Healthcare Directives 

Life Wishes: Advance Directives

This may come as a shock to some, but death is not optional! This is said not to trivialize death; rather, it is said to highlight the importance of living each moment. Since we have no guarantees other than our mortality, we should be compelled to discuss and explain our end-of-life wishes with our family and friends. Advance directives document your wishes for healthcare when you are unable (physically or mentally) to articulate those wishes. The most important designation is that of Medical Durable Power of Attorney, the person you wish to serve as your healthcare agent when you are incapacitated. Completing an advance directive and then discussing the contents with your family and friends is a tremendous gift that alleviates the doubt and overwhelming responsibility associated with end-of-life decisions. To schedule this presentation, contact us at (303) 398-6326 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Getting the Most out of the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment Program

Passed by the Colorado legislature in 2010, the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment program touches every part of the healthcare system from first responders to long-term care and hospice. The MOST provides a tool for a thorough advance care planning conversation with individuals who are in frequent contact with healthcare providers due to advanced age or serious or chronic illness. The MOST summarizes key life-sustaining treatment choices for CPR, general scope of treatment, artificial nutrition and hydration, and antibiotics. Choices range from comfort care only to full treatment, and when the form is signed by a physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant, it becomes a portable medical order set, valid in any healthcare setting. Proven to improve advance care planning, patient-provider communication, and continuity of care, the MOST program is just getting started in Colorado. This session will provide an introduction and basic implementation guidance for your organization or practice. To schedule this presentation, contact Jennifer Ballentine at (303) 398-6317 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Advance Care Planning
Even as the healthcare reform debate continues on the national stage, there have been game-changing developments in advance care planning and medical decision making here in Colorado. The Living Will has been completely revamped; the CPR Directive regulations rewritten from scratch, and the new Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment program is up and running. This session will provide a concise but complete overview of these significant changes for anyone working with older adults or persons with serious illness. To schedule this presentation, contact Jennifer Ballentine at (303) 398-6317 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

NEW! I Don't Know What to Say... Compassionate Conversations About Crisis Care
Attorneys, financial planners, clergy, and other nonmedical professionals establish long-term relationships with clients – and are often among the first to be called when a significant health change or crisis occurs. Friends and neighbors hear the news of crisis and want to help . . . But how? What can you say or do that will really help? This session will equip you with tools for compassionate and informed responses to people struggling with life-and-death decisions. You will learn answers to questions about advance care planning and advance directives, options for care and practical assistance, how to cope, and resources for further information to share with your clients and your communities. To schedule this presentation, contact Jennifer Ballentine at (303) 398-6317 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .