Overview
- A Feb. 26 memo from Sens. Dianne Hesselbein, Jodi Habush Sinykin and Kelda Roys and Reps. Randy Udell, Alex Joers and Mike Bare invites co-sponsors through March 5.
- The draft would permit mentally capable Wisconsin residents 18 or older with a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of less than six months to request life-ending medication.
- Requests must be made by the patient, be written and witnessed, and providers must verify an informed, voluntary choice with an opportunity to rescind and education on the procedure; recipients are not obligated to take the medication.
- Clinicians may decline to participate but must document requests and transfer records if asked, and patients can receive referrals to palliative, hospice or other end-of-life care options.
- The proposal adds penalties for coercion or fraud and bars insurers from altering rates or benefits based on a request, while right-to-life groups voice opposition and near-term movement appears unlikely with the Assembly recently gaveling out.