are there any certifications?
Yes, to qualify for hospice, a patient has to be certified
Hospice care in the United States
In order to qualify for hospice, a patient has to be certified 
the united states has five models of hospice care. the largest number paid for by medicare is the Hospice care
wiki:20601457
Hospice care in the United States [SEP] Re-certification
In order to qualify for hospice, a patient has to be certified as having a prognosis of less than six months to live. Sometimes patients live longer. Medicare patients who receive the hospice benefit must waive other Medicare benefits that could prolong life. Under the Medicare provisions, the hospice benefit through the first six months is broken up into two 90-day benefit periods. At the end of these two benefit periods, the hospice team will evaluate whether or not the patient continues to have a prognosis of less than six months to live. Following these two 90-day benefit periods, the hospice is required to evaluate more closely and review the case every 60 days.