2 end-of-life care measures sent to Gov. Christie

Two measures that proponents say would make end-of-life care decisions easier for New Jerseyans and their families have been sent to Gov. Chris Christie's desk.

One bill would mandate that the state create a document that enables patients to indicate their preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment. The other creates an advisory council that would conduct a comprehensive study on the quality and cost-effectiveness of end-of-life care services and how easily they can be accessed.

Both measures were overwhelmingly approved in the Senate and the Assembly late last month and forwarded to Christie for his review. But it's not known if or when the governor will consider the bills — his office hasn't commented on the governor's plans, and Christie hasn't addressed the matters.

Proponents say the measures will improve the care people receive as they near death and help ensure their wishes are respected and followed.

For example, they cite the measure that would create a standardized document called Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST), which indicates to health care providers a person's specific medical orders regarding life-sustaining treatment.

Such documents are typically used by those with serious medical conditions or terminal illnesses and — in most cases — they would supplement a patient's wishes conveyed through a previously prepared advance directive. The program would be developed, overseen and publicized by the state's Health and Senior Services Department.

"(The POLST) is a smart, efficient way for individuals to communicate their medical wishes," said Assemblywoman Connie Wagner, D-Paramus, who was one of the measure's primary sponsors in that chamber. "It not only helps physicians understand the wishes of their patients, but eases the burden on families who might be overwhelmed during understandably emotional circumstances."

Besides Wagner, other primary sponsors in the Assembly were Democrats Herb Conaway of Delanco, Valerie Vainieri Huttle of Englewood, Annette Quijano of Union and Republican Nancy Munoz of Summit.

In the Senate, Democrats Loretta Weinberg of Bergen and Teresa Ruiz of Essex sponsored both the POLST measure and the related measure that would create a 21-member advisory council charged with reviewing the quality and cost-effectiveness of end-of-life care services in New Jersey.

It also would develop and present policy recommendations relating to state agencies, policymakers, health care providers and third-party payers.

The advisory council's members would include 14 public members, as well as the commissioners of the state's Health and Senior Services and Human Services departments and four state lawmakers — two each from the Senate and the Assembly.

"End of life care decisions are often very difficult for loved ones to make, and even more difficult for many to discuss," said Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer, D-Newark, who sponsored the measure in that chamber. "Hopefully this council will help offer the necessary guidance to make this process easier for families."