In December 1997, the Maine Hospice Council joined forces with other organizations to create the Consortium for Palliative Care and Hospice. Its mission is to create a socially responsive environment in the State of Maine for compassionate care at the end of life. During the 119th Maine legislative session, the Consortium received a directive from the Health and Human Services Committee to address issues of access and accountability and to make recommendations to the Committee regarding legislation that could improve care at the end of life. The strategy involves health care professionals, policymakers, educators, social-service workers and the public in the development of recommendations that will build public support for practical policies, regulations and guidelines to improve care of the dying.
Goals Identify the cultures of dying and bereavement in Maine.
Increase awareness and understanding of Hospice and Palliative Care in Maine through education at the provider, consumer, legislative and individual levels. Develop and implement a statewide Compact on Hospice and Palliative Care. Increase hospice and palliative care awareness and education in Maine. Design and implement a Hospice and Palliative care curriculum for medical students at the University of New England. Produce interim reports to the state legislature.