Harry Reid: “As you have heard from so many Nevadans over the past several years, we need a mechanism where patients have options…”

“As you have heard from so many Nevadans over the past several years, we need a mechanism where patients have options where care is denied. The following case is a clear illustration. On April 20th 1999, Joseph Greuble died at the age of 47 from malnutrition. Joseph's malnutrition was a direct complication of his life long battle with Crohns Disease. Joseph's gastrointestinal problem was quite complex. His disease was complicated by ulcerations, fistulae, bleeding, obstruction, electrolyte disturbances, seizures, and chronic pain, and Joseph required multiple operations. Continuity of care is most important when dealing with an incurable, chronic, debilitating disease. In Joseph's case, the system's failure to provide continuity of care proved tragic and fatal. I served as Joseph's personal physician for 11 years. As Joseph's conditioned worsened he was no longer able to live independently, and he moved into his mother's small apartment in Las Vegas.”