Public Policy Initiatives

Introduction

The debate over the legal, ethical, and medical questions at the end of life is calling attention to the health care system's inadequate care of the dying and promoting new efforts to extend good palliative care to everyone who is terminally ill.

As part of its research initiatives, the Institute conducted a statewide survey on policies that affect proper pain management, especially at the end of life.

To learn more about specific state policies regarding pain management, visit our Public Policy Map.

Furthermore, the Institute developed and organized a guidebook for health care professionals and policymakers interested in making significant contributions to the debate over the legal, ethical, and medical questions surrounding physician-assisted suicide.  This report discusses issues related to care of the dying, and list resources for future research.

To learn more about Pain Management ...........................

To learn more about Physician-Assisted Suicide ..............

To learn more about Advance Directives .........................

The present moment offers funders, government, and health care professionals a prime opportunity to openly discuss issues that profoundly effect an important part of our lives and the manner in which we care for the dying.