Formation and operation of a statewide commission on end-of-life care in Minnesota

Innovative approaches to improving end-of-life care are needed. One strategy involves government/community partnerships to improve care.

Engage health care provider and health care consumer communities in the State of Minnesota to improve end-of-life care.

The Minnesota Commission on End of Life Care was formed to make recommendations that would be used by public and private policy makers to improve care in the state.

An innovative selection process brought together a broad group of people to identify, prioritize, and make recommendations regarding end-of-life care in the state. Carefully selected leadership, good planning, and organization ensured a successful process that kept all appointed commission members engaged throughout the 18-month project. Using a consensus process, the Commission endorsed a framework for end-of-life care and made specific recommendations for improving access, education and public policy. This paper describes the process of developing and implementing the Commission, the challenges, successes, and lessons learned.