Attorney General's News Release

December 26, 2006

Nixon awarded for end-of-life efforts by Kansas City area health group

Jefferson City, Mo. — A health care association in Kansas City has recognized Attorney General Jay Nixon for his initiatives to make Missourians more aware of the need to plan for the end of life.

The Kansas City Regional Home Care Association gave Nixon an award for Life Choices, his free publication that helps consumers document what kind of medical treatment they would want if they are unable to speak for themselves.

"Attorney General Nixon has been a leader at both the state and national level in encouraging consumers to take charge of their end of life decisions and make their wishes known now, while they're healthy," said Mary Reichert, past president of the KCRHCA.

Life Choices encourages adults of all ages to put their intentions in writing, explains the legal process and provides forms such as the advance health directive and durable power of attorney for health care choices.

"It's an honor to be recognized by a group like this," Nixon said. "We share the goal of urging Missourians to make critical health care decisions and discuss them with their families now, so no one is in the position of the families of Terri Schiavo or Nancy Cruzan."

Nixon's office has provided more than 60,000 copies of Life Choices to consumers since 2004. Consumers can order the publication for free by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline, 1-800-392-8222 or visiting ago.mo.gov. Life Choices was recently updated to provide more clear legal instructions and forms.

The KCRHCA is made up of more than 60 member agencies, providing hospice, nursing, equipment and other in-home services to residents in the Kansas City metro area. The group on Dec. 14 presented Nixon its annual Noni McCall Award, given each year to a governmental leader and named after a former association board member. The group's Web site is www.kcrhca.com.

Life Choices publication, pdf format

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818