The bill H.75, introduced by Representative Cordes, seeks to enhance the participation of various health care professionals in Vermont's end-of-life care laws by allowing naturopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to issue do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and clinician orders for life-sustaining treatment (COLST). The legislation amends existing definitions by replacing "physician" with "clinician," thereby broadening the range of professionals authorized to make critical decisions regarding end-of-life treatment. Additionally, the bill establishes requirements for clinicians when prescribing medications intended to hasten death, ensuring that patient requests are informed, voluntary, and well-documented, while also providing protections for those who choose not to participate in these processes.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific procedures for issuing and honoring DNR and COLST orders, mandating that a COLST be signed by the patient's clinician and include relevant details about the patient and their decision-makers. It requires that a copy of the completed order be placed in the patient's medical record and provides guidelines for displaying the order. The legislation also affirms the validity of DNR/COLST orders executed before July 1, 2011, as long as they meet prior statutory requirements, and mandates that out-of-state DNR orders be honored. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-113, 18-9708