FLORENCE — The palliative care service at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital is the first in Alabama and the 24th in the nation to be certified through the Joint Commission, according to hospital representatives.

The palliative care unit received its accreditation after an on-site review in December found the unit to be in compliance with the standards set by the Joint Commission, a not-for-profit health care accrediting agency. It accredits more than 19,000 health care organizations nationwide, including ECM, Helen Keller Hospital and Shoals Hospital.

Accreditation for palliative care services is a new certification offered by the Joint Commission. The accreditation program began in September 2011. Palliative care involves trying to relieve the pain and discomfort of seriously ill patients.

The palliative care service will be reviewed at least every two years to maintain accreditation through the Joint Commission.