Hospice Organization

In October, 1978, the first annual National Hospice Organizing Meeting took place in Washington, DC. the two keynote speakers were Senator Edward Kennedy, now chairman of the Serrate Judiciary Committee and a ranking member of the Senate Public Health Committee, and Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph Califano. 

Hospice and palliative care are becoming much more widely recognized by healthcare providers. The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (founded in 1988 as the Academy of Hospice Physicians) and the Association of Hospice Nurses are respected national organizations of health care professionals who provide palliative care. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO, formerly known as the National Hospice Organization [NHO]) includes the National Council of Hospice Professionals (NCHP). The 15 membership sections of the NCHP include an active pharmacist section. 

Alcohol or drug rehabilitation centers Mental retardation facilities Community health centers Retail pharmacies Health maintenance organizations Hospice... 

The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) and the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) have identified nine situations in which consumers have the potential to acquire bacteria that could lead to infection [17]. These include changing diapers, home hospice care, preparation of family meals, contact with pets, gardening or yard work, and travel and recreation. Many of these activities involve bacterial contamination in the presence of an organic load. 

Honors a patient s wish regarding end of life issues Helps avoidance of discomfort with the preservation of individual dignity Provides for effective pain relief and appropriate emotional support Prevents inappropriate intrusive medical assessments or interventions Permits family and significant personal support including spiritual care Details procedures for palliative medicine or hospice consultation Informs staff about decisions regarding the donation of organs and tissues... 

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