Terminal patients given OK to administer lethal drugs
Washington state voters recently approved a measure permitting terminally ill adults to request and self-administer lethal medications prescribed by a physician, according to the American Hospital Association (AHA).
Under the measure, approved by 59% of voters, a physician with primary responsibility for the patient's care must determine that the patient has an incurable disease expected to cause death within six months, that the request is voluntary, and that the patient is competent and making an informed decision, the AHA said. A second physician would have to confirm that information, according to the AHA. The measure does not require a health care provider or facility to provide a prescription for lethal medication, it said.
Leo Greenawalt, president of the Washington State Hospital Association, was quoted by the AHA as saying Washington hospitals are working to improve end-of-life care and access to palliative care. The recently passed initiative makes this work even more important, he said. The state association also is renewing efforts to get residents to discuss their end-of-life wishes with their families and put their wishes in writing, Greenawalt added.
Washington state voters recently approved a measure permitting terminally ill adults to request and self-administer lethal medications prescribed by a physician, according to the American Hospital Association (AHA).You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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