About the Vermont Ethics Network

Mission

To advance ethics in health care.

To enhance the recognition, management and prevention of ethical conflicts within rural hospitals, health care facilities and communities
To provide education for individuals, care givers, policy makers and communities throughout Vermont about ethical issues in health and health care
To empower patients, families, and health professionals to join in constructive dialogue and shared decision-making about health values and choices
To provide coordination and networking support related to the sharing of information and resources about palliative care and pain management across the state through the Palliative Care and Pain Management Task Force
To engage policy makers and their constituencies in examining ethical issues embedded in the utilization of health care resources and future health care reform efforts

Provides educational resources and written materials to help individuals, providers and policy makers understand and use legal health care documents called advance directives (sometimes referred to as “Living Will” and “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care”)
Collaborates with hospitals and hospital ethics committees through the coordination and support of the Rural Ethics Network
Provides information and support related to advance directive statutory requirements and protocols
Conducts public workshops and educational programs related to advance care planning, health care decision-making, advance directives and the Vermont Advance Directive Registry
Coordinates statewide palliative care and pain management task force
Partners with other health care organizations on issues related to ethics, end-of-life care, palliative care, health care decision-making, access to services and allocation of resources
Non-profit organization