Kentucky Medical Association Tackles Non-Beneficial Treatment for Unrepresented Patients

In Resolution 2019-35, the Kentucky Medical Association resolved to address medical decision making for unrepresented patients who are critically ill. The Kentucky legislature should take this up. As I describe here, there are few mechanisms and little guidance in this area. 

The Resolution reads, in part:
"The Kentucky Medical Association requests Kentucky state legislative authority to authorize two attending physicians or a hospital ethics committee to withdraw non beneficial treatment when it has been determined that there is no discernible medical benefit, and that any intervention only postpones the imminent moment of death without serving the integral good."