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Source: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-t...s-could-be-taken-off-life-support-2212149.php
Houston patients could be taken off life support in pandemic
By TODD ACKERMAN, HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Published 08:35 p.m., Monday, October 10, 2011
Local public health officials are finalizing a plan to determine who would qualify for the most critical care - machines that breathe for people unable to on their own - and who would be denied such life-saving treatment in the event of a nightmare flu outbreak.
The plan, which would be invoked only in the event of a historically bad pandemic, would allow heath-care personnel to remove such life support equipment from patients who aren't improving, even without their families' permission. Drafted by the Harris County health department, the plan lays out specific guidelines for such extreme circumstances...
Houston patients could be taken off life support in pandemic
By TODD ACKERMAN, HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Published 08:35 p.m., Monday, October 10, 2011
Local public health officials are finalizing a plan to determine who would qualify for the most critical care - machines that breathe for people unable to on their own - and who would be denied such life-saving treatment in the event of a nightmare flu outbreak.
The plan, which would be invoked only in the event of a historically bad pandemic, would allow heath-care personnel to remove such life support equipment from patients who aren't improving, even without their families' permission. Drafted by the Harris County health department, the plan lays out specific guidelines for such extreme circumstances...