Vermont's smallest hospital has become the latest to opt out of the state's new aid-in-dying law, but hospital officials expect to revisit the issue soon.
Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend made the decision Friday.
The law allows doctors to prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients who request it. Most hospitals are expected, at least for the time being, to opt out of implementing it.
The Brattleboro Reformer reports that Grace Cottage Hospital administrators expect to re-examine the matter within 90 days. For now, they'll work out the details of accommodating terminally ill patients who request lethal doses of medication.
Vermont's largest hospital, Fletcher Allen, has also opted out for now in order to give administrators a chance to "develop a thoughtful, compassionate policy that will respect our patients and providers."
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
