The New York State Palliative Care Education and Training Council plays a vital role in shaping Palliative Care Education Programs across the state. Established in 2007 under Public Health Law, Section 2807-n, the council is composed of diverse experts appointed by the Commissioner of Health. These members represent medical schools, hospital organizations, patient advocacy groups, and various medical specialties including internal medicine, family medicine, nursing, social work, hospice, and more. This broad representation ensures a comprehensive approach to palliative care education.
A significant directive for the Council came in 2014 with Chapter 318 of the Laws. This legislation tasked the Council with providing recommendations to key stakeholders – the Commissioner of Health, Commissioner of Education, the Chancellor of SUNY, and relevant legislative committees. These recommendations focused on the critical need for and effective strategies to implement palliative care education and training within state-certified nursing and social work schools. The directive also extended to practice settings within healthcare facilities and agencies, recognizing the importance of ongoing professional development in palliative care.
In 2018, the Council fulfilled its final charge by publishing the “Recommendations of the New York State Palliative Care Education and Training Council.” This comprehensive report (available in PDF format) outlines key recommendations for advancing palliative care education. These recommendations serve as a valuable resource for institutions and organizations seeking to develop and enhance their palliative care education programs.
Resources for Palliative Care Education in Practice Settings
To support the development and implementation of effective palliative care education programs, a range of resources are available for various healthcare professions.
Multidisciplinary Education Resources
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Nursing Education Resources
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Social Work Education Resources
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Additional Palliative Care Resources
Beyond profession-specific education, several broader resources are relevant to palliative care education programs:
New York State Palliative Care Laws
Understanding the legal framework is crucial for effective palliative care practice. New York State laws related to palliative care provide essential guidance for healthcare professionals and organizations.
Institute of Medicine Report: Dying in America
The Institute of Medicine’s 2014 report, “Dying in America: Improving Quality and Honoring Individual Preferences Near the End of Life,” offers a comprehensive analysis of end-of-life care in the US. This report provides valuable insights and recommendations that can inform palliative care education program curricula.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Advance Care Planning
CMS resources on Advance Care Planning are critical for understanding reimbursement and regulatory aspects of palliative care. The CMS rule for payment related to advance care planning consultations is an important element for healthcare providers to understand and incorporate into practice and education.
Palliative Care Certifications
For professionals seeking advanced expertise in palliative care, various certifications are available. A list of palliative care certifications and links to certifying bodies can help individuals identify relevant professional development pathways and enhance the credibility of palliative care education programs by highlighting the importance of certified professionals.
This overview of the New York State Palliative Care Education and Training Council and available resources provides a starting point for understanding and developing robust palliative care education programs. By leveraging these resources and recommendations, institutions can contribute to a more skilled and compassionate palliative care workforce in New York State and beyond.
