Nevada proposes ‘Right to Try’ drug law
By Sean Whaley, Las Vegas Review-Journal
CARSON CITY — A state lawmaker says Nevadans facing terminal illness should have every opportunity to try experimental treatments and drugs in an effort to prolong their lives for themselves and their families.
To that end, Assemblyman James Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas, has asked for a bill to establish a “Right to Try” law in Nevada, making it easier for those threatened with a life-ending illness to seek potential remedies that have not received final approval from the Federal Drug Administration.
If successful, Nevada would join several other states adopting such legislation, including Colorado in May and Missouri last month. A right to try law is on the November ballot in Arizona.
Ohrenschall said he was asked to request the bill by a constituent. He is basing his measure on model legislation crafted by the Arizona-based Goldwater Institute, a template that has been used by other states as well.
The right to try law would enable terminally ill patients under the care of their doctors and cooperating drug companies to receive potentially life-saving medications that have been deemed safe by the FDA but are still years away from being approved for market.