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Ohio Lawmakers Consider Allowing R.N.s to Pronounce Death

Ohio legislators are considering a measure that would allow R.N.s in the state to determine and pronounce patient deaths, Med City News reports. The legislation was drafted, in part, to address a physician shortage in the hospital and hospice care settings, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the state. One of several measures currently being considered by lawmakers to increase nurses' power, the legislation is expected to be amended to include stipulations that R.N.s could only determine and pronounce death in specific situations, such as when a physician is not available. A second possible amendment, meanwhile, would require R.N.s to consult with a physician before pronouncing death. Both the Ohio State Medical Association and Ohio Hospital Association have met with Rep. Peter Ujvagi to discuss the bill. According to Med City News, approximately 20 states have enacted similar legislation (Seper, Med City News, 10/28/09).

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