(JUNEAU) - While nation's attention is riveted by the Terri Schiavo drama taking place in Clearwater, Florida, the unfortunate situation is also focusing attention on a problem Alaskans face. The case strikes a chord because it forces us to consider what circumstances will befall us at the end of our life. Most people want to die at home with family members and friends, but according to Aging with Dignity, a national organization that advocates for the elderly, the typical scenario is that people end up in a hospital or nursing home cared for by strangers.

Who will make decisions for you and how do you want to be cared for as death looms? These intense concerns require compassionate treatment by families, healthcare institutions, and particularly government recognition of these things.

"Unfortunately, Alaska is one of 14 states were narrow laws often derail efforts by people to spell out their last wishes," said Juneau Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch.

Recently a national organization gave Alaska a failing grade on its treatment of the dying. The group known as Last Acts, is a coalition of organizations such as the American Medical Association and AARP and is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

During the past Legislative session, Rep. Weyhrauch introduced House Bill 25, to addresses Last Acts' concerns, that Alaska law actually thwarts good care planning. Known as the "Five Wishes Bill," HB 25 provides a comprehensive approach to making healthcare directives. The Five Wishes approach includes whom you want to make medical decisions for you, the type of medical treatment you want, or don't want and how comfortable you want to be in terms of pain medication among others. Most importantly, HB 25 stipulates guidelines for named surrogates such as spouses, siblings, or adult children. "For the first time in Alaska, the authority of a surrogate will be supported in law."

"People in America treat dying like a medical moment. The discussion is all about feeding tubes and respirators. It leaves family members guessing and feeling guilty. It also leaves open the possibility that some sorry person will be without an advocate who can make decisions for them, such as Terri Schiavo," Weyhrauch said. "We should address that."

HB 25, passed the Alaska House of Representatives in May 2003, and is currently in the Senate Health and Social Services Committee. For more information on HB 25, contact Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch at 465 3744.

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