04/07/2025
Legislative Action Alert!! Bill H75, An act relating to clinician participation in patient choice at end of life and DNR/COLST order
The House Health Care Committee will be considering bills to take action on the 2nd half of the session. Now is the time to reach out to House Health Care Committee members and impress upon them the importance of taking up, H75 An act relating to clinician participation in patient choice at end of life and DNR/COLST order this session.
The main aspects and implications of Bill H.75, focusing on the expansion of clinician roles, patient rights, legal protections, and the use of telemedicine in end-of-life care:
Expansion of Clinician Participation:
The bill authorizes naturopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to participate in Vermont’s patient choice at end-of-life laws.
Naturopathic physicians are now permitted to sign and issue do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and clinician orders for life-sustaining treatment (COLST).
Patient Choice at End of Life:
The bill outlines the process for patients with terminal conditions to request medication to hasten their death.
It includes requirements for oral and written requests, medical evaluations, and documentation to ensure informed and voluntary decisions.
Telemedicine:
The bill allows for the use of telemedicine in making requests and consultations, provided it is deemed clinically appropriate by the clinician.
Immunity and Liability:
Clinicians are protected from civil or criminal liability and professional disciplinary action when acting in good faith compliance with the bill’s provisions.
The bill does not limit liability for gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
Health Care Facility Policies:
Health care facilities can prohibit clinicians from prescribing lethal medication for use on their premises if they notify the clinician in writing of their policy.
Insurance Protections:
Life insurance benefits cannot be denied for actions taken in accordance with the bill.
Medical malpractice insurance policies cannot be affected by a clinician’s participation or non-participation in the provisions of the bill.
Prohibition of Active Euthanasia:
The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize lethal injection, mercy killing, or active euthanasia.
Effective Date: The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025
Please contact committee members (and Cc your own State Rep.) as soon as possible and ask them to please take up H.75 this session. Please share any noteworthy comments.
House Health Care
Rep. Alyssa Black (D) Chair, Chittenden-24, PO Box 9141, Essex, VT 05451 ablack@leg.state.vt.us / alyssahblack@gmail.com (802) 598-1026
Rep. Francis McFaun (R) Vice Chair, Washington-Orange, 97 Sunset Rd., Barre Town, VT 05641 (802) 479-9843 fmcfaun@leg.state.vt.us / toppermcfaun@aol.com
Rep. Daisy Berbeco, Ranking Member (D) Chittenden-21, PO Box 381, Winooski, VT 05404 dberbeco@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Brian Cina (P/D) Chittenden-15, 12 ½ Isham St., Burlington, VT 05401 bcina@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Mari Cordes (D) Addison-4, (802) 989-9267 21 Main Street, C, Bristol, VT 05443 mcordes@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Wendy Critchlow (D) Chittenden-19, 435 Colonial Drive, Colchester, VT 05446, (802) 999-3707, wcritchlow@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Allen "Penny" Demar (R) Franklin-7, PO Box 31, Enosburgh, VT 0545 (802) 393-2493 ademar@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Leslie Goldman (D) Windham-3, 570 ROCKINGHAM HILL RD, Rockingham, VT 05101 lgoldman@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Lori Houghton (D) Chittenden-22, 40 School Street, Essex Junction, VT 05451 (802) 373-0599, LHoughton@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Woodman Page (R) Orleans-2, 299 HIGHLAND AVE, Newport City, VT 05855, (802) 334-6988 wpage@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Debra Powers (R) Caledonia-1, 1011 HIGH RIDGE RD, Waterford, VT 05810 (802) 535-6661 dpowers@leg.state.vt.us
Kristen Varin, Committee Assistant kvarin@leg.state.vt.us
