Designates November each year as "Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month."
Impact
The resolution recognizes hospice and palliative care as a patient-centered and cost-effective approach to care that involves an interdisciplinary team of professionals and volunteers. Each year, approximately 1.6 million patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses across the United States receive such care, illustrating the significance and reach of hospice services. Furthermore, the resolution highlights research indicating that hospice and palliative care not only improves the quality of care for patients but can also reduce healthcare costs, specifically lowering Medicare expenditures during a patient's last year of life.
Summary
AJR36 is a joint resolution in New Jersey that designates the month of November each year as 'Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month.' The goal of this resolution is to raise public awareness about hospice and palliative care, emphasizing its importance in providing quality care for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. By recognizing this month, the Resolution aims to encourage New Jersey citizens to better understand supportive, high-quality end-of-life care options for themselves and their loved ones.
Contention
While the designation of November as 'Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month' is a positive gesture, the bill also aims to deepen the societal conversation surrounding end-of-life care. It invites public officials and residents to engage in awareness activities throughout November. However, one point of contention might arise over the balance between recognizing hospice care's benefits and ensuring that diverse preferences for end-of-life care, including alternative practices and patient autonomy, are respected and included in public discussions.