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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.

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.

Palliative Care Messaging Resources

Members of the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council, in partnership with the Maine Hospice Council, authored and helped pass LD 1064, An Act to Advance Palliative Care Utilization in the State. In working to support reimbursement for a palliative care team services model, the need for a statewide awareness of this person-centered model became apparent.

The Maine Hospice Council was delighted to be awarded a contract from the Department of Health and Human Services to provide education and messaging about palliative care for both providers and consumers throughout the state.

Resources Pertaining to Palliative Care:

2022 Prevalence of Palliative Care in Maine Study

A Brief Study by Hospice Analytics for the Maine Hospice Council

In 2022, The Maine Hospice Council contracted with Hospice Analytics, Inc. In 2022, The Maine Hospice Council contracted with Hospice Analytics, Inc. To complete a phone survey of all Maine hospitals, hospices, and community providers regarding the provision of palliative care in 2021. This survey was a modified version of a similar study conducted by the Maine Hospice Council and Hospice Analytics in 2016. This is the resulting study results.