Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB631

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/23
• Refer: 4/28/23

Caption

In general provisions relating to health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment; and making editorial changes.

Impact

The bill affects current laws related to healthcare directives and the protocols for emergency medical personnel when dealing with patients who have completed a POLST. It aims to mitigate confusion that arises when patients move between different healthcare settings. The incorporation of POLST is meant to enhance patient autonomy by providing a portable, actionable medical order that health providers are obligated to recognize and follow. Additionally, training and education campaign requirements in the bill ensure that healthcare providers are adequately informed about the POLST process and its significance in delivering appropriate patient-centered care.

Summary

Senate Bill 631 introduces significant amendments to Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, primarily focusing on provisions related to Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). The bill aims to provide better clarity on the applicability, definitions, and procedures surrounding POLST, which is intended to streamline end-of-life care decisions for patients. The legislation seeks to ensure that patients can express their wishes regarding medical interventions and are not subjected to unwanted life-prolonging treatments under specific conditions. This change consolidates various existing protocols into a more cohesive framework intended to honor patient preferences in healthcare settings.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB631 appears to be supportive among many healthcare advocates who see it as a necessary evolution of healthcare protocols that respects patient choice. However, some potential points of contention may arise regarding the adequacy of safeguards to protect patients' interests, particularly around the voluntary nature of POLST and how it interacts with existing advance healthcare directives. Medical and legal experts within the discussions emphasize the need for proper training and understanding of these directives to prevent misuse or confusion.

Contention

Notable areas of contention include the concerns about the implementation of the POLST system alongside existing advance healthcare directives and the potential administrative burden it may impose on healthcare providers. Additionally, while many stakeholders advocate for the clarity that POLST brings, there are worries about how equitable access to information and the ability to complete these orders are maintained across diverse populations. This includes ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support to understand and make informed choices regarding their end-of-life care.