New bill gives families a choice in end-of-life decisions

New York lawmakers have approved a new law that allows family members to make health care decisions for incapacitated loved ones, who have not made their wishes known in advance. In the past, family members were unable to do this in New York, unless the patient had a living will to state their intentions. The bill was approved by the Senate on Wednesday and Gov. David A. Paterson said he will sign the legislation. If health care providers determine a patient cannot make decisions, family members can now make decisions for the patient, including whether to remove life-sustaining treatment. The legislation will take effect June 1. Read the complete story here. 

Top Paterson official resigns

A member of Gov. David A. Paterson’s administration resigned after reports of intervention by the governor and the State Police into a domestic- assault case against a senior Paterson aide. Denise O’Donnell, deputy secretary for public safety, said she is resigning because she was misled by State Police Superintendent, Harry Corbitt.  According to O'Donnell, Corbitt assured her his department was not involved. O’Donnell said she only learned of the State Police’s involvement in the case last night through press reports. The New York Times reported on court papers showing a phone call between state police and the woman. Officials of David Patterson acknowledge he talked with the woman, but claim she placed the call. Many people believe this could have an effect on Paterson’s re-election bid. Even some of Paterson’s allies believe there is little he can do to salvage his political career. Read the whole story from the NY Times. 

Zydrunas Ilgauskas bought out by the Wizards

The Washington Wizards have announced they bought out the contract of Zydrunas Ilgauskas, according to ESPN. Ilgauskas, a 7-foot-3 center, was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Wizards on Feb. 17. Ilgauskas did not play in any games for Washington. The buyout cost Ilgauskas $1.5 million in salary. He averaged 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds on the Cavaliers backing up Shaquille O’Neal. Ilgauskas, 34, can rejoin the Cavaliers in 30 days, or he can sign with any other team immediately. Ilgauskas’s agent said they will take their time in making a decision, and intend to talk to about half a dozen teams.