HPNA is a membership organization for individual members of the nursing team working in the specialty of palliative nursing across the life span continuum. Incorporated in 1986 as the Hospice Nurses Association, the organization was created to establish a network and support for nurses in this specialty. In 1998, HPNA formally added palliative care to the organization to recognize the needs of nurses working in palliative care settings separate from hospice. It is a 501C (6) organization. HPNA, with its over 11,000 members, has become the nationally recognized organization providing resources and support for advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and administrators who care for people with life-limiting and terminal illness.