Meeting Minutes: February 16, 2006

Minutes 2-16-06

Minutes from January meeting appoved

Discussion of Senate Bill 06-158, limiting proxy’s right to withhold or withdraw nutrition and hydration

 - language is confusing

 - appears to be a knee jerk bill

 - should be opposed both for the powers it takes away , and because it does not consider the other sections of the Colorado Revised Statutes it impacts

 - probably unconstitutional in re: Kruzan

Motion to oppose bill as a Joint Task Force, and seconded.  No discussion.  Vote unanimous to oppose Senate Bill 06-158

Discussion of list of considerations:

 add ensuring the form is medically /ethically neutral

 add when should notice be given and what should the standards of notice be

 add should PS and terminal illness issues be separated

 
The list of factors to consider in living will development now include:

Definition of life sustaining procedures

Definition of treatment and drugs

Definition of persistent vegetative state

Issue of 7 day waiting period

Does Colorado law permit direction of continued medical care when medical personnel determine such care to be futile

Is “only procedure provided” language appropriate or should it be broadened

Is the term we should use “attending physician” the appropriate term

Who should be included in the notice provision

Should we include a “living will protector” entitled to enforce the living will

Should we have an individual options section

Should this document require renewal

ensuring the form is medically /ethically neutral

when should notice be given and what should the standards of notice be

should PS and terminal illness issues be separated