California doctors may be required to explain end-of-life rights to patients

Los Angeles Times, August 21, 2008

Doctors who diagnose people with terminal illnesses would be required to immediately tell them about the right to refuse or withdraw from life-sustaining treatment under a measure approved by California lawmakers. The right-to-die legislation would require a doctor at the time of a terminal diagnosis to explain all options, when requested by the patient. But some say physicians who treat cancer patients oppose the latest bill because they see it as government meddling at a time when patients need compassion.