Just a couple weeks ago this Yahoo News article reported that California governor Jerry Brown provided the press with a personal statement about why he decided to sign California’s controversial “Right-To-Die” bill that will allow terminally ill Californians to legally take their own lives via a doctor-prescribed pills.
Important requirements
To take advantage of this new legislation, terminally ill patients must be mentally sound, and may not be depressed or impaired in any way. The bill stipulates that the patients much be physically able to take the pills by themselves. Two doctors must approve the prescription, patients must submit several formal written requests, and there must be two witnesses, one of whom must not be a family member.
Ripple effect?
California is the nation’s most populous state, and supporters expect approval to occur in more states now that it’s been passed successfully in California. Terminally ill patients that meet certain criteria have already been legally given a right to die on their terms in Washington, Oregon, Vermont, and Montana.
The legislation won’t take effect until the California legislative session ends, which won’t occur until at least mid-2016.
Pros and Cons
What do you think about the right-to-die legislation initiatives that are popping up all of the country? Supporters are celebrating that California has passed it, but detractors warn against more widespread approval. Many worry that it will result in people losing their lives because they were coerced into taking these life-ending medications.
Whatever ends up being the results of this legislation, Chart Review Nurses will be right there to record all of the pertinent healthcare outcomes. Our goal is to improve healthcare outcomes throughout the nation by collecting, synthesizing, and publishing essential data for the entire healthcare system in this country.
Always learning and growing
We’re always staying abreast of current developments in the healthcare field, including government policy changes like this right-to-die legislation, as a way to stay informed about what’s affecting patients throughout the US. Our hearts go out to any and all terminally ill patients throughout the US, and we only want what’s best for them, whatever that may be.
Improving patient outcomes every day
We at Chart Review Nurses will continue working to improve patient outcomes so that there will be fewer terminally ill patients navigating our healthcare system. As medical research continues and patient outcomes improve, we look forward to the day when right-to-die legislation isn’t even necessary for so many people anymore, because people will be living longer, fuller, healthier lives.
Until that day comes, the nurses at Chart Review Nurses will continue working tirelessly. If you’re a qualified nurse, consider joining us by sending your application and resume here.
Recent Comments