Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee is made up of a diverse group of people who have a personal or professional interest in the well-being of people with developmental disabilities and elders. The function of the Ethics Committee is to review and give advice regarding critical health care decision for people with developmental disabilities. The Committee is available to assist with the ethical aspects of a Advance Care Planning and End of Life Decisions for individuals with developmental disabilities or older Vermonters who are on public guardianship.  The Ethics Committee must review any decisions by a Public Guardian to withhold or abate life-sustaining treatment for a person with a developmental disability for whom they are guardian.

Information and Resources

• End of Life Care Decision Making Guidelines

• Guide for Physicians in Providing Medical Documents for End of Life Decision-Making to the Office of Public Guardian

• Discussion Framework - Developmental Disability Services Ethics Committee
• Ethics Committee Non-Disclosure Form

Meeting Schedule, and Minutes
The Ethics Committee meets on a bi-monthly basis or as needed. Minutes of these meetings are confidential.

Contact Information
Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD)
Office of Public Guardian
Phone: 802-828-2143

Return to Developmental Disability Services Boards & Committees home page.