SB 1695 Summary - Nondiscrimination in Treatment Act

• Creates the "Nondiscrimination in Treatment Act" to prohibit health care providers from denying life-preserving health care services based on patient age, disability status, or terminal illness.

• Defines "life-preserving health care service" as any health care service that, if denied in reasonable medical judgment, would result in or hasten the patient's death.

• Prohibits denial of treatment based on: (1) views that elderly, disabled, or terminally ill individuals have lower value, or (2) disagreement with how the patient values extending life versus risking disability.

• Allows patients or authorized representatives to bring a cause of action for injunctive relief against health care providers who violate the act.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2012.