Advocates for hospice will be on Capitol Hill this week, ready to take advantage of a marked shift in the debate on discussing end-of-life care with patients.

Back in 2009, Republican critics such as Sarah Palin charged the Obama administration with promoting "death panels" as part of health reform. But recent legislative and regulatory proposals allowing Medicare to pay doctors for advance care planning have not generated near that level of controversy.

The Hospice Action Network, the advocacy arm of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, holds its annual Advocacy Intensive; training in storytelling exercises and messaging is Monday and Hill meetings are Tuesday.

The Alliance of Specialty Medicine—a coalition of 14 national medical societies—will hold its annual fly-in Monday through Wednesday. The alliance supports the 21st Century Cures Act, which the U.S. House passed July 10.
Turkey growers and processors visit Hill offices Wednesday, followed by a "Meat and Greet" congressional reception. The Leadership Conference comes at a time some Midwest turkey farms have been hit by avian influenza.

Also in Washington, D.C., this week: ACCSES—The Voice of Disability Service Providers holds its annual conference. The National Association of School Psychologists holds a Public Policy Institute (partnering with The George Washington University) and Capitol Hill Day.

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