Advancing Care with Compassion, Coordination, and Clinical Excellence
Empath Health is proud to announce that four of our affiliates have achieved national certification from the American Heart Association for delivering high-quality care to individuals living with heart failure.
Empath Suncoast Hospice, Empath Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough and Empath Tidewell Hospice have all earned the American Heart Association Palliative/Hospice Heart Failure Certification. Additionally, Empath Home Health, Ocala office, has been awarded the American Heart Association Home Health Heart Failure Certification.
These certifications reflect our commitment to providing expert, compassionate care that supports each person's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs at every stage of their heart failure journey.
Meeting People Where They Are
Heart failure affects every aspect of life. Whether someone is returning home from the hospital or living with advanced illness, care must be flexible, personalized, and rooted in best practices.
The American Heart Association Palliative/Hospice Heart Failure Certification confirms that our certified hospice programs meet national clinical standards while honoring individual goals and values. This includes comfort-focused care, specialized symptom management, and emotional support for patients and families facing advanced heart failure.
The American Heart Association Home Health Heart Failure Certification recognizes that our certified home health team provides high-quality support during recovery at home—offering education, care coordination, and clinical oversight that reduce hospital readmissions and improve patient confidence.
Both certifications emphasize strong leadership, caregiver education, and well-coordinated care—key elements in helping people live with dignity and clarity.
"This is a reflection of the dedication our teams bring to every patient encounter," said Anita Smith, Manager of Clinical Curriculum and Director of Nurse Residency and Simulation at Empath Health. "It affirms that our heart failure care is not only compassionate but grounded in national best practices. We're proud to lead with both heart and clinical excellence."
Expertise Guided by Heart
In 2024, our three certified hospice programs supported over 19,500 patients, including more than 1,200 individuals with advanced heart failure through our CareConnections program. That same commitment extends into patients' homes through Empath Home Health—meeting people wherever they are and helping them remain safe and supported.
"Caring for patients with heart failure at home requires a high level of clinical skill, coordination, and responsiveness," said Chris Merritt, Senior Vice President of Home Health at Empath Health. "Our team brings specialized knowledge to each visit, ensuring that patients receive evidence-based care tailored to their goals, and that families feel supported by professionals they can trust."
What It Means for Patients and Families
These certifications offer something families deeply value: trust. They signal that care will be guided by the latest clinical guidelines while always respecting what matters most to each person.
Services can begin earlier, even for those with LVADs or IV heart medications
Families receive clear, compassionate education to support decision-making
Care plans are shaped around personal priorities—from independence to comfort
Empath Health teams walk beside patients and families every step of the way, providing not just medical support but reassurance and presence.
Our Ongoing Promise
Through continued partnership with the American Heart Association, our teams gain access to ongoing training and clinical updates, ensuring the highest quality of care. These certifications are not just milestones—they are part of our everyday commitment to Full Life Care.
Learn more about our certified hospice and home health programs here on our website or call 888.855.2838
