National Advance Care Planning Day

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Welcome to the fascinating world of National Advance Care Planning Day! Prepare yourself for an informative and entertaining journey through the history of this important day, where we'll explore everything from the origins of the day to some surprising and fun facts. So, buckle up and get ready to be amazed!

When is Advance Care Planning Day?

It's national advance care planning day on the 16th April.

The Origins of National Advance Care Planning Day

Every year on National Advance Care Planning Day, we celebrate the importance of thinking ahead and making decisions about our future healthcare. This day is all about encouraging individuals to have conversations with their loved ones about their healthcare wishes and creating a plan for end-of-life care.

Advance care planning ensures that our medical preferences are known and respected in case we are unable to make decisions for ourselves. It's a thoughtful and considerate way to provide guidance to our family and healthcare providers when the time comes.

But how did this day come to be? Well, it all started...

A Fun Fact About National Advance Care Planning Day

Did you know that National Advance Care Planning Day is often celebrated with delicious food? Many organizations and individuals host events where participants can enjoy tasty treats while engaging in conversations about advance care planning. It's a wonderful way to make such an important topic feel more accessible and approachable!

History behind the term 'Advance Care Planning'

1990

Emergence of Advance Directives

In 1990, the term 'advance care planning' emerged as an extension of the concept of advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to express their healthcare preferences in advance, typically through a living will or appointing a healthcare proxy.

1991

Recognition of the Need for Expanded Planning

In 1991, policy discussions began to recognize the need for a more comprehensive approach to healthcare planning beyond just advance directives. It became clear that healthcare decisions should involve broader discussions among patients, families, and healthcare providers to cover a range of medical scenarios.

1996

Introduction of the Term 'Advance Care Planning'

The term 'advance care planning' was officially introduced in 1996 by the Society for Bioethics Consultation. This new approach encouraged individuals to engage in ongoing discussions about their healthcare goals, values, and preferences, taking into account the potential progression of their conditions.

2005

NHPCO Promotes Advance Care Planning

In 2005, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) actively promoted advance care planning as a means of improving end-of-life care. The organization emphasized the importance of open and honest conversations about healthcare choices, empowering individuals to have their preferences honored.

2014

Medicare Coverage for Advance Care Planning

A significant milestone occurred in 2014 when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began offering reimbursement for advance care planning discussions. This move by the CMS helped increase awareness and accessibility to advance care planning services among Medicare beneficiaries.

2015

National Healthcare Decisions Day

In 2015, National Healthcare Decisions Day was established to promote the importance of advance care planning. This annual grassroots initiative raises awareness and encourages individuals to discuss their healthcare wishes with loved ones, complete advance directives, and engage in advance care planning processes.