Where Change Happens
Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council
The Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council was passed into law in 2015, in order to address access to and quality of patient centered, family focused care in Maine. Comprehensive palliative care services are designed to prevent and treat suffering caused by a medical illness or condition.
The Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council
This includes the management of pain and other symptoms from a physical, emotional, spiritual and psycho-social perspective in order to enhance quality of life. Research shows that palliative care services are a cost-effective approach to helping individuals deal with advanced chronic or life-threatening illness in the comfort of their own home. However, market research data, compiled by Hospice Analytics, shortly after LD 782 passed into law, revealed that only 10 out of 34 hospitals in Maine reported having a palliative care program. Those that did, reported varying structures, staffing and services. In Title 5, Chapter 379, the Maine Hospice Council was listed as "Convening Authority" for the PC Advisory Council. Ten members are appointed by legislative leadership, three members are appointed by the Maine Hospice Council. Membership reflects an interdisciplinary composition. All appointees have either personal and/or professional experience with palliative care. Meetings are held quarterly or at the discretion of the co-chairs, but no less than twice a year. All meetings are open to the public.
State of Maine:
National Organizations:
- Palliative Care in Rural Minnesota: Findings from Stratis Health’s Minnesota Rural
- Colorado Department of Public Health: Palliative Care in Colorado: Trends, Gaps, and Opportunities to Improve Care
- NASHP - Palliative Care: A Primer for State Policymakers
- National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care: Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care
- Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) Palliative Care Research: Key Findings
- The Case for Hospital Palliative Care (CAPC)
- The Case for Improving Communication and Symptom Management Skills (CAPC)
All Meetings are open to the public.
Next Meeting:
January 13, 2023 - 12:00-2:00PM
Click Here to Access the Maine Hospice Council State-Wide Resource Guide of End-of-Life Care Support Services:
A directory of medical and non-medical resources throughout Maine.
Palliative Care Resource Sites
Center to Advance Palliative Care
Palliative Care Directory
Palliative Care Resources for Professionals
UNC School of Medicine - Palliative Care Program
Information Related to Mesothelioma, Respiratory Health, and Support for Patients and Families
Advance Care Planning Materials
Advance Directive Vs. POLST Forms
Maine Health Care Advance Directive Form
Promoting conversations between patients and clinicians
A Guide to Social Security for Seniors
Elder Justice
National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative
The Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Articles
Caring Info: What is the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care?
NASHP: Educating the Public about Palliative Care
My Caring Plan: A Thorough Guide to Terminal Agitation
Use of the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS)
Center to Advanced Palliative Care
“The essential reference for those planning and starting home-based palliative care programs. The Guide outlines a process for designing a program that provides the highest quality care, is responsive to stakeholder priorities, and is financially and operationally sustainable.”-CAPC
To order, please visit the site
Brochures
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Palliative Care Brochure
American Cancer Society Cancer Network Pediatric Palliative Care Brochure
Publications
Medical Publishing, LLC is pround to present the 2017-2018 Maine Healthcare & Hospital Guide
RAISE Initial Family Caregivers Report to Congress
Harvard Health Publishing: "New Guidelines on Opioids for Pain Relief: What You Need to Know"
Other Resources
National Institute on Aging: "Understanding Different Types of Dementia"
CDC announced updates to the guidelines for prescribing, tapering or continuing opioid prescriptions for pain.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Computer Based Examination Candidate Handbook: This handbook contains all the information you will need concerning certification/re-certification. Including test dates and fees.
Access Handbook Here
To access test site locations, click the link before and enter your zip code to locate the test site closest to you.
