NASW Supports Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act of 2005

End of life and advance care planning essential

Washington — The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), representing more than 153,000 members nationwide, urges lawmakers to support Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act of 2005 (S347 IS) . This important piece of legislation allows Medicare recipients to consult their physician on end of life and advanced care planning. It provides reimbursement to physicians for time spent to have such a discussion. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services will receive funding for a public education campaign for all Americans to become informed about the importance of advanced directives. Introduced by Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), this bill will provide support to people facing life threatening situations and their families.

NASW supports this bill to ensure that all Americans consider, communicate and document their long term planning wishes. Social workers provide services to individuals and their loved ones affected by serious illness and injury. Many times decisions need to be made regarding end of life care. Helping individuals and their families make complicated personal decisions, social workers are trained in ethical and legal knowledge to provide information and counseling in difficult times.

NASW supports the right to determine the level of health care, including decisions about quality of life and end of life care. The NASW has developed both policy and practice standards for palliative and end of life care which guide social workers in the field.

For more information about NASW's role in health care legislation, please visit http://www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/issues/health.asp

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 150,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.