Assembly gives final approval to “do not resuscitate” bill

Friday, May 30, 1997 | 11:44 a.m.

Assembly members agreed on a voice vote Friday to minor Senate amendments to AB29, sending the bill to Gov. Bob Miller for his signature.

The brief floor action was in sharp contrast to a mid-April battle in the Assembly that ended with a 27-15 vote for the bill.

During the earlier session, opponents argued the bill would force emergency medical technicians to make difficult life-saving decisions. They also wondered whether the bracelets could be removed and placed on someone else.

Assemblywoman Gene Segerblom, D-Boulder City, said her AB29 is meant to supplement living wills, which specify orders not to resuscitate with artificial means but aren't always carried around by people.

Segerblom dismissed the concern that the bracelets could be placed on someone else, saying the bill requires signed statements by people saying they understand what they're doing.

Segerblom also said AB29 is supported by medical associations, emergency medical technicians, the attorney general, the state Health Division, the American Association of Retired Persons and every hospice in the state.