DOI: 10.1177/0894318413509717

nsq.sagepub.com Health and Public Policy The adequacy of end-of-life care is an increasing concern in society and among healthcare professionals. There continues to be critical need for policy that promotes and supports nurses ’ use of knowledge, experiences, and skills in caring for patients at end-of life. This column addresses three key areas of needed change in policy for end-of-life nursing care: scope of practice, reimbursement, and prescribing practices. In addition, background on the significance of this area of care is briefly reviewed, and barriers to advanced nursing practice are discussed. The authors conclude with policy rec-ommendations for the future of end-of-life nursing care. End-of-Life Care as Quality of Life Care Palliative care is integral to caring for someone at end-of-life. While the literature suggested that there are differences in the exact meaning or definition of the term palliative care, most experts and professional organizations agree that the goal of palliative care is to provide care to patients and their families and prevent or relieve the suffering of those who have a life-limiting illness, regardless of the stage of the dis-ease or available treatment options. This broad description of palliative care encompasses the concepts of hospice and end-of-life care, which are more specific in terms of the stages and treatment options available for patients enrolled in thos