The Unexpected Journey for CA Hospices: Legalizing the "End of Life Options Act"

Tuesday, May 2, 2017: 3:15 PM-4:15 PM
Lincoln East (Washington Hilton) - Concourse Level
Faculty:
Janet Jones, RN, BSN, FAAMA, The Elizabeth Hospice, Escondido, CA
In California on June 9, 2016 the controversial law (SB -128 End of Life Options Act/EOLOA) was enacted and challenged hospices to respond to the law and patients who choose this path. In surrounding days and weeks, a series of unexpected events unfolded that shocked one program and helped crystalize a response to those who chose suicide before and after the law, or pursued the legal path of EOLOA. Faculty will offer frank insight into the unexpected actions taken by some hospice patients, the lack of community understanding of the law and suicides that occurred in proximity to the new law. Faculty will share how they engaged their board, created a position statement and policies, and educated staff to address these challenges.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify proactive strategies for suicide assessment in hospice patients
2. Describe a task force approach to suicide prevention and assessment of hospice patients
3. Describe 3 issues triggered when legalized "Suicide" enters the hospice culture


CE/CME: Counselor, Nurse, Physician and Social Worker