Mailbag: Advance directives (Aug. 20) Aug 21, 2009
Mailbag: Advance directives (Aug ... Mailbag: Advance directives (Aug ... I am amazed at the amount of misinformation out there about the simple end-of-life forms we have been filling out for years now, which are called advance directives. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Palin's `Death Panels' on Life Support Due to Lies: Ann Woolner Aug 20, 2009
It specifies that a physician would be the consultant and would go beyond explaining the advance directives and power of attorney documents I signed at my lawyers office ... It could pressure older folks to sign advance directives, he said. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Republican Party using scare tactics Aug 18, 2009
In all four cases, each loved one had a living will and advance directives that they had discussed with their families and doctors and they passed away on their own terms ... There is language in the reform bill that was drafted by a bipartisan commission along with a Republican physician that in layman's terms states that every five years a person has the right to sit down with their health care provider and discuss advance directives, living will issues, etc. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
Talk of health care reform has seniors anxious Aug 17, 2009
Although federal law has recognized advance directives as legitimate for years, critics have seized upon these provisions in reform legislation as leading to euthanasia or government control of older people's end-of-life decisions. Those charges are false, according to numerous organizations and a close reading of the legislative language. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Read Chris Wallace's interview Aug 17, 2009
You know, right now the law says that when a patient comes into the hospital, a clerk, a hospital clerk, has to give them the information on advance directives. Well, you know, we think that's crazy. (Fox News)
LETTER: Look at a list of what Palin doesn't have Aug 17, 2009
Cognitus wrote on Aug 15, 2009 5:06 PM:" ONE THING Sarah Palin DOES HAVE ON HER RECORD -- and she's so stupid and such a hypocrite she's not embarrassed about it -- is PRAISE for the living wills and "advanced directives" such as she now attacks as "death panels". In 2008, before she was a candidate, she declared "Health Care Decisions Day" to be observed on April 16, 2008. She urged everyone to prepare living wills, end-of-life advanced directives, etc. On comments to Bailey Young's letter I... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
How Palin hijacked the debate Aug 16, 2009
As the Democratic National Committee pointed out, Palin put out a 2008 proclamation for Healthcare Decisions Day "to raise public awareness of the need to plan ahead for health care decisions, related to end of life care ... and to encourage the specific use of advance directives to communicate these important health care decisions.". Sensing traction, she took more shots against Dr. Emanuel, quoting the bioethicist's past writing that some medical services might not be guaranteed to those "who... (Albany Times Union)
‘Death panel' sideshow Aug 16, 2009
Since 1990, hospitals, nursing homes and similar institutions have been required to inform patients of their rights to accept or refuse treatment and to execute advance directives specifying their wishes in case they are incapacitated ... Indulging in demagoguery on this issue suggesting, for example, that encouraging physicians to discuss advance directives with their patients is starting down a treacherous path toward government-encouraged euthanasia, as House Minority Leader John Boehner,... (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
On suddenly shy Republicans and end-of-life counseling Aug 15, 2009
And the government already requires hospitals and nursing homes to help patients with advance directives or living wills if they want support, under a 1992 law passed under Republican President George H.W. Bush. Supporters say the current House proposal just goes one step further by paying for the counseling, with the idea that doctors and patients would spend more time on it instead of just having a cursory discussion in an initial Medicare visit. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Marge Ginsburg: Health care plan boosts end-of-life rights Aug 15, 2009
In 1991, Congress passed the Patient Self-Determination Act, which not only reinforced that adults (or their designated surrogates) have a right to accept or refuse medical treatment, but also required most health care organizations to provide information to patients about these rights and about advance directives. California's advance directive forms have continued to change over time, more attuned to the needs of patients and their loved ones. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
GOPretreaton end-of-life counseling? Aug 15, 2009
And the government already requires hospitals and nursing homes to help patients with advance directives or living wills if they want support, under a 1992 law passed under Republican President George H.W. Bush. About-face. (MSNBC -- Politics)
LETTER: System puts profit ahead of health Aug 15, 2009
Cognitus wrote on Aug 14, 2009 9:54 AM:" Sarah Palin is always willing to play the hypocrite if it will make some political points and this week she has been riding the "death panel" horse, criticizing a proposal in one of the health care bills which would pay for counseling re end-of-life decisions -- SUCH AS LIVING WILLS. It has been discovered that Gov Palin declared a "Healthcare Decisions Day" in Alaska to be observed on April 16, 2008 and at that time URGED people to use the day for... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Another View: House health bill skews end-of-life counsel Aug 15, 2009
In 1990, Congress required health-care institutions (not individual doctors) to give new patients written notice of their rights to make living wills, advance directives and the like -- but also required them to treat patients regardless of whether they have such documents. The 1997 ban on assisted-suicide support specifically allowed doctors to honor advance directives. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Specter, Sestak Woo Netroots Nation Aug 15, 2009
Chuck Grassley s (R-Iowa) public comments on the advance directives in the health care reform legislation, Specter said he would call his colleague to tell him that his view was simply not correct. When a few Members of the audience chanted call him now, Specter obliged. (Roll Call)
Palin stands by death panel claim Aug 14, 2009
As Alaska governor, she signed a proclamation making April 16, 2008, Healthcare Decision Day with the goal to have health care professionals and others participate in a statewide effort to provide clear and consistent information about advance directives ... "It is likely that a significant reason for these low percentages is that there is both a lack of knowledge and considerable confusion in the public about advance directives," it said. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Oregon lawmaker slams Palin over 'death panel' claim Aug 14, 2009
Other subsections of this bill include "An explanation by the practitioner of advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses." Things many seniors don't currently have. As well as "an explanation of orders regarding life sustaining treatment or similar orders, which shall include the reasons why the development of such an order is beneficial to the individual and the individuals family and the reasons why such an order should be updated periodically as... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Doctors' Opinions Not Always Welcome In Life Support Decisions Aug 13, 2009
At the end of life, critically ill patients frequently require surrogates to make their medical decisions for them, who, in the absence of advance directives from the patient, must rely on what they believe would have been the patients' desires. "This puts an enormous emotional burden on surrogates; not only are they losing a loved one, they also may feel burdened by guilt about allowing the patient to die." said Dr. White. (Science Daily)
Sometimes slopes really are slippery Aug 13, 2009
One is a 2008 Rand Corp. report, "Advance Directives and Advance Care Planning: Report to Congress," which suggests mechanisms by which poor "advance care planning" could be viewed as "medical error," otherwise known as malpractice. While it's unclear what direction "quality measures" might take, the bill could allow the government to require Medicare providers to encourage end-of-life consultations -- or risk being penalized in their compensation or in their ability to participate in the... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Scare Tactics Over "End-of-Life" Bill? Aug 12, 2009
"What the House bill does... is make end-of-life counseling - things like living wills, advance directives - makes that a covered expense under Medicare," Jackson said. Section 1233 primarily offers Medicare patients "Advance Care Planning Consultation" every five years - sooner if they take a turn for the worse. (CBS News)
Richard Mial: A momentary lapse in necessary skepticism Aug 11, 2009
What the bill does is require the government to reimburse family doctors for having discussions with patients about advance directives, living wills and other ways for patients to stipulate what kind of end-of-life care they want. In another context, Gingrich has praised Gundersen Lutheran for doing just that. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Carla Pena: Advance directives aren’t about euthanasia Aug 10, 2009
Carla Pena: Advance directives aren t about euthanasia : La Crosse Tribune ... Carla Pena: Advance directives aren t about euthanasia By Carla Pena / La Crosse ... In the July 31 Tribune, I read Newt Gingrich s comment on support of advance directives as a bias toward euthanasia for senior citizens and other people. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Seniors Left Behind? Aug 9, 2009
Certainly we want to make our own decisions with advance directives. The doctor may brush off our attempts at discussion because he doesn't want to take the time, and the cold fact is that if he is sure of getting paid for he time, he is more likely to be available for discussion. (Townhall.com)
LETTER: Extreme acts needed to save our democracy Aug 8, 2009
"(A) An explanation by the practitioner of advance care planning, including key questions and considerations, important steps, and suggested people to talk to. "(B) An explanation by the practitioner of advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses. "(C) An explanation by the practitioner of the role and responsibilities of a health care proxy. "(D) The provision by the practitioner of a list of national and State-specific resources to assist consumers... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Beware peddlers of fear Aug 8, 2009
Fearmongers Inc. plays on the notion that advance directives are a sneaky way of cutting costs by cutting life short. Here's what we know: One-quarter of Medicare dollars are spent in the last year of life, much of it in the last month. (Albany Times Union)
In a wing-nut world, Granny is toast Aug 7, 2009
All in all, Fearmongers Inc. plays on the notion that advance directives are a sneaky way of cutting costs by cutting life short ... Only about 20 percent of Americans have advance directives. (Boston Globe)
Richard Mial: Health reform opponents try to scare seniors Aug 6, 2009
Gingrich was speaking last week at Gundersen Lutheran, which has done a great job in convincing people to think about what kind of health care they want in the last months of their lives and to record their preferences in documents such as living wills and advance directives ... In a column in The Washington Post, Gingrich praised Gundersen Lutheran for its effort on advance directives ... Gundersen Lutheran Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, has developed a successful end of life, best... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Plain talk about care Aug 3, 2009
A: No. There is a misconception on this point because Section 1235 of the House health care bill ("Consultation and Information Regarding End-of-Life Planning") would expand Medicare coverage to include reimbursement for medical consultations in connection with an individual's preparation of "advance directives," such as a living will. Rep. (Albany Times Union)
Hospice of the North Shore reaches out to employers Jul 31, 2009
We can also talk about advance directives, Sherman said, who said it s important to know about health-care proxies, living wills and other things that can come up. There is no cost for this, Sherman said. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Gingrich speaks at Gundersen, says health care reform good, reform bill bad Jul 31, 2009
Although Gingrich has praised Gundersen Lutheran for its policy of making sure senior citizens have advance directives that spell out the kind of end-of-life care they want, Gingrich criticized the Obama administration which also has advocated for advance directives for what he said was a bias toward euthanasia for senior citizens and other people. Have you read the statements of one of the president s chief advisers, Zeke Emanuel, who wrote that there may be circumstances that for communitarian... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
End-of-Life Benefit Ignites Debate Jul 31, 2009
"If you decide to take one of these consultations, you don't have to sign any document before you leave no advance directives, no living will. These are, as they should be, completely optional.". Abortion Connection. (BusinessWeek)
Blue Dog Healthcare Deal Could be in Jeopardy Jul 30, 2009
Titled "Advance Care Planning Consultation," Section 1231 of the original House Bill stipulates that Medicare patients are to be offered counseling that would help them to make end-of-life decisions such as whether they should sign "advance directives" that would specify if the patient did not wish certain medical measures to be taken. Among the specific measures that a patient would be told that they could opt to forego in order to hasten death: antibiotics, and "the use of artificially... (Newsmax)
FactCheck.org Documents False Euthanasia Claims Jul 30, 2009
(B) An explanation by the practitioner of advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses ... California first legally ratified the use of advance directives like living wills in 1976, and the 1990 mandated patients rights to decide what degree of intervention they prefer ... Theres nothing that would force them to sign advance directives. (Nebraska Statepaper)
Around your town Jul 26, 2009
Retired Superior Court Judge Jim Reilly will discuss consequences from the legal system when advance directives are not completed accurately. Call Billie at (877) 535-3600 or 378-2603. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Witges of Resch Siemer receives certification Jul 25, 2009
She is active in community education on Advance Directives and family caregiver issues. She is a member of The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, the Effingham County Mental Health and Aging System Integration Team, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society for Nursing, and is a member of the Teutopolis Comprehensive Plan Committee. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Health care cost, quality discussed at conference Jul 23, 2009
The hospitals also had programs that help with efficiency and quality, Thompson said, such as advance directives patients letting medical personnel know how much end-of-life care they want. The level of Medicare reimbursement La Crosse area providers receive for care came under fire as well, officials said. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Focus on Seniors: Review out-of-state living wills Jul 19, 2009
Today, I will discuss the boons and banes of out-of-state advance directives (living wills and health care surrogate designations) and durable powers of attorney. Florida recognizes out-of-state advance directives so long as they were executed validly in the state from which they originated. (Florida Today)
On Your Mind Jul 8, 2009
Old lady wrote on Jul 3, 2009 2:14 AM:" If the new health care plan was so great members of Congress and the Pres as well as their families should subscribe to it with absolute prohibition of going outside the plan for better care. Won't happen.Gotta say I'm glad I decided years ago to never have any kind of cancer treatment or even something like hip repair if someone thought I needed it. Have advance directives and told my family.For those who want to live long, long lives or those afraid to... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Does No Code Equal No Care? Jun 27, 2009
Today, people can clearly define advance directives through a. (HCPOA). (Suite101.com)
Hawaii bill gives patients a voice Jun 16, 2009
POLSTs also are not meant to replace traditional advance directives, which are recommended for all adults. Dr. Daniel Fischberg, who specializes in pain management and palliative care at The Queen's Medical Center, was among those offering testimony in favor of HB 1379 during the legislative session. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Sheriffs Department captain visits Marblehead Housing Authority Jun 4, 2009
The document includes information on who to notify in case of emergency, professional contacts, vehicle information, personal documents, financial accounts and records, investment information, insurance coverage, credit-card accounts, tax returns, advance directives, funeral preferences and pets. Ebacher recommended that once completed, this document should be filed in a safe, secure location, and a trusted family member should be notified of its location, in case of an emergency. (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
Marblehead seniors advised: Document your personal information May 12, 2009
The document will include information on who to notify in case of an emergency, professional contacts, vehicle information, personal documents, financial accounts/records, investment information, employer/public benefits, insurance coverage, credit-card accounts, tax returns, real estate, debts/creditors, advance directives, funeral preferences and pets. It is important to keep the record updated with current information. (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
Q&A with Dan O'Leary, Mystic Valley Elder Services Apr 28, 2009
Medicare, trusts, and advance directives should also be considered depending on the goals of your planning. Remember that a key point of planning is to do it long before you anticipate needing care. (Reading Advocate, MA)
CCMH hosts National Healthcare Decision Day program set for April 29 Apr 17, 2009
As a participating organization, CCMH Home Care/Hospice is providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with Iowa state laws ... "National Healthcare Decision Day will encourage members of our community to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete reliable advance directives to make their... (Atlantic News-Telegraph, IO)
OUR READERS SAY Apr 15, 2009
Fewer than 30 percent of Americans have signed their advance directives ... I encourage readers to take a few minutes on April 16 to discuss your advance care decisions with your loved ones, and then fill out your advance directives. (The Fort Meade Leader, FL)
MMR Information Systems, Inc. Announces Intent to File Annual Report on Form 10-K on April 15, 2009 Apr 15, 2009
Seeking to empower consumers to have greater control over their health and well-being, MMR facilitates access to medical records and other important documents, such as living wills, birth certificates, passports, advance directives and insurance policies, anytime from anywhere using the Internet. MMR's principal product, the MyMedicalRecords PHR service, accessed through , is built on proprietary patent-pending technology that enables users to transmit documents, images and voicemail messages in... (PR Newswire)
This week's calendar: April 13 - 19 Apr 13, 2009
Hospice Advantage Monthly Information Seminar 6:30 p.m., Hospice Advantage, 135 Athens West Parkway; Sandra Frinks, with A Place for Mom, will be the guest speaker; topics include advance directives, hospice services, grief support, volunteer services; refreshments; free referral service for families seeking information and services about home care and placement; seminars held third Thursday of the month; (706) 354-1707. Wine 101 7 and 8:30 p.m., Cine, 234 W. Hancock Ave.; learn basics of wine... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Plan today for future healthcare decisions Apr 10, 2009
Hospital staff will be in St. Francis Conference Room at St. Joseph s to discuss the benefits of advance directives and will assist you in preparing your advance healthcare directive. Appointments are requested. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Healthcare Careers Apr 9, 2009
Floyd Valley Hospital will host a diverse panel to provide clear, concise, and consistent information and tools for the public to execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and/or living will) in accordance with Iowa laws. The participants will view the "5 Wishes" video along with a brief program including: Dr. Steve Meis, Medical Associates, PC; Craig Bauerly, Bauerly, Trotzig and Bauerly, PLC; Dr. Paul Fee, Hospice of Siouxland; Connie Kneip, RN, Floyd Valley Hospital. (Sioux City Journal)
MedPlus Centergy(TM) Suite for Hospitals and HIEs Paves a New, Faster Path to Healthcare Information Technology Benefits Apr 4, 2009
Authorized users of the Centergy services can easily share, access and manage at the point of care, relevant HIPAA-compliant clinical information, such as patient demographics, medication lists, allergies, advance directives, information on physicians treating the patient, and medical problem lists. The Care360 Physician Portal integrates seamlessly with the Centergy suite and supports clinical transactions for the physician office, such as lab ordering and resulting, ePrescribing and... (PR Newswire)
Parkinson's group to host speaker Apr 1, 2009
Advance directives, legal issues, memory loss and aging, fall prevention and the emotional aspects of caregiving are among topics that will be discussed. Adult day care will be provided by Heritage Senior Care. (North County Times)
Study of 160,000 Medicare Patients Shows Hispanics Have Greater Costs for End-of-Life Care Mar 11, 2009
Findings show importance of advance directives for making wishes known ... According to Dr. Delgado, "studies have shown that Hispanics are less likely that non-Hispanic whites to have advance directives. Making our end-of-life wishes known is made more difficult by the fact that Hispanics are the group least likely to have a regular provider of care and often face language and cultural barriers in communicating with their provider." Delgado added, "We all must take the time to talk with a... (PR Newswire)
LOOKING BACK: In a crisis, DNR requests don't always work Mar 3, 2009
Legal and medical analysts encourage people preparing advance directives to talk over their wishes with their doctors, their family and their health care surrogate ... "Millions of people in this country have completed advance directives and think they have taken care of everything," says Susan Tolle, a physician and director of the Center for Ethics in Health Care at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, who pioneered Oregon's POLST program ... " The suit, filed in 1997, is drawing... (USA Today)
Wealth of information available at health fair Feb 11, 2009
The event will feature presentations on diabetes, pharmacy issues, healthy eating, dental care, healthy hearts, bone density, parish nursing, finances, advance directives, aging issues, organ donations, chair massage, blood pressure checks and other health issues. A blood drive will be held at the same time. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
What's going on... Feb 8, 2009
The topic is Advance Directives including information on CPR, feeding tubes, and IV fluids. Presented by Family Hospice. (Hartford City News-Times, IN)
COLUMN: Top 10 financial considerations for divorced or separated women Feb 8, 2009
Prepare advance directives, such as a durable power of attorney, living will, and health care proxy. This is important for everyone, since a disabling illness or injury, or an untimely death, could occur at any time, regardless of age. (Winchester Star, MA, MA)
