Ruiz Bill to Increase End-of-Life Planning Clears Senate

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, designed to increase end-of-life planning, cleared the Senate today.

“Many people will consider where and how they want to spend their final hours, but do not put their wishes into writing,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “By increasing end-of-life planning and encouraging more individuals to formalize their preferences more people will be able to spend the end of their life where they are most comfortable.”

The bill, S-3116, would require certain medical facilities to undertake end-of-life planning and training. The bill would apply to several care settings including assisted living facilities, dementia care homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Facilities would be required to provide annual training to administrative and professional medical staff. They would also have to implement policies to identify end-of-life issues upon patient’s admission to the facility and provide information to patients and their families.

The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 38-0.