P12 Navigating Complex Choices: Hot Topics in Palliative Care Ethics and Practice

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

1:00pm - 5:00pm PST

Location: Room 30 CD

Speaker(s)

Erin Collins, MN RN CHPN (she/her/hers)

Director of Programs
The Peaceful Presence Project

PDF Session Takeaways Slides
Jennifer Blechman, MD, FAAHPM, HMDC (she/her/hers)

Palliative Care Medical Director
Partners In Care, Bend, OR
Beth Patterson, MAR, certified end of life doula (she/her/hers)

Palliative Care Support Specialist
Blue Sky Collective
MP

Melissa C. Palmer, JD LCSW ACHP-SW APHSW-C

Disclosure(s):

Erin Collins, MN RN CHPN: No financial relationships to disclose

Jennifer Blechman, MD, FAAHPM, HMDC: No financial relationships to disclose

Beth Patterson, MAR, certified end of life doula: No financial relationships to disclose

Melissa C. Palmer, JD LCSW ACHP-SW APHSW-C: No financial relationships to disclose

Join this thought-provoking pre-conference session as we tackle some of the most controversial and impactful issues in palliative care today: Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) and Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED). This session offers a deep dive into the ethical, legal, and practical dimensions of these practices. Through case studies, expert-led discussions, and interactive scenarios, participants will examine the nuances of patient autonomy, caregiver roles, and the evolving landscape of end-of-life care. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to navigate these sensitive conversations with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the session, participants will demonstrate understanding of at least three ethical principles related to MAiD and VSED, measured by a post-session knowledge assessment.
By the conclusion of the session, participants will create a communication framework for addressing sensitive conversations about MAiD or VSED with patients and caregivers, as assessed through in-session activities.