OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Some major health care providers say they want nothing to do with the doctor-assisted-suicide law that Washington voters approved Tuesday. Others say they are reserving judgment.
As of Friday night's ballot count, Initiative 1000 was winning with a 58 percent "yes" vote, guaranteeing its passage. It goes into effect in March.
In Oregon, the only other state with such a law, patients often take their lethal drugs at home while surrounded by loved ones rather than medical professionals. But for some people, home is a skilled nursing facility, long-term-care center or hospice house.
Providence Health Care System, the largest medical provider in the Northwest, says none of its facilities may be used in assisting suicide.
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