Home Is Where the Care Is: Bringing Palliative Care Expertise into the Community (FR411)

Abstract

rarely used, the laws function as intended, providing autonomy and comfort at the end of life to those with a terminal illness who seek this option. There has been no evidence of the ''slippery slope'' of abuse. To the contrary, there are data that legalizing physician-assisted death has resulted in improvements in end-of-life care. Similar legislation was enacted in Vermont in 2013, and in Montana the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of physician-assisted death. In early 2014, a court decision confirmed that New Mexico doctors can help terminal patients die. Given these developments and that Death with Dignity legislation is presently under consideration in at least seven other states, this is an increasingly important topic for palliative care providers who need to be prepared to answer questions from their patients.