The KEY difference between hospice care and palliative care is that:
Explanation
Medicare hospice (42 CFR §418) requires physician certification of terminal prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course, and the patient elects to forgo curative treatment in favor of comfort. Palliative care addresses symptoms (pain, nausea, dyspnea) at any stage of serious illness and can be combined with curative therapy. Both include spiritual care. The CNA on a hospice case follows the plan of care from the hospice interdisciplinary team and focuses on comfort, dignity, and family support.
Law Reference: 42 CFR §418 (Medicare Hospice); 42 CFR §483.25(k)This topic, taught in full in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) guide. CNA — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →
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