title: Washington State Death with Dignity Act: implications for long-term care.
abstract: The Washington Death with Dignity Act (DWDA) allows competent, terminally ill adults to request a lethal dose of medication from a physician. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge of Directors of Nursing (DONs) in long-term care (LTC) and assisted living facilities regarding the DWDA. Findings of the survey provide insight into DONs' understanding of the law and whether they have provided staff education regarding how to respond to resident requests. This survey, although limited by sample size, may provide guidance for policy development in LTC settings regarding similar laws.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Seattle University, Seattle, WA, USA. feldtk@seattleu.edu
authors.forename: Karen S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Feldt
authors.forename: Gail E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Bond
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: Janine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Clymin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D012297:Right to Die; D013727:Terminal Care; D014861:Washington