A Respected Voice in the Nation’s Capital
The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) brought together CEOs and senior leaders from across the country last week for its Washington Leadership Conference, the organization’s annual fall gathering in the nation’s capital.
The conference began with remarks from Tom Koutsoumpas, Founder & CEO, Carole Fisher, President, and Board Chair Diana Franchitto, President & CEO of HopeHealth. They underscored the importance of being present in Washington, D.C., and the power of NPHI’s collective voice.
“Despite the chaos and confusion in politics today, it’s more important than ever to build strong relationships and stay focused on our mission,” said Tom Koutsoumpas. “Quality is our competitive edge, and it is how we demonstrate to policymakers that we are part of the solution. I am proud to say that our collective voice is being heard here in Washington and it is driving changes that will benefit millions of patients and families across the country.”
Senator Mark Warner Reintroduces Advance Care Planning Legislation
One of the highlights of the conference was a keynote from U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), who spoke powerfully about his own personal experience and views on hospice care and the importance of protecting it. From the podium, Senator Warner reintroduced his Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act, bipartisan legislation that would expand access to advance care planning services.
“We need to stand up for what we believe is right or those rights and benefits could be taken away,” Senator Warner told attendees. His bill reintroduction announcement at the meeting emphasized the role of nonprofit hospice leaders in driving policy solutions that directly impact patients and families.
Kim Brandt: CMS Partnership and Program Integrity
NPHI also welcomed Kim Brandt, CMS Deputy Administrator & COO, for an engaging session focused on program integrity challenges in hospice. Brandt praised NPHI for its partnership with CMS and encouraged members to remain engaged with her team.
“Use your association—use NPHI—to talk to us,” Kim stated. “We are really grateful for our partnership with you.”
Specifically, Brandt shared updates with NPHI members on a variety of initiatives being undertaken by CMS to ensure bad actors are held accountable and the integrity of the Medicare hospice benefit isn’t undermined by those seeking to make a quick profit at the expense of high-quality care for patients and their families.
Member Leadership and Policy Priorities
NPHI’s policy leaders Ethan McChesney and Quinten Lyons outlined current advocacy priorities, including extending telehealth flexibilities and addressing fraud, waste, and abuse.
Members also engaged in rich discussions about the future of care delivery, including:
- Value-Based Care for frail elders and the role of data in positioning hospice programs.
- The exploration of NPHI’s new Member Quality Dashboard, a tool for measuring and demonstrating quality.
- Population Health and Care Management, including NPHI’s upcoming Care Management Certificate Program launching in 2026.
- A fireside chat with Melissa Daly (CMS/CCSQ) and Judi Lund Person (Senior Advisor, Fraud & Abuse), which examined quality, safety, and oversight in hospice care, along with updates on the HOPE tool, survey timelines, and the importance of collaboration to strengthen accountability.
The acclaimed photographer Steve Uzzell closed the conference with an inspiring keynote, reminding leaders: “Each of you will become known for the problems you solve.”
Increased Focus on Quality
A recurring theme throughout the conference was NPHI’s heightened focus on quality—both as a measure of care and as a distinguishing feature of nonprofit hospice organizations.
The exploration of NPHI’s new Member Quality Dashboard was a centerpiece of these discussions. The dashboard provides members with powerful tools to track, measure, and demonstrate the value of care by nonprofit providers.
“Our new Dashboard is an exciting tool that ties directly into our increased focus on quality,” said Tom Koutsoumpas. “It helps us clearly differentiate the kind of care we deliver as nonprofits—setting a higher bar and showing what makes our model unique and essential. Today, when policymakers and partners want to understand what ‘quality hospice care’ really looks like, they are looking to us.”
This emphasis on quality also framed broader conversations about the future of the hospice benefit and the importance of innovative, sustainable approaches that ensure nonprofit providers remain a central component of the end-of-life care provider ecosystem.
Hill Day: NPHI Members Take Their Message to Congress
On Wednesday, September 17, NPHI members fanned out across Capitol Hill for more than 60 meetings with their congressional representatives. Members carried a united message: protect patients, support families, and preserve the integrity of nonprofit community-based hospice and palliative care.
These face-to-face conversations amplified the voice of nonprofit providers and strengthened relationships with policymakers, ensuring that the needs of patients and families remain at the center of legislative decisions.
Looking Ahead
This year’s NPHI Washington Leadership Conference reaffirmed the commitment of the nonprofit hospice and advanced illness care community, its focus on quality, and its ability to influence policy at the highest levels.
When asked to sum up the event, Carole Fisher, President, stated: “Our work in Washington isn’t just symbolic, it’s essential. When nonprofit hospice leaders come together here, we bring patients’ voices directly to the people shaping healthcare policy. That’s how we protect access, strengthen integrity, and ensure that families across this country get the care they deserve.”
NPHI’s next national meeting will be the 2026 Summit held in Chicago on April 27-30. You can learn more and register here.
