1. Maryland MOLST Program
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Maryland MOLST Program
Office of Health Care Quality
Margie Heald, Deputy Director, Federal Programs
Ranada Cooper, Program Manager, Long Term Care
Encouraging health care providers’ compliance with patients’ treatment wishes through coordinated regulatory and educational efforts
August 5, 2019

2. Maryland MOLST Initiative
Seven years after our 2012 submission for an AHFSA Best Practices Award for the Maryland MOLST initiative, it remains one of OHCQ’s top priorities
Our efforts have increased the likelihood that an individual’s wishes to accept, limit, or decline treatment are honored across Maryland’s health care continuum

3. State Survey Agency’s Role
OHCQ remains the driving force of the process, partnering with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), and a diverse group of stakeholders
All involved recognize the value of MOLST and of on-going education about health care decision making

4. Outcomes of the Initiative
Empowers individuals to communicate their wishes about health care
Increases understanding of Maryland’s Health Care Decisions Act
Raises awareness about State and federal regulatory requirements, as well as standards of care

5. Training Since 2012
Over 300 hours of training to a diverse group of stakeholders
Annually provide 8 – 12 hours of training to OHCQ and other State employees
Trained 14 individuals to provide over 100 educational programs across the State to providers, consumers, and other stakeholders

6. Other Activities Since 2012
OHCQ continues to consistently cite non- compliance with State and federal laws protecting an individual’s right to have their wishes for health care honored
Respond to 800 – 1,100 and phone inquiries annually to clarify requirements, regulations, and laws related to MOLST and health care decision making
Maintain a Maryland MOLST website

7. CMP Grant for Maryland MOLST Research
In 2017, OHCQ awarded a civil money penalty funded grant to a university to study the performance of the Maryland MOLST form in clinical practice
This study resulted in an article in a peer-reviewed palliative medicine journal

8. Sustainability
The costs continue to be absorbed as part of the budgets of OHCQ, the Attorney General’s Office, and MIEMSS
Gathered together on this common ground, the State agencies and stakeholders continue to advocate that an individual’s wishes regarding care are honored across the health care continuum

9. Questions Paul Ballard, Assistant Attorney General
Counsel for Health Decisions Policy
Tricia Tomsko Nay, MD, Executive Director