The Our Care, Our Choice Act empowers terminally ill, mentally capable Hawaiʻi residents with six months or less to live to choose to take a prescription in their final days that will end unbearable suffering and allow them to die peacefully.
But due to Hawaiʻi's severe doctor shortage, too many terminally ill patients are still unable to access medical aid in dying.
Qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) stand ready to serve, but as the law is written, they are currently prohibited from helping in this most crucial area. Hawaiʻi is one of 22 states that gives APRNs authority to independently carry out all medical acts consistent with their education and training, including prescribing all forms of medication–except for medical aid-in-dying medication.
Tell Hawaiʻi's State Legislators: It's time to update the law to address this major flaw.
Dear [Decision Maker],
The Our Care, Our Choice Act took effect on Jan. 1, 2019. It was intended to give ALL eligible terminally ill, mentally capable adults the option of medical aid in dying to peacefully end their suffering, if it becomes unbearable.
Data shows that the law is working as intended–but only for those who can access it. Far too many terminally ill patients who seek medical aid in dying are unable to find a supportive provider and thus, don't get to have this compassionate option at the end of their life.
If even one qualified patient is forced to spend their final weeks in fear and pain, trying desperately to use the law, but die in the process, then that is one patient too many.
Qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) stand ready to serve, but as the law is written, they are currently prohibited from helping in this most crucial area. Hawaiʻi is one of 22 states that gives advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) authority to independently carry out all medical acts consistent with their education and training, including prescribing all forms of medication–except for medical aid-in-dying medication.
Please update the legislation to allow qualified APRNs to be able to support their eligible patients in the full range of end-of-life options.
[Your comment here]
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
