Signed by Governor Paul LePage

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes terminally ill patients to use certain experimental treatments.

Highlights:

• Authorizes an “eligible patient” to use an “investigational drug, biological product or device” with consent of the individual’s treating physician (Sec. 1).

• Defines an “eligible patient” as an individual who meets all of the following conditions (Sec. 1):
• An individual who receives a diagnosis of terminal illness for which no standard treatment is effective;
• An individual who has considered all treatment options approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration;
• An individual who is accepted into a clinical trial within 1 week of completion of the clinical trial application process;
• An individual who gives written, informed consent for the use of the “investigational drug, biological product or device;” and
• An individual who receives documentation from the individual’s treating physician that the individual meets all of the conditions.

• Defines “investigational drug, biological product or device” as a drug, biological product or device that has successfully completed Phase I of a United States Food and Drug Administration approved clinical trial but has not yet been approved for general use and remains under investigation in a clinical trial (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an official, employee or agent of the State from blocking or attempting to block an eligible patient’s access to an investigational drug, biological product or device (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text