The New Hampshire House has passed two bills that would tweak current law governing advance directives, according to a Boston Globe report.
The first bill would alter the language in the law so that hospitals would be prohibited from ending treatment for "legally incapacitated" patients without an advance directive, court order or evidence that the treatment is harmful. The law currently applies to "mentally incompetent or developmentally disabled" patients.
Opponents of this bill took offense to the change, arguing the language removes protections for mentally disabled individuals. Supporters argued the change was intentional so the law would apply more broadly.
The second bill would allow patients to utilize any formal advance directive. The bill is intended to allow states with advance directives form other states to have their wishes honored.
Both proposals have passed the House and now move to the Senate for a vote.
The first bill would alter the language in the law so that hospitals would be prohibited from ending treatment for "legally incapacitated" patients without an advance directive, court order or evidence that the treatment is harmful. The law currently applies to "mentally incompetent or developmentally disabled" patients.
Opponents of this bill took offense to the change, arguing the language removes protections for mentally disabled individuals. Supporters argued the change was intentional so the law would apply more broadly.
The second bill would allow patients to utilize any formal advance directive. The bill is intended to allow states with advance directives form other states to have their wishes honored.
Both proposals have passed the House and now move to the Senate for a vote.
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