House votes down bill that would given more flexibility to end-of-life decisions

By an overwhelming vote Wednesday the House likely killed a bill that would have allowed psychologists and physician's assistants to approve end-of-life procedures on a patient.

SB117 has been studied for three years, said House sponsor Rep. Steven Mascaro, R-West Jordan, and various senior citizen groups wanted it.

But the bill failed in a 12-54 vote.

While no bill is ever dead until lawmakers adjourn March 12, there were a number of emotional speeches against the bill, sponsored by Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden.

Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, said her family helped take care of a loved senior relative, and over several years never met the doctor who attended her, but the family met with the PA and with nurses. "This bill makes sense," said Allen.

But Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, said the idea that a psychologist could decide end-of-life issues rather than a medical doctor "terrifies me."

He said a psychologist may claim that anyone who refused life-saving treatment was "not normal," and so not honor the last wishes of the patient or his family

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