New York State Department of Health Center for Hospice and Palliative Care

About Our Program

The New York State Department of Health Center for Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPC) is committed to ensuring New Yorker's facing serious or terminal illnesses receive compassionate, high-quality care. Our programs focus on enhancing the quality of life and health equity for patients and providing support to their families and loved ones through a range of resources.

Center for Hospice and Palliative Care

MISSION

To foster health equity and quality of life by advancing community-based hospice and palliative care for all New Yorkers.

VISION

New York is a leader in quality end-of-life choices. We support better living through person-centered hospice and palliative care services – as well as routine advance care planning (ACP). ACP helps support a patient's health care wishes if they become unable to make their own decisions.

Hospice

Hospice is a federal benefit for patients who have a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of less than 6 months, who chose to stop healing treatments. The aim of hospice care is to provide comfort and ensure that patients have dignity, peace of mind, and a good quality of life.

Learn more about Hospice

Palliative Care

Palliative care is for patients at any stage of illness. You may receive this type of care even if you are not close to death – or you do not have a terminal illness (one leading to death).

Learn more about Palliative Care

Advance Care Planning

Advance Care Planning is the process of talking about and writing down your wishes for medical care if you become unable to speak for yourself. It is important to be prepared and talk to your loved ones about your wishes.

Learn more about Advance Care Planning

Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)

Honoring patient preferences is a critical element in providing quality end-of-life care. To help physicians and other health care providers discuss and convey a patient's wishes regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-sustaining treatment, the DOH as approved form (DOH-5003), Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST), which can be used statewide.

Learn more about MOLST

The Center's Key Initiatives

Expanding Hospice and Palliative Care Access

Many New Yorkers, especially in rural and underserved areas, lack sufficient hospice and palliative care resources. Our efforts focus on:

  • Identifying low-utilization areas and increasing provider availability
  • Partnering with local healthcare facilities to enhance services
  • Ensuring equitable access for all New Yorkers, regardless of background

Education & Training for Providers and Families

The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care is developing training sessions and resources to support healthcare professionals and caregivers.

For Healthcare Providers:

  • Best practices for palliative care integration

For Patients & Families:

  • Understanding hospice vs. palliative care
  • Making informed end-of-life care decisions

Contact us with questions on your training needs

Contact Us

  • Phone: (518) 457-1568
  • Email: CHPC@health.ny.gov
  • Address: 875 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12237

We are dedicated to ensuring that all New Yorkers facing serious illnesses receive compassionate care and support so that they may live their best life.

Resources

Information for Providers and Professionals