Overview

This bill aims to amend the definition of "terminal illness" within the Welfare Reform Act 2012, making access to welfare benefits easier for individuals with a terminal diagnosis. The change broadens the range of healthcare professionals who can certify terminal illness and simplifies the criteria for assessment.

Description

The bill amends Section 82 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012. The key change is a revised definition of "terminally ill." Instead of the previous, more restrictive definition, the bill allows a wider range of healthcare professionals to make this determination. This includes registered medical practitioners, registered nurses, and other professionals specified by the Secretary of State through regulations. The updated definition focuses on a clinical judgement of progressive disease reasonably expected to cause death.

Key Changes:

• Expands the definition of "health care professional" who can certify terminal illness.
• Simplifies the criteria for determining terminal illness, basing it on a healthcare professional's clinical judgement.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred under the act will be paid from money provided by Parliament. Specific figures for increased spending are not provided in the bill text itself; however, the changes are expected to lead to increased welfare payments.

Groups Affected

• Individuals with terminal illnesses: This group will likely benefit from easier access to welfare benefits due to the simplified criteria and broader range of certifying professionals.
• Healthcare professionals: Registered medical practitioners, registered nurses, and other specified healthcare professionals will be involved in certifying terminal illness under the updated definition.
• Government departments: These will be responsible for administering the changes and managing the increased welfare payments.

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