An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Delaware Medical Orders For Scope Of Treatment Act.
The bill empowers the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services to promulgate regulations, develop protocols, and establish a DMOST program that will facilitate effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. It outlines specific responsibilities, such as providing ongoing training for emergency-care providers and creating an accessible electronic registry for DMOST forms through the Delaware Health Information Network. This proactive approach aims to ensure that healthcare workers can comply with patient wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments.
Senate Bill 195, titled 'An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Delaware Medical Orders For Scope Of Treatment Act,' aims to improve the utilization of the Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (DMOST) form, which allows patients with serious illnesses to express their healthcare preferences in writing. This legislation builds upon the existing DMOST framework established in 2016 and seeks to enhance education, outreach, and training for healthcare professionals and the public regarding the DMOST form and process.
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 195 is positive among healthcare advocates and professionals who believe that improving the DMOST program will promote better-end-of-life care and respect for patients' wishes. Advocacy for the bill highlights the importance of effective communication in healthcare settings and the ethical imperative to honor patients' decisions regarding their treatment options. The pervasive underutilization of DMOST forms has sparked a collective call for enhancements to ensure patients are fully informed and supported in their healthcare decisions.
While supporters of SB 195 emphasize its potential to enhance patient autonomy and healthcare decision-making, some critics may express concern about the practical implementation of the DMOST forms and whether adequate training can be provided to all stakeholders involved. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the integration of the DMOST process within established healthcare frameworks, particularly regarding how emergency-care providers prioritize the new protocols amidst existing pressures in fast-paced environments.