SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6231

BYSenators Craswell, Owen, Johnson, Stratton, West, Smith, Anderson, Rasmussen and Metcalf

Establishing standards of care for persons in hospitals and nursing homes.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1988

Senate Staff:Jean Soliz (786-7755)

AS OF FEBRUARY 2, 1988

BACKGROUND:

There has been increasing controversy over the past decade regarding the rights and obligations of medical care providers in relation to terminally ill persons.  The Legislature has been unable to resolve a clear state policy about withholding medical treatment, especially nutrition and hydration, in situations where a patient is terminally ill.

SUMMARY:

The nursing home statutes are revised to prohibit nursing home employees or agents from withholding or withdrawing food from any person, including terminally ill persons, to deliberately cause death.  An exception to this rule is created for cases where the patient is unable to tolerate the administration of food or water.  Nursing home personnel and agents are prohibited from administering any lethal drug or treatment to deliberately cause death.

The statutes related to hospital care are amended to include the same prohibitions on hospital employees and agents.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:July 1, 1988