Health Care Laws Approved in the 2008 Elections
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Proposed health and health care changes on ballots all over the state haven’t received much press, either before or after the recent presidential election. But there are some important changes, even though they have been overshadowed by the election itself!
Abortion Limitations Defeated in All Three States
In California, Colorado, and South Dakota, propositions which would have limited the circumstances under which a woman could seek an abortion were defeated.
Children’s Health Insurance Approved in Montana
The Healthy Kids Plan Act was approved. This initiative approves the establishment of a health insurance plan for all uninsured children in Montana, estimated at around 37,000.
Home Care Council Passed in Missouri
A statutory amendment was approved which will allow for the establishment of the Missouri Quality Homecare Council, an entity which will improve the quality and consistency of Medicaid homecare services available for the elderly.
Long-Term Care Requirements in Washington
An initiative was approved which requires people working with the elderly and the disabled have more training and certification to qualify for the work. The new regulations come into effect on January 1, 2010.
Medical Marijuana Approved in Michigan
The use of marijuana for medical purposes was under ballot. The proposition was approved, with 63% of the vote, and will now allow seriously and terminally ill people to use the drug for medical purposes. Qualifying patients—and their caregivers—will be allowed to cultivate marijuana for medical use.
Physician-Assisted Suicide Passed in Washington
Initiative 1000 was approved with 58% of the vote. This means that terminally ill people who are deemed mentally competent will be allowed to request and self-administer a lethal dose of medication. There are provisions in the initiative to limit the circumstances under which this can be carried out. For example, the patient must be deemed to have less than six months to live, and must make two oral and one written request, with a waiting period following each request.
Stem Cell Research Approved in Michigan
The Stem Cell Initiative was approved with 53% of the vote. With this initiative approved, human embryos created in fertility clinics will now be allowed to be donated to researchers working on embryonic stem cell research, if the embryos would otherwise be discarded.
Tobacco Prevention and Control Passed in S.D.
This initiative was approved and will allow for the establishment of an advisory committee to develop and fund a statewide program to prevent and control the use of tobacco.
Universal Health Insurance for Arizona
The votes aren’t completely counted, but this measure would, if approved, make it illegal for the state of Arizona to require people to purchase health insurance. Similar measures in other states require people to pay a fine if they refuse to buy health insurance.
