Vermont Ethics Network

Working to increase awareness of ethical issues, values and choices in health and health care.

Forms

Tools to Document Health Care Decisions

Sudden illness or accident can happen to anyone at any time. These forms enable adults to appoint a health care agent and to document their priorities and preferences for future health care needs.

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Vermont Advance Directive Registry

VADR

The Vermont Advance Directive Registry is a secure, digital repository for completed advance directives and is available for free to all Vermont residents. Registering your advance directive is the best way to make sure that your health care team can find your document when it is most needed.

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Medical Decision-Making

Taking Steps Vermont

There may come a time when you are unable to speak for yourself. The best way to ensure that your wishes are known and honored is to talk with those closest to you and your health care providers about what matters most.

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Medical Ethics

Relevant Topics in Bioethics

Medical ethics is a field of study that draws from philosophy, law and medicine. There are four core principles in bioethics that define the ethical obligations that health care providers owe to patients. The application of these principles to individual cases can be helpful in resolving difficult questions that arise in health care.

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Palliative & End-of-Life Care

Information for those living with serious illness

Palliative care is specialized care that is directed at managing the symptoms of those who are living with serious or advanced illness. It is appropriate for individuals who are seeking treatment for their disease, as well as for those who have shifted their goals to a more comfort-directed plan of care.

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Latest News & Upcoming Events

Local Advance Care Planning Events (Vermont Advance Directive Week, Spring 2025)

Find events in your area or request a presentation from VEN for your community. April 13-19, 2025 is Vermont Advance Directive Week, but VEN offers free community education sessions all year round. Put in your presentation request today!

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Vermont Advance Directive Week Starts April 13th!

Vermont Advance Directive Week is dedicated to sharing resources and information to educate and inspire Vermonters to make advance care plans for their healthcare. Find out how you can participate and get free resources to share with your community.

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More News & Events

Check out the latest news & events at the Vermont Ethics Network and from our community partners. Our News & Events Page includes information about community events, trainings for volunteers & professionals, news articles about medical ethics and decision-making and much more. Click read more to see the latest news at VEN.