SB 1497 - Death with Dignity Act of 2020

• Creates Chapter 33 of Title 36, Arizona Revised Statutes to establish a "Death with Dignity" program allowing terminally ill patients to request medication to end their lives.

• Requires patients to have a terminal condition (incurable disease expected to cause death within 6 months), be mentally competent, reside in Arizona for at least 90 days, and make both written and oral requests with a minimum 15-day waiting period between oral requests and 48-hour waiting period after written request.

• Mandates attending physician to inform patient of diagnosis, prognosis, medication risks and benefits, and alternatives (comfort care, hospice, pain control); requires a consulting physician to confirm diagnosis and patient competency; and requires mental health evaluation if psychiatric or psychological disorder is suspected.

• Requires two witnesses to the written request, with at least one unrelated to the patient and not entitled to inherit; prohibits altering, forging, or destroying requests or rescissions under penalty of manslaughter.

• Provides immunity from civil, criminal, and professional liability for physicians, pharmacists, and others acting in good faith compliance; prohibits insurance or contract provisions from being conditioned on the request; establishes department authority to review records and publish annual statistical reports.