such information is necessary to facilitate your access to, use of, purchase of, or participation in our service and product offerings, including, but not limited to: membership, events, meetings, or conferences; educational programs; and online forums. 
  
• Payment Information: If you choose to purchase a product or service, we and/or our third-party payment processors will collect your payment information, including, but not limited to, your credit or debit card number, card verification value (CVV) number, and expiration date. 
  
• Enrollment, Registration, and Order Forms: In order to enroll in or register for an HPNA program or exam, to attend an HPNA event, meeting, or conference, or to request or order an HPNA product or service, you may be required to fill out a registration or order form and provide personal information, which we will use to process your registration or order. In certain circumstances, a program, event, meeting, or conference accessed through the website may be jointly sponsored or co-sponsored with another organization(s), and enrollment or registration may or may not be handled by HPNA. In the event enrollment or registration is not handled by HPNA, this privacy policy will not apply – instead, such third party’s privacy policy will apply and be controlling. Please note that HPNA is not responsible for the privacy policies of such other organizations or their collection, use, sharing, or other processing of your personal or other information, and HPNA hereby disclaims any liability or responsibility in connection therewith. 

Information Collected Automatically

• Automated Information: Your web browser or mobile device automatically provides information when you visit the website, including, but not limited to, your internet protocol (IP) address or unique device identifier. 
  
• Cookies: Cookies are pieces of stored information on a user’s computer or device that are used to provide smoother navigation throughout the website, such as to store a saved password; to identify user trends, such as page views; and for other internal purposes such as to assess the effectiveness of the website. You will be asked to consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this privacy policy when you visit the website. You have the option of setting your computer to disable cookies or to alert you when cookies are being used. If you choose to disable cookies, please be aware that portions of the website may not function properly.
  
• Log Files: Log files store information such as a user’s IP address, browser type, Internet Service Provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, platform type, date/time stamp, and number of clicks. Like most websites, the HPNA, HPNF, and HPCC website uses log files to analyze trends, administer the website, and track users’ movement on the website. 

Information Use
HPNA uses the information that we collect to provide our services and products and to operate our business. We may use and store such information for legitimate and lawful business purposes, for example, in order to:

• provide a service or product you requested;
• secure your membership status;
• fulfill your membership benefits;
• analyze, evaluate, and improve member and prospective member needs and interests, and improve the member and prospective member experience;
• notify you of HPNA, HPNF, or HPCC official business, news, activities, programs, events, meetings, conferences, services, products, and benefits;
• track exam, event, meeting, and conference attendance;
• track education and certification related activities;
• prepare invoices and process payments;
• respond to communication and inquiries that you send to us;
• respond to a notice of alleged copyright infringement;
• promote the function, safety, and security of our services; and
• for other legitimate and lawful business purposes. 

For individuals located in the European Economic Area, we rely on multiple legal bases to collect, use, share, or otherwise, process your personal data, including that:

• you have a given consent, which you may withdraw at any time;
• it is necessary for us to perform a contract with you;
• it is necessary for us to comply with legal obligations;
• it is necessary for our or a third party’s legitimate interests;
• it is necessary for us to perform a task in the public interest or for our official functions; and/or
• it is necessary to protect someone’s life.

To the extent we rely on our legitimate interests as a legal basis to collect, use, share, or otherwise process your personal data, those interests include: providing a product or service you requested; securing your membership status; fulfilling your membership benefits; analyzing, evaluating, and improving member and prospect member needs and interests; notifying you of HPNA, HPNF, or HPCC official business, news, activities, programs, events, meetings, conferences, services, products, and benefits; tracking event, meeting, and conference attendance; tracking education related activities; preparing invoices and processing payments; responding to communications and inquiries that you send to us; responding to a notice of alleged copyright infringement; and promoting the function, safety, and security of our services. 

Information Sharing
Personal information may be given to a third party in order to complete a specific business transaction on behalf of HPNA. Such transactions include the following:

• Your name and contact information, as provided to HPNA, may be shared with HPNA’s partners or other members to provide a service, satisfy a question, or develop a prospective business relationship. We are not responsible for members’ use or misuse of your personal information.
  
• Your name and contact information, as provided to HPNA, may appear on registration or attendee lists distributed at HPNA programs, events, meetings, and conferences to other attendees and third parties, including, but not limited to, exhibitors or sponsors. We are not responsible for use or misuse of your personal information by exhibitors, sponsors, or the like. 
  
• We may share your personal information with third-parties that provide services to HPNA including, but not limited to, administration/operation support; marketing, promotions, and communications; program, event, meeting, or conference enrollment, registration, planning, hosting, or management; website hosting; database management; payment card processing; or other data processing. 
  
• No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
  
• We may disclose personal information if we become subject to a subpoena, court order, or law enforcement or other government agency inquiry or investigation or if we are otherwise legally required to disclose such information. We also may use and disclose information about you to establish or exercise our legal rights to enforce the Website Terms and Conditions of Use Agreement, to assert and defend against legal claims, or if we believe such disclosure is necessary to investigate, prevent, or take other action regarding actual or suspected illegal or fraudulent activities or potential threats to the physical safety or well-being of any person. 
  
• If all or part of HPNA (or HPNF or HPCC) is merged into or otherwise transferred to another entity, we may transfer the personal information you provide to us to such entity as part of that transaction. 

External Links
There are external links to other websites throughout the website. Please not that HPNA is not responsible for the privacy policies of those other websites and hereby disclaim any liability or responsibility in connection with such linked websites.

Access to and Control of Information
HPNA takes your privacy and the protection of your personal information seriously, and we will provide you with reasonable access to and control of the personal information that you have provided with us. You may request to update your personal information or to opt in to or opt out of any service offerings at any time. 

For individuals located in the European Economic Area, you may have additional rights concerning your personal data, such as to access, obtain a copy of, correct, or delete that information or to withdraw your consent or object to the collection, use, sharing, or other processing of that information. To make any requests with respect to your personal information, please contact HPNA as set forth below in the Contact Information section. 

Data Security
We employ reasonable security measures to protect your personal information. Online registration and information, such as payment card information, will be secured using a commercially accepted method of encryption. However, please be aware that no method of electronic transmission is completely infallible, and we cannot guarantee its absolute safety. If you become aware of any breach of website security, please contact us immediately. 

Data Retention
HPNA retains your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected as set forth in this privacy policy, unless otherwise required by law. We will retain and use information as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and as otherwise set forth in this privacy policy. 

Data Transfer
If you are visiting the website from outside the United States, please we aware that you are sending information, including personal data, to the United States where our servers are located. That information may then be transferred within the United States or to other countries outside the United States other than your country of residence. Countries other than your country of residence, including the United States, may have data privacy and protection laws that differ from, and potentially provide less protection than, the applicable laws in your country of residence. 

To the extent that HPNA may be deemed to have transferred personal data outside of the European Economic Area, we rely on multiple legal bases for doing so. For individuals located in the European Economic Area, by providing your personal information, you consent to our use of it in accordance with this privacy policy, including the transfer of your information across international boundaries to jurisdictions anywhere in the world as permitted by applicable law. In addition, we will obtain separate and explicit content from individuals located in the European Economic Area in connection with the provision of certain services that involve the transfer of personal data. Finally, when transferring the personal data of individuals located in the European Economic Area, we will use the standard contractual data protection clauses adopted by the European Commission, which provide safeguards for the transfer of such data, in connection with the provision of certain services that involve such transfers. 

Our collection use, sharing, and other processing of your personal information will at all times be governed by this privacy policy.

Privacy Policy Updates
Should any changes be made to this privacy policy, we will post them on this page with an appropriate explanation.

Acceptance of Privacy Policy Terms
Using the HPNA website indicates your acceptance of our privacy policy. Your continued visits to the HPNA website after changes are posted to this policy will signify your acceptance of those changes.

The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) and its related entities including the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) and the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) maintain this website as a service to their members and other interested parties. For purposes of these Terms of Use, HPNA, HPNF, and HPCC are collectively referred to herein as HPNA.

• Agreement. By using the website, you agree to this Website Terms and Conditions of Use Agreement (Terms of Use or Agreement). HPNA reserves the right to change these Terms of Use from time to time. The current Terms and Conditions of Use will always be posted on the website, and you may view it at any time through the link at the bottom of any public page of the website. 
  
• Description of Service. The website consists of several sections, some of which have restricted access (e.g. the Login section). An Access Agreement for an individual, restricted access section may be viewed by clicking on the link provided on its login page. 
  
• Intellectual Property. The entire contents and design of the website, including all trademarks, logos, trade names, documents, databases, graphic representations, and other information are the property of HPNA, or are used by HPNA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws, whether or not a notice of copyright, trademark, or other proprietary rights appears on the screen displaying the information. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of the website may save and use information contained on the website only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing, of website information may be made without the prior written permission of HPNA, which may be requested by contacting HPNA at info@hpna.org. 
  
• Limitations of Liability. In no event shall HPNA, HPNF, HPCC or their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, members, staff, or agents be liable for any damages of any kind, including, without limitations, any special incidental, indirect, or consequential damages, whether or not advised of the possibility of such damages, and on any theory of liability whatsoever, arising out of, or in connection with, the use or performance of the website or any content appearing on the website. 
  
• Disclaimer. HPNA makes no warranty, guaranty, or representation regarding the accuracy, content, completeness, reliability, operability, or legality of information contained within the website, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular use, and non-infringement of proprietary rights. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented within the website are for general information only. Unless specifically stated otherwise, HPNA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on the website, and information from the website should not be referenced in any way to imply such endorsement or approval. Moreover, HPNA makes no warranty that the website or the server that makes it available, is free from viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. HPNA expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on, or inability to use the website or the information presented on the website. In any jurisdiction that does not permit such a disclaimer of liability, HPNA’s liability shall be limited to the greatest extent allowed by applicable law. 
  
• External Links. Links or pointers connecting the website with other internet sites are provided as a courtesy only and do not imply, directly or indirectly, the endorsement, sponsorship, or approval by HPNA of the linked sites, the organization or individual operating the linked site, or any product, service, individual, or organization referenced in the linked site. In general, any website that has an address (or URL) that does not contain advancingexpertcare.org is a linked site. The content of any linked site does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of HPNA. Linked sites are not under the control of HPNA and HPNA is not responsible for the content of any linked site, any links contained within a linked site, any changes or updates to such sites, or the compliance with applicable laws of such linked sites. 
  
• DMCA Notice and Takedown Procedures. HPNA abides by the federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by responding to notices of alleged infringement that comply with the DMCA and other applicable laws. As part of its response, HPNA may remove or disable access to material on the website that is claimed to be infringing, in which case, HPNA will make a good-faith attempt to contact the person who submitted the affected material so that person may make a counter notification, also in accordance with the DMCA. By posting material to the website, the posting party represents and warrants that he or she owns the copyright with respect to such material or has received permission from the copyright owner. In addition, the posting party grants HPNA and users of the website the nonexclusive, unrestricted, royalty-free right and license to display, copy, publish, distribute, transmit, print, and use such information or other material. Anyone who believes that material posted on the website infringes on his or her copyrighted work should refer to the Procedures for Requesting Removal of Infringing Material. 
  
• Choice of Law and Forum. This Agreement is entered into and performed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States of America, and is governed by the laws of Pennsylvania, exclusive of its choice of law or conflict of laws provisions. In any claim or action directly or indirectly arising under this Agreement or related to the website, each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state courts located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, or the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, whichever has jurisdiction, and each party waives any jurisdictional, venue, or inconvenient forum objections to such court. 
  
• Privacy Policy. Please click the link to review the terms of the HPNA Privacy Policy, which is incorporated in these Terms of Use by reference and made a part hereof.
   
• Complete Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement are held by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction not to be enforceable, then such provisions shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect. These Terms of Use supersede any other statements included elsewhere on the website that are inconsistent or conflict with these Terms of Use. 
  
• Amendments. HPNA reserves the right to modify or change the terms and rules for use of the website as they determine from time to time in the best interests of HPNA. Use of the website constitutes the user’s continuing agreement to be bound by these Terms of Use, as they are amended from time to time. 

Procedures for Requesting the Removal of Infringing Material 
The owner of a copyrighted work (or the agent for the owner) who believes that material posted on this website infringes on the copyrighted work may request that the allegedly infringing material be removed from the website by notifying HPNA’s designated agent for such purposes. The notice of alleged copyright infringement must:

• Identify in sufficient detail the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed;
• provide the electronic or physical signature of the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on the owner’s behalf;
• include a statement by the copyright owner or authorized agent that he or she has a good faith belief that the disputed use is unauthorized;
• include a statement that the information contained in the request is accurate and an attestation, under penalty of perjury, the requesting party is the copyright owner or authorized agent; and 
• include the copyright owner or authorized agent’s name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address. 

A notice of alleged copyright infringement may be submitted to HPNA’s designated copyright agent by mail or email as set fourth below:

Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
400 Lydia Street, Suite 103
Carnegie, Pennsylvania, 15106
Telephone: 412-787-9301
Email: info@hpna.org

Please note that anyone who submits a false notice and materially misrepresents that content on the website is infringing may be liable for damages, including court costs and attorneys’ fees. Upon receiving a proper notice, HPNA will remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing material and promptly notify the alleged infringer of the owner’s claim. HPNA also will advise the alleged infringer of the statutory counter-notification procedure described below by which the alleged infringer may respond to the claim and request that his or her material be restored. 

Anyone who believes his or her own copyrighted material has been removed by HPNA from the website as a result of mistake or misidentification may submit a written counter-notice to HPNA’s designated copyright agent. To be effective, a counter-notice must:

• identify the material that has been removed or disabled and the location at which the material appeared before it was removed or disabled;
• include a statement consenting to the jurisdiction of the Federal District Court in which the submitting party’s address is located, or if the address is outside the United States, for any judicial district in which the service provider may be found; 
• include a statement that the submitting party will accept service of process from the party that filed the notice of alleged copyright infringement or the party’s agent;
• provide the submitting party’s name, address, and telephone number; 
• include a statement under penalty of perjury that the submitting party has a good faith belief that the material in question was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification of the material to be removed or disabled; and 
• include the submitting party’s physical or electronic signature.

A counter-notice may be submitted to HPNA’s designated copyright agent by mail or email as set forth below:

Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association 
400 Lydia Street, Suite 103
Carnegie, Pennsylvania 15106
Telephone: 412-787-9301
Email: info@hpna.org

The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) and its related entities including the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) and the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC), together own, operate, and sponsor member-only online communities and social media sites that offer users valuable opportunities to communicate, solicit advice, share experiences, and participate in ongoing discussions. 

The online communities and social media sites (together, the social media sites) offered by HPNA, HPNF, and HPCC exist to provide a forum for the exchange of information exclusively related to palliative care and the practice of hospice and palliative nursing. Your adherence to this Online Community and Social Media Use Policy (Policy) will ensure respectful and productive dialogue and the future of these online communities for all members. For purpose of this Policy, HPNA, HPNF, and HPCC are collectively referred to herein as HPNA. 

By joining and participating in the online communities and social media sites offered and maintained by HPNA, you agree that you have read and agree to the terms of this Policy.

Rules of Conduct

• DO use social media sites to discuss issues related to palliative care and the practice of hospice and palliative care nursing.
  
• DO comply at all times with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Posts should not disclose the name or other identifying features of any patient or in any way reveal protected health information (PHI or e-PHI).
  
• DO use caution when discussing or reviewing products, devices, pharmaceuticals, or research. Your posted comments are subject to defamation and antitrust laws.
  
• DO use your Special Interest Group (SIG)-registered email address when posting or otherwise communicating on the social media sites. Only members using SIG-registered email addresses can post questions or responses on social media. 
  
• DON’T blindly rely on opinions expressed or responses posted on social media sites. Such information should not be considered medical or professional advice, practice guidelines, or support for an intervention or course of treatment for a particular patient or clinical scenario.
  
• DON’T post messages, ask questions, or solicit information that could be construed as an attempt to fix prices, set salaries or compensation, establish profit margins, restrain trade, or affect terms or conditions of trade.
  Messages that encourage or facilitate an agreement about the following subjects are inappropriate: prices, discounts, or terms or conditions of sale; salaries, reimbursement rates or other compensation matters; profits, profit margins, or cost data; market shares, sales territories, or markets; allocation of customers/patients or territories; or selection, rejection, or termination of customers, patients, or suppliers. 
  
• DON’T discuss issues, matters, or cases involved in or related to anticipated, threatened, or actual litigation. 
  
• DON’T post any pictures, drawings, photographs, articles, or other material unless you own the copyright or have received permission from the copyright owner. By posting such materials you are granting HPNA and the users of the social media sites the nonexclusive right and license to display, copy, publish, distribute, transmit, print, and use them. Other participants have the right to reproduce posts. 
  
• DON’T use social media sites to circulate unsolicited messages, chain letters, or to conduct surveys of any kind. 
  
• DON’T use social media sites to promote any product or service, or to distribute commercial messages of any kind. 
  
• DON’T post jobs or employment-related announcements on social media sites. Direct such messages to HPNA’s Career Center. 
  
• DON’T advertise or post links to research studies unless approved by the HPNA Research Committee. Contact info@hpna.org to seek approval for research study distribution. 
  
• DON’T post anything that you would not want the world to see or that you would not want anyone to know came from you. Posts are not confidential and could be disseminated by other participants. 
  
• DON’T use the social media sites to support or oppose political candidates or activity, or to otherwise promote any activity contrary to the purposes of HPNA.
  
• DON’T post any defamatory, discriminatory, abusive, profane, threatening, offensive, or illegal comments or materials. 
  
• DON’T challenge, bully, or attack others. Comments should only stimulate conversation, not create contention. 

Etiquette

• Include a signature tag on all messages. Include your name, affiliation, location, and email address to facilitate responses. 
  
• State concisely and clearly the topic of your comments in the subject line. That allows members to respond more appropriately and makes it easier to search the archives by subject. 
  
• Include only the relevant portions of the original message in your reply. Delete any header information and put your response before the original posting. 
  
• Only send a message to the entire list using “Reply All” when it contains information of benefit to everyone. 
  
• Send messages such as “thanks for the information” or “me, too” to individuals – not to the entire list. Do this by using the “Reply to Sender” link to the left of every message. 
  
• Notify fellow social media site participants of lengthy messages either in the subject line, or in the beginning of the message body, with the phrase, “Long Message” or similar. 
  
• Send attachments to the entire group upon request.
   
• Use the HPNA Member Portal or visit the HPNA SIG Community website for Special Interest Group (SIG) discussions. Refer to the HPNA SIG Community Quick Start Guide for detailed instructions on communicating within SIG communities. 

HPNA, HPNF, and HPCC reserve the right to (i) remove any postings for any reason; and to (II) suspend or terminate access to the social media sites for anyone who violates this policy. If you have questions about this policy, please contact communications@hpna.org. 

Privacy

• Information provided by members, certificants, or other users (collectively, users) to HPNA or that HPNA collects about users accessing or using its social media sites is subject to our privacy policy, which is incorporated by reference and available at advancingexpertcare.org/privacy-policy. 
• All users must respect the privacy rights of others. The disclosure by any member of third-party personal information (e.g., addresses, telephone numbers) is prohibited. 
• HPNA’s social media sites are provided for the exclusive use of HPNA members and other authorized users. Users are responsible for maintaining the privacy of their account information and must not share personal account information or otherwise allow use of or access to HPNA’s social media sites by non-members or other unauthorized parties. 

Legal

HPNA sponsors and provides social media sites as a service for its members, certificants, and other authorized users. The views expressed on any social media site are those of individual users. They do not and should not be construed as representing the views of HPNA, HPNF, or HPCC. Neither HPNA, HPNF, nor HPCC are responsible for the opinions or information posted on any social media sites by others. we disclaim all warranties with regard to information posted on any social media sites, whether posted by HPNA, HPNF, HPCC, or any third party or users; this disclaimer includes all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness. In no event will HPNA, HPNF, or HPCC be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from the use or reliance on the information posted on any social media site, or loss of use, data, or profits, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of any information posted. 

HPNA, HPNF, and HPCC disclaim any responsibility to maintain copies of any information posted on any social media site or to assure that such information is deleted. Unless specifically stated otherwise, neither HPNA, HPNF, nor HPCC endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on any social media site, and information from any social media site should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. 

Do not post any information or other material protected by copyright without the permission of the copyright owner. By posting material, you warrant and represent that you own the copyright with respect to such material or have received permission from the copyright owner. 

While HPNA does not actively monitor all social media sites for inappropriate posts and does not undertake editorial control of postings, HPNA retains the right to do so. In the event that any inappropriate post is brought to the attention of HPNA, we will take all appropriate action including, without limitation, the removal of posts, information, or other materials that we believe do not comply with the terms of this Policy or that are not in the best interests of HPNA or its related entities. 

HPNA reserves the right to (i) terminate access to any user who does not abide by this Policy, and (ii) exercise its discretion to modify or otherwise revise this Policy from time to time, upon issuing timely notice to members and other authorized users of any changes. 

The following disciplinary procedures govern disciplinary proceedings of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (“HPNA”) conducted to consider alleged violations by HPNA members of HPNA’s bylaws, code of ethics, policies, rules, or regulations (collectively, “Policies”).

The Complaint and Initiation of Proceedings

1. Complaints against an HPNA member (a “Respondent”) may be submitted only by (i) an HPNA member in good standing or (ii) a member of the HPNA staff (each a “Complainant”) who reasonably believes that the Respondent to be in violation of the HPNA Policies. Complaints must (i) be submitted within one (1) year of the occurrence of the alleged violation; (ii) be submitted in writing to the HPNA chief executive officer; (iii) be signed by the Complainant; (iv) include a detailed description of the alleged violation as well as specific references to the activities or conduct supporting the complaint; and (v) include the Complainant’s authorization to forward the complaint to the Respondent and any third parties that the chief executive officer, Board of Directors, or its designees deem(s) relevant.
2. Upon receipt of a complaint, the chief executive officer will refer the complaint to the President. The President will review the complaint in consultation with the chief executive officer and HPNA legal counsel and determine whether formal consideration by an ad hoc committee appointed by the President (the “Disciplinary Committee”) is appropriate. If the President determines that the complaint does not warrant such consideration, the President will so notify the Complainant and the chief executive officer, and the matter will be closed. Complaints that are not in compliance with HPNA’s Policies or these disciplinary procedures, or which could not be the basis for disciplinary action by HPNA if proven will be returned to the Complainant and will not be considered.
3. If the President determines that the complaint warrants formal consideration by a Disciplinary Committee, the President will appoint (i) three (3) individuals to serve on such Disciplinary Committee; and (ii) one member of the committee to serve as the chair (“Chair”). The Disciplinary Committee will be supported by the chief executive officer or their designee(s). The sole purpose of the Disciplinary Committee is to review specific complaints brought in accordance with these disciplinary procedures and to perform the duties and responsibilities set forth herein. Members of the Disciplinary Committee must agree to maintain the confidentiality of all committee proceedings, discussions, and work by signing a confidentiality agreement in the form required by HPNA. Members of the Disciplinary Committee may not (i) have a relationship to any of the parties involved in the matter, (ii) have prior knowledge of the substance of the complaint, or (iii) be currently serving on the HPNA Board of Directors.
4. If the President refers a complaint to the Disciplinary Committee, the Disciplinary Committee will determine (with the assistance of HPNA staff and legal counsel) whether the complaint warrants a full investigation. Copies of all materials supporting the allegations will be furnished to each member of the Disciplinary Committee. If the Disciplinary Committee determines that the complaint does not warrant a full investigation, the Chair will so notify the President, the Complainant and the chief executive officer, and the matter will be closed.
5. If the Disciplinary Committee determines that the matter warrants a full and formal investigation, the Chair will notify the Respondent in writing that (i) a complaint has been filed against them, (ii) an investigation will be conducted, and (iii) they will be advised of the results. Such notice must be sent by either overnight carrier (with evidence of delivery) or certified mail, (return receipt requested) to the address listed for the member in HPNA’s records. The Respondent will be sent the full set of materials which were furnished to the members of the Disciplinary Committee which constitute the allegations and the supporting evidence. The Chair will further notify the President and the chief executive officer that an investigation is in progress. The Respondent will then have thirty (30) days from the date such notice was sent to prepare written responses and/or exhibits applicable to the allegations and submit them to the Disciplinary Committee. In the event the Respondent submits protected health information to the Disciplinary Committee, such information must be de-identified prior to submission. Protected health information that has not been de-identified will be returned without review or consideration in the absence of patient consent or an exception to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act’s privacy regulations.

Investigation and Hearing

1. In conducting the investigation, the Disciplinary Committee may obtain the assistance of HPNA staff and consult with HPNA legal counsel whenever, in its judgment, such consultation is necessary or appropriate. In addition, the Disciplinary Committee may contact the Complainant, the Respondent, witnesses, and other relevant parties to obtain additional information, as it deems necessary in its sole discretion.
2. The Disciplinary Committee may, but need not, conduct a hearing as part of its investigation. However, no adverse action may be taken against a Respondent without having first afforded them the opportunity for a hearing before the Disciplinary Committee. If the Disciplinary Committee determines that the complaint does not warrant a hearing, the Chair will notify the Respondent, the President, the chief executive officer and the Complainant, and the matter will be closed. 
3. If the Disciplinary Committee determines that a hearing is warranted, the Chair will notify the Respondent in writing (by overnight carrier with evidence of delivery or certified mail with return receipt requested) of the time and place of the hearing, which hearing will be held no less than thirty (30) days after the date such notice is sent.
4. The Disciplinary Committee has authority to establish rules and procedures for conducting the hearing and may hold the hearing in person, via teleconference, or by other electronic means, as it determines in its sole discretion. The hearing date, time, or location set by the Disciplinary Committee will not be subject to change for the convenience of the Respondent. If the hearing is held in person, the Respondent must appear in person (at Respondent’s sole cost and expense). A hearing may be postponed, recessed, or reconvened for good cause in the sole discretion of the Disciplinary Committee. A Respondent who declines or fails to attend a hearing for which they have been provided adequate notice shall be deemed to have waived their right to appear, and the Disciplinary Committee will still proceed, considering the previously submitted material furnished by the Respondent.
5. During the hearing, the Respondent will have full access to the evidence against them and will have the right to: (i) appear at such hearing with legal counsel (at Respondent’s sole cost and expense), (ii) rebut the information produced by the Disciplinary Committee, (iii) present witnesses, and (iv) submit pertinent evidence. No new matter, evidence, or witness may be introduced by either the Disciplinary Committee or the Respondent in the hearing if they have not been previously disclosed in the documents supporting or denying the allegations.
6. The Disciplinary Committee may have HPNA legal counsel present at any such hearing to advise on issues of procedure and, under appropriate circumstances, to present the Disciplinary Committee’s position on a disciplinary matter. Attendance at the hearing will be limited to the Disciplinary Committee members, the HPNA’s legal counsel, HPNA staff, the Respondent (and their legal counsel), witnesses, and other parties subject to the Chair’s discretion.

Decision

Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the Disciplinary Committee will convene in closed session (with the presence of the HPNA’s legal counsel) to determine whether the Respondent has engaged in conduct for which disciplinary action is warranted. Members of the Disciplinary Committee may only consider evidence or testimony introduced in conjunction with the hearing, although they may rely on their own expertise and professional experience in evaluating the testimony of witnesses or issues raised.

1. If the Disciplinary Committee determines that disciplinary action should not be taken, the matter shall be closed, and the Chair will notify the Respondent, the Complainant, the President, and the chief executive officer.
2. If the Disciplinary Committee determines that the Respondent has engaged in activity in violation of the HPNA’s Policies, the Disciplinary Committee will recommend that disciplinary action be taken. Such a determination will be in writing and will set forth the Disciplinary Committee’s findings and recommended disciplinary action.
3. The Chair of the Disciplinary Committee will notify the following individuals of the Disciplinary Committee’s decision: the Respondent (by overnight carrier with evidence of delivery or certified mail with return receipt requested), the Complainant, the President, and the chief executive officer. Further, the Chair will notify the Respondent of the procedures for filing an appeal.
4. The Respondent shall have the right to appeal the Disciplinary Committee’s decision. If the Respondent fails to submit a request for appeal to the HPNA within thirty (30) days following the Respondent’s receipt of notice of the Disciplinary Committee’s decision, the Board of Directors will take action to approve the Disciplinary Committee’s decision and recommendation.

Appeal

1. If the Respondent submits an appeal, the Board of Directors will review the findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee, considering only the evidence upon which the decision was based.
2. The Respondent will be given at least thirty (30) days’ notice (which will be delivered by overnight carrier with evidence of delivery or certified mail with return receipt requested) of the time and place of the meeting at which the Board of Directors will consider the appeal. The Respondent will have the right to appear before the Board of Directors and/or be represented by legal counsel (at Respondent’s sole cost and expense) to present reasons why the Disciplinary Committee’s decision should not be accepted and approved by the Board of Directors.
3. The Board of Directors has the authority to establish rules and procedures for conducting the appeal and may hold the appeal in person, via teleconference, or by other electronic means, as it determines in its sole discretion. The appeal date, time, or location set by the Board of Directors will not be subject to change for the convenience of the Respondent. If the appeal is held in person, the Respondent must appear in person. An appeal may be postponed, recessed, or reconvened for good cause in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. A Respondent who declines or fails to attend an appeal for which they have been provided adequate notice shall be deemed to have waived their right to appear.
4. Upon the conclusion of its review, the Board of Directors, by a majority of those present at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present, will affirm, reject, or modify the decision of the Disciplinary Committee. The decision of the Board of Directors will be final.
5. The President will notify the following individuals of the Board of Directors’ decision: the Respondent (by overnight carrier with evidence of delivery or certified mail with return receipt requested), the Complainant, the Chair of the Disciplinary Committee, and the chief executive officer.

Forms of Discipline

The disciplinary measures which may be imposed upon a member may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

1. Censure
   • Private: a written letter of censure advising the Respondent that they have been found guilty of the conduct and/or the violation or violations charged, which expresses appropriate concern and warns of the potential for more severe sanctions if a future violation occurs.
   • Public: a written letter of censure similar in form to (i) above, which may be published in summary form or otherwise by HPNA.
2. Probation: The member may lose their ability to (i) serve on the Board of Directors and HPNA’s committees and task forces and (ii) speak at and/or attend HPNA conferences and educational events for a defined period. The fact of the member’s probation may be published by HPNA.
3. Expulsion: The member is expelled from HPNA, and they shall lose all rights of membership in HPNA and all rights to speak and/or attend HPNA conferences and educational events. After a period of five (5) years, the member may reapply for membership at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The fact of the member’s expulsion may be published by HPNA.

Resignations

1. Resignations must be submitted in writing to HPNA in accordance with the Bylaws. Resignations are effective when accepted by the Board of Directors or its designee(s).
2. If a member resigns after commencement of an investigation, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion, delay or refuse to accept the resignation and proceed with the investigation. If the Board of Directors accepts the resignation, the procedures will be designated and recorded as follows: “Resignation of member accepted while under investigation.” Then the investigation will terminate.

Immediate Disciplinary Action

1. All HPNA members have an affirmative obligation to promptly inform the chief executive officer in the event of any of the following:
   • Any licensing authority revokes, suspends, or otherwise restricts a member’s license to practice or takes any other disciplinary action against a member.
   • A member voluntarily surrenders their license to practice while a proposed disciplinary action by any licensing authority is pending against such member.
   • A member is indicted or convicted of a felony or pleads guilty or “nolo contendere” to a felony (together with subsections (A.i) and (A.ii) above. This is referred to as “legal action.”
2. In the event of legal action, the HPNA membership of the individual in question may be terminated, suspended, or otherwise restricted, or HPNA may take other disciplinary action against the member, in accordance with the provisions set forth below. Failure to promptly report an adverse action against one’s license to practice or a felony indictment/conviction/guilty plea/”nolo contender” plea against the member will constitute separate grounds for disciplinary action.
3. The chief executive officer (or their designee[s]) shall obtain from the appropriate governmental authorities a reasonable form of verification of the disciplinary action taken by a licensing authority; the surrender of license; or the felony indictment, conviction, or plea. A felony indictment against a member means any type of felony charge (i.e., either by criminal complaint or grand jury indictment.)
4. After obtaining the verification referred to in subsection (C) above, the chief executive officer (or their designee[s]) will notify such member in writing (by overnight or certified mail, return receipt requested), setting forth the relevant facts and informing the member that their HPNA membership will be terminated or suspended, or that the member will be subject to other disciplinary action, thirty (30) days after said notice unless the member provides, within that thirty (30)-day period, information indicating, to the satisfaction of the chief executive officer, that the information on which the membership termination or suspension or other disciplinary action is to be based is erroneous or that there is some other compelling reason to defer or modify HPNA’s decision.
   In such event, the chief executive officer (with the assistance of HPNA legal counsel and HPNA staff) will conduct such additional investigation as they deem appropriate. Following such investigation, the chief executive officer may, if all information obtained so warrants: (i) issue another notice of membership termination, suspension, or other disciplinary action; or (ii) the Chief Executive Officer may, in their discretion, defer or modify HPNA’s decision based on a finding that the initial information obtained by HPNA was erroneous, or if compelling circumstances so warrant.
   The chief executive officer’s final action in such cases shall be subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
5. If the factual basis for membership termination, suspension, or other disciplinary action, set forth in a notice pursuant to subsection (D), above, is not challenged (on grounds satisfactory to the chief executive officer) by the member in question within thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice, the membership in question will be immediately terminated or suspended, or other disciplinary action will immediately take effect, as applicable, upon the expiration of said thirty (30)-day period.
6. If the legal action is based upon revocation of a license to practice, then the disciplinary action taken shall be termination of HPNA membership. An individual whose membership is so terminated may not apply for readmission to HPNA until their license to practice has been reinstated or at least two (2) years have elapsed after the date of such termination, whichever is greater.
7. If the legal action is based upon suspension of a license to practice, then the action taken shall be suspension of HPNA membership, and that suspension of HPNA membership shall extend until the end of the period for which the license to practice is suspended. Upon the conclusion of that suspension period, the member in question shall automatically return to the membership status which they held prior to the suspension, provided that suspension of HPNA membership pursuant to this subsection will not preclude HPNA from taking additional disciplinary action, pursuant to other provisions of these disciplinary procedures, on the basis of the same actions or events giving rise to such automatic suspension.
8. If the legal action is based upon another type of license restriction or disciplinary action, a voluntary surrender of license, an indictment or conviction of a felony, or a guilty plea or plea of “nolo contendere,” then the action taken pursuant to this section shall be any of the available disciplinary actions set forth in this Section VII, including but not limited to termination or suspension. An individual whose membership is terminated under this subparagraph may not apply for readmission to HPNA less than two (2) years after the date of such termination. If the action taken pursuant to this subsection is suspension of HPNA membership, the suspension shall extend for such period as the chief executive officer recommends and the Board of Directors determines to be warranted by the facts and circumstances. Upon conclusion of that suspension period, the member in question must petition for reinstatement of the membership status held prior to suspension. Suspension of HPNA membership pursuant to this subsection shall not preclude HPNA from taking additional disciplinary action, pursuant to other provisions of these disciplinary procedures, on the basis of the same actions or events giving rise to such suspension.
9. Information concerning any legal action may be reported to the appropriate licensing authorities. This information may also be reported to other societies if the circumstances so warrant.

HPNF Charitable Disclosure Notice

A copy of the latest financial report, registration filed by this organization, and a description of our programs and activities may be obtained by contacting us at info@hpnf.org or by telephone at 412-787-9316.  The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation was formed in Pennsylvania.  If you are a resident of one of the following states, you may obtain financial information directly from the state agency. 

Florida

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free, within the state, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA), or by visiting www.800helpfla.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Florida registration #ch39300. 

Georgia

A full and fair description of our programs and our financial statement summary is available upon request at our office and phone number indicated above.

Maryland

For the cost of copies and postage, from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401. 410-974-5534.

Mississippi

The official registration and financial information of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167.  Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. 

Nevada

Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to the provisions of sec. 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. §170(c).

New Jersey

Information filed with the attorney general concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the attorney general of the state of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is available on the internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. Registration with the attorney general does not imply endorsement.

New York

Upon request, from the Attorney General Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, 1-212-416-8686 orwww.charitiesnys.com. 

North Carolina

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-807-2214. This is not an endorsement by the state.

Pennsylvania

The official registration and financial information of Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Virginia

State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA, 23218.

Washington

Secretary of State at 1-800-332-4483 or www.sos.wa.gov/charities/.

West Virginia

West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Wisconsin

A financial statement of the charitable organization disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year will be provided to any person upon request. 

REGISTRATION WITH A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE.