SB 1136 Summary

• Establishes the "Death with Dignity" act authorizing qualified terminally ill patients to request a physician-prescribed medication to end their life humanely and with dignity.

• Requires patients to be Arizona residents with a medically confirmed terminal disease expected to cause death within six months, and to make both oral and written requests with at least 15 days between initial request and prescription.

• Mandates attending physicians confirm terminal diagnosis, inform patients of medical information and alternatives (comfort care, hospice, pain control), refer for psychiatric evaluation if needed, and have a consulting physician verify the diagnosis and patient's capability.

• Protects healthcare providers and participants from civil liability, criminal prosecution, and professional discipline when acting in good faith compliance with the act; allows healthcare facilities to prohibit participation on their premises with prior notification.

• Criminalizes coercion, forgery, or destruction of requests as Class 2 felonies, and requires the Department of Health Services to collect annual statistical reporting on medication dispensing.