United Hospice: Urge Paterson to Sign Legislation to Help Terminally Ill

United Hospice of Rockland patients and families tell us far too often, " I wish I heard about hospice sooner."  Therefore, on behalf of all those who have shared that sentiment and those who may need our services in the future, I urge you to take a few minutes of time to contact Governor David Paterson and request that he sign into law A.7617 (Gottfried)/S.4498 (Duane), legislation to ensure that willing patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses are provided comprehensive information concerning their treatment options.

The best way to reach the Governor is via email at http://www.ny.gov/governor/contact/GovernorContactForm.php  or to send a letter via US Mail to David A. Paterson, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224.   

 A.7617/S.4498 would do the following:

• Require health care practitioners caring for a patient diagnosed with a terminal illness to offer said patient or their surrogate information and counseling on available options for palliative and end-of-life care.
• The obligation to provide such information and counseling can be fulfilled by the primary physician, or by referral or transfer to another appropriate health care practitioner.
• Information can be provided verbally, or in a written document that the Department of Health is authorized to produce.  Practitioners could also create their own written documents.
• Information and counseling would not have to be provided to a patient who does not want it.

Earlier referral to hospice and palliative care results in higher quality of life and greater patient and family satisfaction. Making comprehensive information regarding treatment options available to patients earlier in their disease process will provide greater access to the quality care provided by New York's hospice and palliative care providers.
 
Many health care providers find it difficult to have end-of-life care discussions with their patients.  The legislation would allow the health care practitioner to refer to another appropriate health care practitioner, e.g. a hospice or palliative care practitioner, thus providing an incentive for stronger partnerships between primary care physicians and hospice and palliative care providers.
 
Again: The best way to reach the Governor is via email at http://www.ny.gov/governor/contact/GovernorContactForm.php  or to send a letter via US Mail to
David A. Paterson, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224.

Amy Stern
Executive Director
United Hospice of Rockland
845 634-4974
astern@hospiceofrockland.org