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Wednesday
Jul292009

The specific language on "Advance Care Planning" from the current bill

Do you really want Congress to mandate a Post Office like functionary in the ICU meeting room with you and your family?

You can get the full monty here. See SECTION 1233. ADVANCE CARE PLANNING CONSULTATION p424 ff.

‘(5)(A) For purposes of this section, the term ‘order regarding life sustaining treatment’ means, with respect to an individual, an actionable medical order relating to the treatment of that individual that— ‘‘(i) is signed and dated by a physician (as defined in subsection (r)(1)) or another health care  professional (as specified by the Secretary and who is acting within the scope of the professional’s authority under State law in signing such an order, including a nurse practitioner or physician assistant) and is in a form that permits it to stay with the individual and be followed by health care professionals and providers across the continuum of care;‘‘(ii) effectively communicates the individual’s preferences regarding life sustaining treatment, including an indication of the treatment and care desired by the individual; ‘‘(iii) is uniquely identifiable and standardized within a given locality, region, or State (as identified by the Secretary); and (iv) may incorporate any advance directive (as defined in section 1866(f)(3)) if executed by the individual.‘‘(B) The level of treatment indicated under subparagraph (A)(ii) may range from an indication for full treatment to an indication to limit some or all or specified interventions. Such indicated levels of treatment may include indications respecting, among other items— ‘‘(i) the intensity of medical intervention if the patient is pulse less, apneic, or has serious cardiac or pulmonary problems;‘(ii) the individual’s desire regarding transfer to a hospital or remaining at the current care setting;‘‘(iii) the use of antibiotics; and‘(iv) the use of artificially administered nutrition and hydration.’’ 

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