Ephrata, Quincy decline 'death' act

GRANT COUNTY — Quincy Valley Medical Center and Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata are declining to participate in the Death with Dignity Act.

Othello Community Hospital and Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake earlier announced similar decisions.

Quincy board Chairman Don Condit confirmed the hospital board of commissioners voted against participating in the act.

Under the Death with Dignity Act, also known as Initiative 1000, patients with a maximum of six months to live may seek lethal medication in Washington. The self-administered medication would be provided by participating physicians.

The act allows for hospitals to decline offering the service to patients.

“Columbia Basin Hospital has chosen to not participate under the Washington State Death with Dignity Act,” stated Ephrata Interim Administrator Moe Chaundry.

The decision was made after discussions with hospital commissioners, medical staff and patients, Chaundry stated.

Condit said Quincy hospital commissioners agreed unanimously on the issue.

“The board didn’t have a need to discuss this in any length,” he said.

But the board did want to make it clear a physician could still participate in the act, he said.

“That’s consistent with the language within the initiative,” Condit said.

Physicians can participate in the act off hospital property.

Columbia Basin Hospital providers can also participate in the Death with Dignity Act, as long as they do so independent of their role with the hospital and off of hospital property, hospital staff stated.

Public Relations Coordinator Susan Scheib stated providers at the hospital will respond to patients’ inquiries about life-ending medication openly and compassionately. Providers should help patients understand the options available, including assisted care and pain management, Scheib stated.