Today State Representative Arthur J. O'Neill (R-69) was honored by the hospice community with the Excellence in Achievement for Public Service Award for his efforts to give hospice patients greater comfort and security.
The Connecticut Coalition to Improve End-of-Life Care presented him with their top award for championing legislation that expands how state hospice care is administered. The bill (HB 5499), which he pushed forward in the Regulations Review Committee earlier this year, triggered new regulations that will make it easier to build and operate modern hospice residences in underserved areas, including State sponsored at-home care.
Rep. O’Neill, Ranking Member of the Regulations Review Committee, played a major role in helping to thoroughly review and pass the regulations.
"I thank the Coalition for this honor and for their great work to help shepherd these regulations through the legislative process," said Rep. O'Neill, the longest serving leader of the Regulations Review Committee. “The regulations will provide enhanced comfort and peace of mind to end-of-life patients who desperately desire to be in their home communities during that difficult time. This regulatory change was achieved through a carefully crafted collaboration between all stakeholders, and I am pleased that we could all work together to make life a little brighter for patients and families.”
The "Excellence in Achievement for Public Service in End-of-Life" award is presented annually to a professional or group in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field of end-of-life care.
"These regulations have been a long time coming and demanded much effort to be adopted -- we appreciate the work you are doing," said Nealy Zimmermann, Coalition Director.
Rep. O'Neill was presented with the award by Cynthia O'Sullivan, Secretary of the Coalition, at the organization's 2012 Annual Meeting at Elim Park Place in Cheshire.
The Connecticut Coalition to Improve End-of-Life Care Inc. aims to improve the care of people who are dying and their families, and to ensure that every individual has information about and access to compassionate, quality end-of-life care. For more information, visit http://www.ctendoflifecare.org/
