Category Archives: policy

Action Alert! Speak Out on Proposed Rules for ‘Procuring’ Organs from People with Disabilities

action alert, organ donation, organ transplants, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, united network for organ sharing

Action Alert: Procuring organs from people with disabilities    Take Action! Comments on proposed rules due Friday, June 15! The United Network on Organ Sharing (UNOS) has issued proposed requirements for organ procurement from people who depend on ventilators or other life sustaining treatment, including people with upper spinal cord injuries and people with neuromuscular disabilities.  … Continue reading Action Alert! Speak Out on Proposed Rules for ‘Procuring’ Organs from People with Disabilities →

NJ Governor Vetoes POLST Bill, Suggests Revisions

advance directives, legislation, life-ending decisions, life-sustaining treatment, new jersey, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, POLST

Much of the state level legislative activity concerning POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) has been carried out under the general public’s radar. But when Governor Chris Christie vetoed the New Jersey POLST bill yesterday, it hit the news feed. According to NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM and the Governor’s veto message – While noting the prospective benefits in … Continue reading NJ Governor Vetoes POLST Bill, Suggests Revisions →

Not Getting on the POLST Bandwagon

"end of life", advance directives, life-sustaining treatment, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, POLST

I just learned that the Illinois legislature passed a bill authorizing Physician Orders on Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) (ILH 3134) which was signed by the Governor last week. We haven’t addressed POLST on the NDY blog yet, but it’s a primary focus of legislative activism on the part of the so-called “end-of-life” coalitions that formed during … Continue reading Not Getting on the POLST Bandwagon →

Disability Health Disparities Based on Negative Quality of Life Judgments Must Be Challenged

bioethics, daly, health care reform, health disparities, healthcare rationing, Medicaid, medical discrimination, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, qaly

While national disability organizations work hard to influence the federal budget debates, painful Medicaid cuts are already being considered and implemented at the state level across the country. Getting disability advocates and issues to the table is a major challenge. The Executive Director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York just … Continue reading Disability Health Disparities Based on Negative Quality of Life Judgments Must Be Challenged →

Threats to Medicaid Are a Not Dead Yet Issue

ADAPT, budget reduction, diane coleman, health care reform, long term care, Medicaid, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy

In transitioning to full time work for Not Dead Yet, I’m bringing my last fifteen years of independent living and health care advocacy experience. I’ve served on a number of boards and committees related to achieving universal health care, protecting and improving health care access for people with disabilities, and reversing the institutional bias built … Continue reading Threats to Medicaid Are a Not Dead Yet Issue →