Single drug for Executions

Clips from the press conference where Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Terry Collins discusses Ohio’s switch to a single-drug protocol for executions, from the current three-drug method, with an intramuscular injection as a backup:

And here’s the press release:
 

(Columbus) – Today, Terry J. Collins, Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) held a press briefing during which he outlined changes that have been applied to the execution process in Ohio. 
 
The following is taken from a prepared statement that Director Collins read during the briefing:
 
“On September 15, 2009, DRC experienced rare and exceptional circumstances in preparing to execute Inmate Romell Broom, which prompted us to re-examine our current process and consider alternate or back-up means of execution.  As a result, I have given instructions for two substantive changes to the execution protocol, the first regarding the drugs used and the second regarding the inclusion of a back-up procedure.
 
“We have conducted a full examination to consider all circumstances that can impact our ability to fulfill our legally mandated obligation in carrying out the execution process for the State of Ohio. Today an affidavit was filed with the federal court detailing the changes that I have authorized in the lethal injection procedures used in Ohio.
 
“The previous method of execution included a three-drug protocol applied intravenously.  The first change to the execution procedure includes the adoption of a one-drug protocol, using thiopental sodium alone, applied intravenously.  Pancuronium bromide and potassium chloride will no longer be used as a part of the process.  In the event that an IV site cannot be established or maintained, then I have authorized the use of an intramuscular injection of midazolam and hydromorphone as a back-up means of carrying out the execution.
 
“My staff is currently working on revising our policies and procedures to reflect the changes to the execution protocols.  I have instructed all involved that the changes will be complete and become effective no later than November 30, 2009.
?“The execution team in Ohio carries out a very difficult task and does so in a professional and humane manner.  Their ability to perform their duties was never in question during this study.  The adoption of the new execution protocol will not only simplify the execution process but will also ensure that the execution team will be able to address any rare and exceptional circumstances.”

Statement from Gov. Ted Strickland on the change:

Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement regarding the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s changes to the State’s execution protocol:
 
“The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has completed a thorough review of an alternative and backup lethal injection protocol.  I believe the department’s assessment and recommendation for changes to the current lethal injection protocol are reasonable and in accordance with Ohio’s lethal injection law. 
 
“I would like to thank Director Terry Collins and his staff for their diligent and careful review and for ensuring that Ohio’s capital punishment law will continue to be administered fairly and effectively.”

Something from the Ohio Public Defender:

Statement from State Public Defender Tim Young, regarding today’s announcement that DRC is revising Ohio’s execution protocol:
 
“I would like to congratulate the State of Ohio, as it has finally recognized that by going to a single, massive dose of an anesthetic, it will greatly reduce the risk of torturing people to death.  I continue to have concerns, however, that there are no limits on how long or how many times the execution team can try to gain IV access.  
 
“After six years of litigation over this issue—during which three botched executions revealed significant problems with its execution protocol—the State of Ohio has taken the first real steps toward doing the right thing.  I hope, though, that the State continues to examine whether its execution procedures comply with the Constitution and Ohio’s laws.  With this new protocol, the State has failed to recognize that its execution method is not just about the drugs used, but also about the State’s inability to administer drugs intravenously.  Mr. Broom’s failed execution was not due to the drugs, but to the failure to properly place an IV.  The new process announced this afternoon works on one problem, but leaves the other untouched.
 
“I recognize that the State has taken a significant step today, and I congratulate them for that.  By moving to a single-drug IV protocol and establishing a backup intra-muscular injection, Ohio has distinguished itself from every other state that conducts executions and the federal government.  However, because the new protocol announced today has not corrected the cause of the botched executions Ohio has experienced, I do expect litigation to continue.”

And something from the Death Penalty Clinic:

Statement from Death Penalty Clinic, U.C. Berkeley School of Law in Response to Today’s Announcement that Ohio will Adopt One-Drug Lethal Injection Protocol
November 13, 2009
Ohio has become the first death penalty state in the country to abandon the practice of paralyzing inmates before executing them.  In a new lethal injection protocol unveiled today, prison officials said that they will no longer use a paralyzing drug or the excruciatingly painful potassium chloride to execute inmates.  Instead, executions will involve an overdose of one drug, an anesthetic.
“This is a significant step forward,” said Ty Alper, Associate Director, Death Penalty Clinic, U.C. Berkeley School of Law. “Paralyzing inmates before executing them – so we can’t tell whether they are suffering – is a barbaric practice, and Ohio should be commended for stopping it.”
Ohio’s new protocol  was developed in consultation with a doctor whom the state has on retainer to consult on lethal injection issues.