HB 2512 Summary

• Establishes the "Death with Dignity Act" allowing terminally ill Arizona residents to request a prescription for medication to end their life in a humane and dignified manner.

• Requires a terminal disease diagnosis (incurable, irreversible, resulting in death within six months) confirmed by both an attending physician and a consulting physician, with the patient deemed capable of making an informed decision.

• Mandates a 15-day waiting period between initial oral request and prescription, two written and oral requests from the patient, and psychiatric evaluation if either physician believes the patient may have impaired judgment.

• Permits physicians to dispense medication directly or through a pharmacist with patient consent; allows health care providers to prohibit participation on their premises but requires transfer of medical records if patient changes providers.

• Establishes criminal penalties (Class 2 felonies) for forging requests, coercing patients, or destroying rescissions; protects participating health care providers from civil, criminal, or professional liability when acting in good faith compliance.