An Act Concerning References To A Terminal Condition In Statutes Governing Removal Of Life Support Systems.
Impact
If enacted, HB 6949 would directly affect how end-of-life decisions are made in the context of healthcare, providing a standardized metric for patients and healthcare providers to gauge when intervention can be considered non-beneficial. This change would potentially streamline the process of making these critical decisions while also addressing legal ambiguities present under the current statute. The bill’s intent is to simplify the legal language in living wills and advance directives, making it easier for individuals to understand their rights and options regarding life-sustaining measures.
Summary
House Bill 6949 aims to amend Connecticut's statutes regarding the removal of life support systems. The primary focus of the bill is to change references of 'terminal condition' in the existing legislation, specifically relating to the criteria under which life support may be withdrawn. The proposed change suggests replacing the term 'terminal condition' with a more specific criterion that states an individual's life expectancy must be six months or less, thereby clarifying the circumstances under which life support can be legally ceased.
Contention
Though the bill is primarily focused on clarifying legislative language, it may provoke discussions regarding ethical considerations in end-of-life care. Critics may argue that tying the designation of a terminal condition strictly to a six-month life expectancy could overlook individual circumstances and the nuances of varying medical conditions. Furthermore, there could be concerns from advocacy groups representing patients and the elderly regarding how these changes could impact discussions around autonomy and informed consent during critical healthcare decisions.
An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study The Enforcement Of Certain Provisions Of The General Statutes Concerning Roaming Livestock And Amending Certain Statutes Concerning Roaming Livestock.