http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3136753A debate in California raises many of the same questions as the Terri Schiavo case in Florida.
It involves comatose prison inmates. In just six months last year, medical care for six of them cost California's Department of Corrections over one and a quarter million dollars.
Although inmates are in state custody, private doctors make medical decisions once inmates go to outside hospitals. There is often confusion over when family members should be brought in to help with care decisions. State Senate Majority leader Gloria Romero says in some cases, "nobody knows who's in charge."
Romero says the state must find a way for inmates to sign release forms to indicate their health care wishes and do a better job notifying family members.