SB 1404 Summary

• Establishes a "Medical Aid in Dying" program in Arizona Title 36, Chapter 33, allowing terminally ill adults with capacity to request a prescription for life-ending medication that they self-administer.

• Requires a 15-day waiting period between initial oral request and written request, with a physician-attested waiver available if the individual is expected to die within 15 days.

• Mandates involvement of an attending physician and consulting physician to confirm terminal illness diagnosis, assess capacity, verify informed decision-making, and refer for mental health counseling if psychiatric concerns exist.

• Protects health care providers and facilities from civil, criminal, and professional liability for good faith participation in medical aid in dying, while allowing them to prohibit the practice on their premises if properly notified.

• Establishes criminal penalties (Class 2 felony) for forging requests, coercing individuals, or destroying rescission documents related to the medication request.