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HPNA Value and Position Statements

Beginning in 2022, the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) began reviewing the titles and content of all of its historical position statements. HPNA now defines and differentiates two types of statements—position statements and value statements:

  • A position statement provides a clear, concise description of a viewpoint on a particular issue. Position statements can help to build understanding and support for significant, often controversial issues. They are frequently used to state a position on one side of a debatable issue. If the issue cannot be debated, then there is little need to address it with a position statement.
  • Value statements are statements to highlight the value of certain entities or practices.

As an organization that supports the role of hospice and palliative care nurses, we felt strongly that several of our position statements should not be considered “debatable.” For example, HPNA had a position statement titled “HPNA Position Statement: Value of the Professional Nurse in Palliative Care.” However, the value of nurses in palliative care is not debatable. As we continue the scheduled reviews and updates of each of our historical position statements, we are assessing whether they serve our members best as position statements or as value statements. We encourage our members and others to use and advance these positions statements and value statements in a variety of areas, including policy, literature, ethics, and legislation.

HPNA Position Statements:

Retired Statements:
  • Ethics of Use of Opioids in Palliative Nursing: In 2023, the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) Board of Directors retired the HPNA Position Statement titled “The Ethics of Use of Opioids in Palliative Nursing.” HPNA has resources available for pain management, including the HPNA Nursing Resource Guide on “Opioid Dosing and Conversion Calculations” and the POLARIS pain management modules.
  • Guidelines for the Role of the RN and APRN When Hastened Death is Requested: In 2023, the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) Board of Directors retired the HPNA Position Statement titled “Guidelines for the Role of the Registered Nurse and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse When Hastened Death is Requested.”

HPNA Value Statements:

Joint Statements:

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