DQOLC Position on HB140
The Delaware Quality of Life Coalition is aware of pending legislation which grants a terminally ill adult the option to voluntarily request and self-administer medication to end the individual’s life, if two attending physicians or attending APRNs agree on the individual’s diagnosis, prognosis of less than 6 months, and ability to make a well-informed decision.
Our position is one of nuetrality and any legislation should have sufficient safeguards to ensure patient and public safety, protection from undue influence or abuse, and utilization transparency.
High quality hospice and palliative care should be promoted as essential components of end of life care for all patients, including those who choose this option. DQOLC specifically supports increased education and training for all health care professionals on end of life care options.
A link to the proposed bill can be found at: https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail/47408