Question

1. Consider and discuss the impact of state laws r/t physician-assisted death/physician-assisted suicide could play in this case.
2. Consider and discuss your specific state laws and discuss how the RN will effectively act in such situation with your peers.

Answer 1

Physician assisted death refers to end of a life by a patient taking decision in a sound mind.

Currently 8 states have this rights in practice.The impact of this law has made death accessible by terminally ill patients who may die in next six months.

Some of th specific state laws in getting it legally permitted under Death with Dignity Law are as following

• The patient should talk with the physician regarding this
• Patient to talk to their family members
• The eligibility assessment is to be done
• Residential proof has to be produced
• The medication can be obtained after (first oral request and first waiting period, second oral request, written request and second waiting period. the coverage of insurance and he read on stated by the physician onbthe death certificate
• It is not necessary that patient prescribed for this medication must take it.It forms the legal rights of the patient to ingest or not ingest or postpone, must know when to take and how to prepare and ingest  only after asking in a sound mind to the family members
• In certain states Final Attestation Form as to be done prior to 48 hours of taking medication.

The roll of a RN is equally important in this type of cases.They should be effective

• In handling the emotional trauma and pain
• After care of death patient
• Help in decision making process
• Compassionate care to be given
• A chaplain service or counsellor service can be provided (this is even applicable for a nurse to take it because perception of death and the feelings experienced are almost same though when one is a spectator to understand the real need )
• Never disclosing details to a third party or yo a stranger
• Prepare and get ready for after care.