Death Panels: They're Real, and They're SPECTACULAR

You didn't read about it in the funny papers, but Massachusetts introduced its brand of Death Panels on April 1st. And, no, it wasn't an April Fool's joke -- unfortunately.

On March 20, 2012, Massachusetts' Office of Health and Human Services wrote to inform all Acute Care Hospitals, all Emergency Rooms, all Long-Term Care facilities, all Directors of Nursing, all ambulance services, all EMS training institutions, and all affiliated hospitals that MOLST (Medical Orders for LifeSustaining Treatment) would begin on April 1st.

What is MOLST? As a presentation on Patient Care Link (PDF) explains:

In short, MOLST is in place to prevent "unnecessary hospitalizations" for you pesky older folks who just refuse to die when it's time. MOLST forms are available anywhere people might be in danger of using precious health care resources, because -- as the form notes -- "The form is effective immediately upon signature. Photocopy, fax or electronic copies of properly signed MOLST forms are valid."

Note that the three options (A, B, and C) are all designed to prevent the use of expensive health care services. Massachusetts health care is breaking the bank. So the powers-that-be are encouraging, in every way possible, what Goldfinger told Bond: No, grandma -- we want you to die.

You can't be trusted to have these forms ready on your own.

Oh -- and Massachusetts, of course, was the template for Obamacare.

I'll publish more details soon about Obamacare's version of death panels, which are 100% real. Sarah Palin was right.