Top Palliative Care Deficiencies and How to Address Them
Last Updated January 2026
Palliative care accreditation findings in 2025 identified a focused set of deficiencies in policies, care coordination, and transitions.
Deficiency Spotlight: Treatment Plans
Treatment plans must include all required elements and support coordinated, patient-centered care. Missing components often reflect policy gaps rather than isolated documentation errors.
Quick Tip: Review treatment plan templates against standards to ensure all required elements are consistently captured.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Care Coordination: Define clear communication processes across the interdisciplinary team and external providers.
- Discharge and Transfer: Ensure policies outline how continuity of care is maintained during transitions.
Strong policy alignment supports consistent practice and reduces survey findings.