On June 9 a new California law will go into effect. Concerned African American doctors and lawyers met together to discuss the unique legal, ethical and medical considerations for minority communities. California is the 5th state to pass a law giving patients the legal right to request, receive and self-ingest prescribed medications for the sole purpose of ending their own life.
The lawyers and doctors together reviewed the strict process that must be followed. Patients must have a terminal disease that is incurable and irreversible and likely to result in death within 6 months. The patient must be a California resident at least 18 years of age and have full decision-making capacity as well as the ability to self-administer the medication. Most importantly, only the patient may request that prescription. This new law is completely voluntary for the patient, hospital, doctor, pharmacist and other medical staff. A strict “check list and compliance form” must be followed for this detailed process. It is not to be recorded as “suicide”. The law is an option meant for patients who fear dying in pain or without dignity.
The End of Life Option Law was skillfully explained by Attorney Sheniece Smith who is the Associate General Counsel for Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Additional options were explained thoroughly by other members of the outstanding expert panel. Attorney Leslie Bigler Lindgren, Senior Lead Attorney at the Public Law Center in Orange County, discussed Advance Directives which allow patients to list their wishes and designate persons to make decisions for them, if necessary, at the end of life. She included the importance of the power of attorney, wills and trusts and what could happen if you don’t have them in place.
Dr. Susan Elizabeth Wang is Chief of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine for Kaiser Permanente. She clearly explained the difference between Hospice and Palliative Care, their insurance coverage and when they should start for both children and adults. The discussion on care and comfort would not be complete without addressing Spiritual Care. Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates, the Founder of God Answers Prayer International Fellowship of Churches spoke about the role of religious and cultural awareness. She discussed personal experiences that showed that advanced planning makes a difference for all involved. The role of prayer, hope and miracles is strong in our culture. The panel of four was moderated by Dr. Carole Jordan-Harris who is a long-standing member of the Healthcare Ethics Committee at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
This symposium was held on April 21, 2016 at the stately facility of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. This preeminent law firm is nationally recognized for its healthcare expertise. Manatt generously donated all amenities to present this important topic to the lawyers, doctors, nurses and hospice staff who filled the room.
The event was coordinated by Staff Attorney Lisa McLean of Munger, Tolles and Olson.The Planning Committee included Doctors Valencia Walker (ABWP President), Joy Simmons, Nzinga Graham, Carole Jordan-Harris and Attorneys Nicole Husband (BWL President), Amber Finch, Lisa McLean and Renee Becker.
Only 29% of physicians report having had any formal training specifically in talking with patients and their family about end of life care. Education, such as this symposium, is important for both physicians and lawyers so that they are knowledgeable and comfortable in having those tough conversations while mindful of the unique cultural and religious needs. The Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP) and Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Inc. (BWL) have been collaborating on mutual medical-legal issues annually since 1983. Both organizations want to encourage the community to initiate end of life conversations with their family members, doctors and lawyers and to complete the documents that will assure their wishes are respected.
Know your options. Do not chose the option of “doing nothing”.