HB 2408 Summary

• Adds Chapter 33 to Arizona Revised Statutes establishing the "Death with Dignity Act" allowing qualified terminally ill patients to request physician-prescribed medication to end their lives.

• Requires patients to have a terminal condition expected to cause death within six months, be Arizona residents for 90+ days, make both oral and written requests at least 15 days apart, and obtain confirmation from a consulting physician.

• Mandates attending physicians inform patients of diagnosis, prognosis, medication risks, probable results, and alternatives including comfort care and hospice; requires counseling referral if psychiatric or psychological disorders are suspected.

• Protects healthcare providers, pharmacists, and participants from civil, criminal, or disciplinary liability for good faith compliance; allows healthcare facilities and providers to refuse participation if they transfer patient care to willing providers.

• Criminalizes forgery of requests, coercion, or undue influence as manslaughter; prohibits insurance policies and contracts from conditioning benefits on whether a person requests or rescinds a death with dignity prescription.