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Senator Moore encourages the use of advance care directives |
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March 31, 2005 – Senator Richard T. Moore is pleased to announce that in response to his request for attention to advance care planning issues, the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) has launched a website - healthcareproxy.org - to assist individuals in deciding what kind of care they would want to have if they become unable to make medical decisions. “We want every citizen, to be able to live their last days as comfortably as possible, in the setting of their choice, with their families and others around them,” said Moore. . “I applaud the Massachusetts Medical Society in taking this important first step. In the future, I hope to see people work together on this sensitive and difficult issue, as one that must become as natural as planning a vacation or our retirement.” As a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the End of Life Care and as the Senate Chair of the Health Care Committee for six years, Senator Moore has worked to address the concern of selecting the type of treatment to fulfill a person’s last wishes. While many Americans believe the importance of completing an advance directive, many residents are not aware of the options available to them or are not willing to address the issue while they are still healthy. “Educating citizens on the importance of establishing an advanced directive care is an ongoing effort,” Moore said “The sad and tragic case of Terry Schiavo should bring widespread attention to this critically important need for individuals and families,” said John A. Fromson, M.D.,” vice president for medical affairs of the Society and a member of the Massachusetts Commission on End of Life Care. “End-of-life issues will reach every one of us at some time or other, either as a patient, a loved one, or family member. It is vitally important that individuals be prepared, not only to have their wishes be carried out, but also to avoid the potential confusion, difficulties, regret and trouble among friends, family and loved ones that can occur in the absence of directed wishes.” The MMS website provides information on establishing a health care proxy. In Massachusetts, a health care proxy is a legally binding document that ensures a person’s end of life wishes are carried out according to their personal preference. The proxy designates a health care agent to make the important decisions for a person when he or she is unable to make them on his or her own. Completing one’s health care proxy should not only provide one with peace of mind, but it will effectively communicate the person’s desires clearly without causing unnecessary burden on loved ones. Senator Moore has been a long been a leader in on end of life care issues. In the 2003-2004 Legislative session, he released a bold agenda to create a statewide health policy “Massachusetts – A Caring Commonwealth.” His proposal recommends strengthening our health care system through achieving ten basic goals. The final goal of the plan addresses the issue of Compassionate End of Life Care. Senator Moore has refiled the bill for this session. |
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