SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11
(By Senators Prezioso, Dempsey, Sharpe, Minard and Love)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance direct the
Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources
Accountability study the effectiveness of medical intervention
at the end of life and at other times.
Whereas, The application of medical science and technology has
the ability to prolong the dying process almost indefinitely and,
in some cases, with attendant pain and suffering; and
Whereas, Most West Virginians would prefer to live a shorter
period of time rather than undergo pain and suffering involved with
being kept alive artificially; and
Whereas, Certain medical procedures administered in hospitals
and nursing homes, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, have been
shown to rarely result in prolonged survival in persons with
chronic illness in whom death is expected, but yet can
significantly increase pain and suffering; and
Whereas, The per capita age of the citizens of the State of
West Virginia is currently the highest in the nation and those
individuals are most deserving to be recipients of effective
medical care; and
Whereas, The issues related to medical decisionmaking,
allocation of resources and attendant consequences are matters of important public policy in this state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to direct the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health
and Human Resources Accountability study the effectiveness of
medical intervention at the end of life and at other times; and, be
it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.