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Searching 2023-2024 Session

The Vermont Statutes Online

The Vermont Statutes Online have been updated to include the actions of the 2023 session of the General Assembly.

NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.

Title 18: Health

Chapter 042A: Patient's Bill of Rights for Palliative Care and Pain Management

  • § 1871. Patient’s bill of rights for palliative care and pain management

    (a) A patient has the right to be informed of all evidence-based options for care and treatment, including palliative care, in order to make a fully informed patient choice.

    (b) A patient with a terminal illness has the right to be informed by a clinician of all available options related to terminal care; to be able to request any, all, or none of these options; and to expect and receive supportive care for the specific option or options available.

    (c) A patient with pain has the right to request or reject the use of any or all treatments in order to relieve his or her pain.

    (d) A patient with a chronic condition has the right to competent and compassionate medical assistance in managing his or her physical and emotional symptoms.

    (e) A pediatric patient with a serious or life-limiting illness or condition has the right to receive palliative care while seeking and undergoing potentially curative treatment. (Added 2009, No. 25, § 3; amended 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 95.)