Document Type
DNP Project
Department
School of Nursing
Date of Degree
Spring 2023
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Primary Advisor
Mary Jean Schumann, DNP, MBA, RN, CPNP-PC, FAAN; Mercedes Echevarria, DNP, APN
Keywords
Medical aid in dying (MAID); Colorado
Abstract
Background: Medical aid in dying (MAID) is a process by which a terminally ill adult with a prognosis of six months or less can request prescription medications to end their life. Colorado’s End-of-Life Options Act requires that two physicians participate in the process to certify terminal illness and prescribe medications. Nearly all rural and frontier counties face shortages of medical professionals. These conditions challenge rural residents who want to access MAID. Advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants can address gaps in rural and frontier counties; on average, they outnumber physicians in these communities.
Aims: The aims of this health policy project were to increase awareness among state legislators of challenges rural Coloradans encounter when accessing MAID, educate legislators on useful measures for reducing barriers to access, and provide suitable language for amending Colorado’s End-of-Life Option Act.
Methods: The design of this project was a governmental policy analysis and a campaign to build legislative awareness. The project employed interactions with stakeholders through in-person and virtual meetings, email, and phone calls.
Results: A total of 50 legislators from both major political parties were provided information on the barriers to patient access. They included rural and frontier legislators, members of the House Health & Insurance Committee, the Senate Health & Insurance Committee, among others. A total of 83 contacts with these legislators occurred over four months, escalating once the legislature was in session. Several legislators volunteered to support the bill if prime sponsorship could be obtained. Two legislators expressed interest in potentially serving as prime sponsors.
Conclusions: Numerous legislators were not familiar with the details of Colorado’s End-of-Life Options Act, nor were they aware of access challenges. These legislators shared an appreciation for constituents' feedback and engagement. Building a statewide coalition will drive ongoing efforts to amend the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act.
Copyright Notice
©2023 Ashley D. Fry. All rights reserved.
Recommended Citation
Fry, A. D. (2023). Roadmap to Reduce Barriers to Medical Aid in Dying for Rural Coloradans: A Health Policy Analysis and Advocacy Campaign. , (). Retrieved from https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/son_dnp/125
Open Access
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