March 2019 Update: HB 4135 was signed into law in 2018. The Oregon Legislature is currently attempting to further expand the law. Please go here for the latest.
Salem, OR– Today House Bill 4135 passed the Oregon Senate (17-12). While the stated intent of the bill’s authors was to update the advance directive, it also paves the way for healthcare representatives to remove access to food and water for vulnerable Oregonians with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
“Oregonians should be able to trust their elected officials to act in their best interests,” said Lois Anderson, ORTL executive director. “This bill is a betrayal of that trust. The brief hearings held in committee showed significant problems with the bill, especially the testimony from doctors who know well what Oregonian patients need.”
HB 4135 originally passed the Oregon House February 16, 35-25, in a party line vote. The bill is now on its way to the governor.
