PAPA Bill Goes Into Effect

For the first time in eight years, the potential for involuntary euthanasia no longer threatens Virginians. On July 1, the Patient Autonomy Protection Act (PAPA) went into effect, having been approved by Governor James S. Gilmore III on April 7, 2000.

This legislation corrects a flaw in the 1992 Health Care Decisions Act whereby life-saving medical treatment could be withdrawn if a physician considered it "medically or ethically inappropriate," even against the will of the patient or the patient’s family. A massive VSHL lobbying effort during the past year, combined with strong support from the Governor, finally brought success in amending the original legislation. Now, before a physician can discontinue life-saving treatment, he must notify the patient or family and allow time for transfer to another physician who is willing to continue treatment.

For further details, see the following articles:

• Patient Autonomy Protection Act(PAPA) Passes Without Dissent (VSHL Lifesaver - April 2000)
• Virginia's Involuntary Euthanasia Problem (VSHL Lifesaver - August 1999)
• Legislature_Legalizes_Involuntary_Euthanasia - Doctor can override patient wishes (VSHL Lifesaver - March 1992)

Published in VSHL Lifesaver, August 2000