Choice in Dying: Current Legal, Policy, and Ethical Issues

Many patients, particularly at the end of life, do not receive quality care. Palliative and hospice care are not often provided in a timely manner, if at all. Additionally, the healthcare wishes of patients are often not honored, and dying patients may receive interventions they never wanted. Patients who experience intolerable suffering may not know of options that could reduce their suffering and allow them to die with dignity, in accordance with their values and wishes. In order to make informed decisions about end-of-life care, patients must be given information about the expected benefits and burdens of proposed interventions, as well as the consequences of changing the focus of care to comfort. This class will present legal options that permit patients control over the timing of their own death, including voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED). Social workers can play an important role as catalysts for better quality care for patients at the end of life to ensure that their healthcare wishes are respected.

Four continuing education hours will be offered upon completion of the course.