DPH adviser says MOLST training rollout continuing while legal review and statutory changes are considered
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Summary
Barbara Cass of the Department of Public Health told the MOST Advisory Council the MOLST training program is moving forward but remains in legal and commissioner-office review; DPH counsel has proposed potential statutory changes to 19a-580h, and members discussed CEUs and certificate logistics.
Barbara Cass, senior adviser to the commissioner for long-term care at the Department of Public Health, said the state's MOLST training program is proceeding but remains under legal review and may require changes to statute before full implementation. "It is still in the legal review commissioner office review process, which would include the policies and procedures, the form, the online training," Cass said.
Why it matters: MOLST training is intended to increase completion of medical orders for life-sustaining treatment and the ability of clinicians and facilities to honor patient choices. Council members said easier certification, CEUs and clear online processes will help uptake among clinicians and other providers.
Cass described the current operational steps and short delays tied to the CT Train platform: when learners take training outside the platform, DPH staff must manually register them and perform what Cass described as "5 or 6 clicks" to issue certificates, which causes a short lag before learners receive documentation. She said staff are managing the extra work at DPH and welcomed offers of administrative assistance to speed certificate distribution.
Council participants raised incentives and accreditation. Multiple members suggested working with the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA), LeadingAge and academic CME departments to secure continuing education credits for different professional groups. Cass said several organizations have been receptive and that staff will follow up to identify practical next steps.
On program uptake, Cass told the council the program has seen substantial growth in recent years and that requests for MOLST forms have risen sharply; she reported what she described as a "100% increase in the request for forms." A presenter also said a recent training had 34 participants.
Next steps: Cass said DPH is awaiting sign-offs from the commissioner's office and other agencies for any proposed statutory language changes to 19a-580h before finalizing online procedures. The council did not take formal action; members agreed to continue coordination on CEU options and administrative support and to bring updates to a future meeting.
