Advocating for Palliative Care Families in the Context of Simon's Law in Missouri and Kansas

Background: “Simon’s Law” (SL) is legislation that requires explicit parental consent prior to placing an inpatient do not resuscitate (DNR) order for an unemancipated minor. Such legislation was first proposed in Missouri in December 2014. In 2017, Kansas was the first state to pass a version of the law (Sub SB85), followed by Missouri in 2019 (SB 406). Proponents argued that Simon’s Law would protect parental decision-making rights and prevent unilateral DNR orders. Opponents noted that open communication prior to placing a DNR …