An Act relative to end of life options
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill would allow physicians to prescribe medication to terminally ill adults who wish to end their lives with dignity. Patients must meet specific criteria, including being diagnosed with a terminal illness, having a prognosis of six months or less to live, and being able to make informed decisions. The medication would be administered by the patient themselves, and the bill includes safeguards to prevent misuse and ensure patient autonomy.
Key provisions
- Allows physicians to prescribe medication for medical aid in dying.
- Requires patients to be diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- Specifies a prognosis of six months or less to live.
- Mandates that patients make informed decisions.
- Includes safeguards to prevent misuse.
- Requires the medication to be administered by the patient.
- Establishes a process for verifying patient eligibility.
- Requires consultation with a second physician.
Who is affected
- Terminally ill adults
- Physicians
- Patients with end-of-life decisions
- Families of terminally ill patients
- Healthcare providers
Notable changes
- Authorizes a physician to prescribe medication to facilitate a patient's choice to end their life.
- Introduces a framework for medical aid in dying within the state.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
65 on record
Primary sponsor
James J. O'Day
Cosponsors
Alice Hanlon Peisch
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