Melissa Hargiss
Melissa Hargiss is Director of Tennessee Office of eHealth Initiatives. Melissa is an attorney with over 17 years experience in the areas of business, corporate and governmental law. She began her career of legal practice in the Los Angeles area before moving to Nashville, Tennessee. In 2005 she began working for the Department of Finance and Administration, Office of General Counsel. During her time with OGC, Ms. Hargiss handled legal matters pertaining to information technology, including data security and consumer privacy for the State’s Office of Information and Resources. She also handled all security and privacy issues related to the State’s burgeoning eHealth Initiatives. She played a role in implementing Governor Phil Bredesen’s eHealth Council and the Tennessee eHealth Network. In late 2007, Ms. Hargiss joined the Governor’s Office of eHealth Initiative as the Assistant Director where she was responsible for all legal and administrative aspects of the eHealth initiatives.
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. 
