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End of Life Cultural, Legal & Ethical Aspects of Care

CMKC policies to refer to:

  • Disagreement Resolution Surrounding Redirection of Care
  • Moral and Religious Objections to Care

AAP Policy Statements for End of Life:

Weise, K.L., Okun, A.L., Carter, B.S., Christian, C.W., COMMITTEE ON BIOETHICS, SECTION ON HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE MEDICINE, COMMITTEE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, Katz, A.L., Laventhal, N.T., Macauley, R.C., Moon, M.R., Opel, D.J., Statter, M.B., Feudtner, C., Boss, R.D., Hauer, J.M., Humphrey, L.M., Klick, J., Linebarger, J.S., Flaherty, E.G., Gavril, A.R., Idzerda, S.M., Laskey, A., Legano, L.A., and Leventhal, J.M. (2017, September). Guidance on forgoing life-sustaining medical treatment. Pediatrics,140(3): e20171905. 10.1542/peds.2017-1905

Diekema, D.S., Botkin, J.R., Committee on Bioethics. (August, 2009). Forgoing medically provided nutrition and hydration in children. Pediatrics, 124(2): 813–822. 10.1542/peds.2009-1299

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.

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