HB 2336 Summary

• Establishes the "Death with Dignity Act of 2017" by adding Chapter 33 to Title 36 of Arizona Revised Statutes, authorizing physicians to prescribe medication to terminally ill patients to end their lives.

• Defines a "qualified patient" as a capable adult who has resided in Arizona for at least 90 days, has a terminal condition (expected to cause death within six months), and meets all procedural requirements outlined in the act.

• Requires a minimum 15-day waiting period between initial oral request and prescription, with at least 48 hours between written request and prescription; allows shortening of waiting periods only if patient is in extreme pain.

• Mandates involvement of two independent physicians to confirm diagnosis and patient competency, plus psychiatric or psychological evaluation if either physician suspects impaired judgment from mental health conditions.

• Protects physicians, pharmacists, and healthcare providers from civil, criminal, or professional liability for good-faith compliance with the act; prohibits life insurance policies, contracts, or wills from being conditioned on or affected by a patient's decision to request medication.