Maine
Maine has established a system for reporting sentinel events for the purpose of improving the quality of health care and increasing patient safety. Within one day of the occurrence of a sentinel event, facilities must call at Sentinel Event Hot Line. Additional analysis and reporting follows the oral report.
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Maine Revised Statues, Title 22, Chapter 1684, Sections 8751-8756 | |
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Code of Maine Rules, DHHS Rules, Chapter 114, Sections 1-4 | |
| Legislative reports | 2008 Sentinel Events Annual Report to the Maine State Legislature | |
| Legislative reports | 2007 Sentinel Events Annual Report to the Maine State Legislature | |
| Legislative reports | 2006 Sentinel Events Annual Report to the Maine State Legislature | |
| Legislative reports | 2005 Sentinel Events Annual Report to the Maine State Legislature | |
| Reportable event forms | Mandatory Sentinel Event Reporting Form | |
| Reportable event forms | Sentinel Event Annual Notification Form | |
| State website | Sentinel Event Program |

For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 























































































































































