2020 Maine Session Summary
Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care.
News
Rhode Island Paving the Way for Palliative Care
February 1, 2014
When the Palliative Care/Quality of Life Legislation was signed into law on July 11, 2013, Rhode Island became the state leading the nation in palliative care progress. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) introduced the legislation and helped to advance the bill through the legislative process. Palliative care is the medical subspecialty focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. It is appropriate at any age and any stage of the disease and can be provided along with curative treatment.
Rhode Island passed many of the provisions in the model Quality of Life/Palliative Care Legislation. The goal of the legislation is to assess the needs of Palliative Care in Rhode Island by establishing the Advisory Council and to create a Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information Education Program. The overarching goal is to require Palliative Care Access in Rhode Island Health Facilities, establish a system for identifying patients or residents who could benefit from palliative care, and provide information about and facilitate access to appropriate palliative care services for patients or residents with serious illness.
ACS CAN will work with ACS and the Department of Health to lead the implementation of the state Palliative Care Advisory Council. The Council will create availibility, awareness and utilization in the appropriate Rhode Island medical treatment facilities for all patients with serious or life threatening illnesses.
The newly formed Palliative Care Advisory Council is scheduled to hold its first meeting on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 3:15pm in the Director's Conference Room 401 at the RI Dept. of Health. The public is welcome.