Page 3 - Your Rights and Dignity – AFI-LLC - February 2022

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immediate care, which became overnight observation – Dean was also denied physical access to his Mom and her care –
even as her medical and personal power of attorney. At the same hospital. Being contacted by social workers, a meeting
was scheduled to make a plan. The facility security made a threatening presence and Dean called the local police. At the
time, again being told it was a moral conflict, Dean made the decision to immediately discharge his Mom. An agreement
was made to have the facility policy reviewed and amended. Two days later, Dean was advised of a new visitation plan
and was set in motion. By the time he received written confirmation, only 15 minutes after, the policy had again
changed (this didn’t beat the previous record of changing in seven minutes). The next morning, Dean was contacted by
the new treating physician and told to go straight to the floor (all previous physicians had refused to intervene), as his
Mom was not going to make it; and the treating physician was concerned complying with the new policy would force her
to deny his presence. Dean did go, and facility security did attempt to stop him at the entrance. Once in the room very
early that morning, Dean held his Mom for the next 12 hours to her death. From the available medical records (most
have refused release), it was learned she had a bacterial infection, and due to NIH, CDC and hospital protocol, was
instead treated for a viral infection. Further, requests to treat her with proven anti-bacterial medications were denied;
and instead, anti-viral medications previously banned due to patient deaths, was used – killing patients every day. No
person should be alone in a hospital or care facility, or die alone. It is totally undignified – and morally wrong.

Since then, Dean and Karen have been working to introduce the SAY Patient Before Policy Act in the Colorado State
Legislature. Unfortunately, all bills had to be introduced shortly after his Mom’s passing and its too late for a regular bill.
However, a ‘late bill’ can be introduced – and was denied. Why? The legislative leadership told the lesser legislators –
our elected officials – no bills will be introduced which do not designate the expenditures of the balance of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (a/k/a unspent taxpayer monies). If this is true - it is both wrong and wrong. A legislative
goal to spend unused taxpayer monies has no excuse. The protection of every basic human right - love and dignity,
particularly in dying, should have every priority. The same legislators stating healthcare is a basic human right.

In 2020 a bill was signed into law to address patient’s and visitor’s rights (Colorado HB20-1425 –
https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2020a_1425_signed.pdf). Frankly, it falls so far short - its embarrassing this
was drafted and passed. Why? It does absolutely nothing – and actually permits the very issues which need addressed to
protect patients. Specifically, 1 (e) - "In order to balance the need to reduce virus transmission with the benefits of
having family members present during illness, especially at the end of life, as knowledge of COVID-19 advances,
hospitals are encouraged to follow infection prevention protocols and identify ways to improve visitation policies while
still following best practices." [emphasis for hypocrisy added]

What is "encouraged"? This new law empowers healthcare providers to continue treating patients and families in
undignified manners; to draft policies favorable to them and their profits. Two years is past the time for a reality check.
There are two major healthcare systems in Colorado – and they treat patients and their families horribly. The events
since 2020, nor any policies, mandates, or protocols at any level or entity – including in our judicial system, have not
been guided by facts. The very consequences of every such one has been detrimental to individuals, businesses, and
society worldwide. People have stood by and watched, been victimized, or furthered the discrimination themselves.
These were all warned and predicted with each implementation.

We have been fighting and advocating for every patient under medical care, every student in public schools, every
business owner in Colorado. Sharing this has been difficult, and therapeutic. This was not personal, and has become so.
We ask you to do this for you and your loved ones – not us.

Contact your state legislatures and judiciary now and demand an end to wholesale discrimination, and restoration of
patient and visitor rights, the right to work, the right to be in business. The rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness. The unalienable rights to speech, assembly, due process. Return to 2019 and not a day later. If you are in
Colorado – please contact us for how you can help. As our friend, Paul Zamora, rest in peace, said while Coroner for
Carbon County WY – “Be Their Voice”. We must. We must use our voices to be their voices. Will you?

During the drafting of this commentary, we have been in Indiana taking care of the affairs for Karen’s mom, and
finalizing some affairs for Dean’s mom. As our family continues to address the deaths of our moms, as well as a cousin
and other family challenges, we ask for your support and understanding.

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