AR SB503

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-10-106 to clarify that "physician-assisted suicide" means a physician or health care provider prescribing drugs or assisting in medical procedures with the express purpose of helping a patient intentionally end their life, with an exception for executions by lethal injection.

Makes it unlawful for physicians or health care providers to commit physician-assisted suicide by prescribing drugs or assisting in medical procedures for the express purpose of helping a patient intentionally end their life.

Elevates the criminal penalty for physician-assisted suicide from a Class C felony to a Class B felony upon conviction.

Clarifies that the law does not prohibit physicians or health care providers from carrying out advanced directives or living wills, or from prescribing drugs for the specific purpose of pain relief.

Approved on April 12, 2019, with technical revisions to language including changing "health care" to "healthcare" throughout the statute.