The final medical decisions in a person’s life are among the most difficult anyone can make. They can include how to proceed with treatment for someone with a terminal illness, or to cease treatment all together. When that person is unconscious or unable to make that decision themselves, family, or next of kin, are often the ones who decide.

But, in practice, carrying out the wishes of a loved one is not as simple as it seems. 

Without having the necessary paperwork already completed, a person needs to gain legal guardianship before they can make medical decisions on their loved ones’ behalf. That process is complicated and can waste precious, fleeting moments on bureaucracy.

State Rep. Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown) is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill along with Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township) to close the medical decision-making gap in Michigan.

Rep. Thompson joined the Metro to discuss the details of the bill, and her personal experience which highlights Michigan’s need for a next-of-kin law in the state.

Guest:

• State Rep. Jamie Thompson represents Michigan’s 28th House District and serves as Vice Chair of the House Health Policy Committee.

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