Medical treatment rights of older persons and persons with disabilities: 1991-92 developments

This article covers developments occurring from the beginning of October 1991 to the end of September 1992. During this period, the federal government considered the issues of health care rationing, the medical rights of residents in long-term care facilities, and advance directives. The federal courts decided cases involving section 504 and its application to medical treatment decisions, the due process rights of persons needing medical care, and the liberty to accept or refuse medical treatment. The states continued to consider legislation on advance directives and surrogate decision making. Numerous state courts heard cases involving such issues as the removal of life-sustaining treatment from never-competent persons, the definitions of living human being and personhood with respect to individuals with substantial disabilities, and the legalization of lethal injections and assisted suicide.