SB 1775 Summary

• Establishes the "Death with Dignity Act of 2021" allowing terminally ill Arizona residents to request a prescription for medication to end their life if they have a medical condition expected to cause death within six months.

• Requires a qualified patient to make both written and oral requests at least 15 days apart, with the written request witnessed by two persons, at least one of whom is unrelated to the patient and not benefiting from their estate.

• Mandates that an attending physician confirm the terminal diagnosis, inform the patient of alternatives including comfort care and hospice, and refer the patient to a consulting physician and counselor if psychiatric concerns exist.

• Provides legal immunity for physicians, pharmacists, and others acting in good faith compliance with the law, while prohibiting insurance companies from conditioning policy rates or coverage based on a patient's use of the act.

• Classifies as manslaughter any person who forges requests, conceals rescissions, or coerces a patient to request or withdraw such medication.