[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 30 (Monday, March 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE NURSES ASSOCIATION ON 
                         THEIR 27TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 4, 2013

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my fellow 
nurses within the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) as 
they celebrate their 27th anniversary. HPNA is the Nation's largest and 
oldest professional nursing organization and has consistently been a 
leader in excellence in the field.
   Nurses are truly the backbone of our healthcare system. As our 
Nation ages, we will increasingly depend on the skilled care of hospice 
and palliative nurses to help our loved ones through difficult times. 
Their tireless dedication to patient education and care sustains our 
communities.
   Last year I spoke at a briefing on Capitol Hill with hospice and 
palliative care nurses, families, caregivers, and patients to encourage 
discussion on this very important, yet often overlooked area.
   Palliative care is a patient-centered philosophy that provides 
quality, compassionate end-of-life care. By honoring informed patient 
choice, palliative care nurses help make a challenging time a little 
easier for patients and their loved ones. I hope this topic continues 
to be part of our professional and personal dialogues.
   This is important work and I hope you will join me in recognition of 
these leaders in aging and long-term care. Thank you for your 
unwavering commitment to quality nursing. I congratulate my hospice and 
palliative care nursing colleagues and wish them continued success.

                          ____________________