Finger Lakes, N.Y.-A new law in effect beginning today requires doctors and nurse practitioners to offer terminally-ill patients information and counseling concerning palliative care and end-of-life options.

“Typically, patients are only referred to hospice two or three weeks before their death,” stated
Dr. Patricia Bomba, vice president and medical director of geriatrics for Excellus BlueCross
BlueShield. “This new law requires physicians and nurse practitioners to discuss palliative care,
hospice and all their other options earlier in the course of the patient’s illness.”

The New York State’s Palliative Care Information Act encourages discussions between patient
and physician about the goals for care and also the need for a Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining
Treatment (MOLST) form, as well as ensures optimal relief of pain and other symptoms and a
timely referral to hospice.

More information, at CompassionAndSupport.org