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CO HB1054

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/13/2016

Primary Sponsor

Lois Court

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2016 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Enacts the "Colorado End-of-life Options Act" authorizing terminally ill Colorado residents to request physician-prescribed medication to hasten death through self-administration.

  • Requires two oral requests separated by at least 15 days and one written request witnessed by two individuals, with at least one witness meeting specific non-conflict requirements.

  • Mandates attending and consulting physicians verify terminal illness diagnosis, patient capability to make informed decisions, mental competency, and voluntary choice through comprehensive disclosures and referrals to mental health professionals when needed.

  • Grants immunity from civil and criminal liability and professional discipline to good-faith participants; specifies actions under the act do not constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing, homicide, or elder abuse.

  • Allows individuals to rescind requests at any time regardless of mental state; permits health care providers and facilities to decline participation; establishes criminal penalties including Class 2 felony charges for forging requests, destroying rescissions, or coercing individuals.

Legislative Description

End-of-life Options For Terminally Ill Individuals

Last Action

House Second Reading Laid Over to 6/1/2016 - No Amendments

2/24/2016

Committee Referrals

Committee of the Whole2/4/2016
Judiciary1/13/2016

Full Bill Text

No bill text available