Date: 09/24/2009

Final
Statutory Template for Advance Directives

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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09:46 AM -- Statutory Template for Advance Directives

Kari Hershey, Colorado Medical Society, introduced herself and provided a handout to the committee (Attachment B). Ms. Hershey spoke to House Bill 08-1061 which authorized advanced practice nurses (APNs) to sign certain documents, like disabled parking permits. She stated that it was brought to the Medical Society's attention that APNs were given the authority, under House Bill 08-1061, to certify a terminal illness. Ms. Hershey stated that APNs consider determining or certifying death or terminal illness of a patient outside of the scope of their practice. She stated that the Colorado Nurses Association agrees. She explained that the bill's intent was not to add APNs to the list of individuals who may certify a terminal illness. Ms. Hershey clarified that the addition of the term APN in this part of the statute was an editing mistake. Ms. Hershey stated that APNs are able to enter an advance directive into the patient's medical chart.

Attachment B.pdf