HB 2254 Summary

• Establishes a medical aid in dying program allowing terminally ill Arizona residents to request a prescription for medication to end their life in a humane and dignified manner.

• Requires patients to be at least 18 years old, capable of making health care decisions, have a terminal illness expected to result in death within six months, and make a voluntary informed decision with at least two witnesses.

• Mandates a 15-day waiting period between initial oral request and prescription issuance, with physicians required to verify diagnosis, capability, and informed consent through consulting physician confirmation and counseling if needed.

• Provides legal protections for health care providers and facilities participating in good faith compliance, prohibits the act from being classified as suicide or homicide, and requires death certificates to list the underlying terminal illness as cause of death.

• Establishes criminal penalties including class 2 felonies for forging requests or coercing patients, and requires the Department of Health Services to annually review compliance records and publish statistical reports.