The Catholic health care ministry has long supported public policies and programs that address the special needs of persons at the end of life.  In the face of repeated attempts to legalize assisted suicide in California, the Ministry must be proactive in promoting positive alternatives to this troubling policy proposal.  The Alliance and the Catholic health ministry will continue to promote the implementation of Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) throughout California, including implementation of policies and engagement in community coalitions, and will continue to provide leadership to statewide palliative care and end of life coalitions.


Ethical and Religious Directive 58
pdficon_largeQ&A Ethical and Religious Directive 58

POLST Forms
pdficon_largeModel Policy for General
Acute Care Hospitals
pdficon_largePOLST Policy Forms

Pallative Care
pdficon_largeThe State of Pallative Care in           
California's Catholic Hospital
s - 09/08
pdficon_largeWhen Compassion Is The Cure:
The Case for Hospital-Based
Pallative Care - 2008

Physician Assisted Suicide
pdficon_largeAB 374: Compassionate Choice Act
Policy Deficiencies

pdficon_largeAB 374 Legislative Briefing Materials

pdficon_largeMediated Dialogue on Assisted Suicide