Brattleboro Area Hospice and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Ethics Committee invite the public to a free presentation about Act 39: Patient Choice and Control at the End of Life. Vermont’s law pertaining to Patient Choice at the End of Life took effect on May 20, 2013 and legalizes physician-aid in dying for eligible adults living with a terminal illness. Featuring Cindy Bruzzese, the Executive Director of the Vermont Ethics Network, this forum is not a debate for or against Act 39; it is a public informational presentation only and allows time for questions and answers.
When: Monday, March 24, 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Brew Barry Conference Room, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
“Bona fide physician–patient relationship”
The Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act (Act 39) provides Vermont residents with terminal disease the option to be prescribed a dose of medication to hasten the end of their life. This option requires the participation of a Vermont physician.
Act 39 was passed by Vermont General Assembly in 2013, and signed into law on May 20, 2013.
For the next three years, physicians and patients must adhere to a process laid out by the Act. In 2016, that process sunsets but the law continues to provide immunity for patients and physicians who wish to take steps under the Act. No patient, physician, or pharmacist may be required to participate in activities under Act 39. Every step must be voluntary
Read Full Text: http://healthvermont.gov/family/end_of_life_care/patient_choice.aspx
PDF of No. 39. An act relating to patient choice and control at end of life.
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/Acts/ACT039.pdf