A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to strengthen oversight of medically assisted suicide when provided through hospices. In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) ask HHS to create new monitoring and reporting rules for hospices. The lawmakers say these steps are intended to help detect and prevent discrimination and coercion toward vulnerable groups. The letter focuses on risks faced by older adults and people with disabilities, who lawmakers contend may be more likely to experience pressure to end their lives. It also highlights concern that patients with “disaffected caregivers” could be targeted through improper influence, rather than making decisions freely. The lawmakers’ request centers on requiring hospices to provide stricter reporting so regulators can identify patterns that may indicate discriminatory practices or undue pressure. Both outlets describe the action as an effort to ensure medically assisted suicide is handled in a way that protects patients’ rights and decisions.