HB 7015 Summary

• Authorizes physicians to prescribe medication that competent adult patients with terminal illnesses (expected death within six months) may self-administer to end their lives, effective October 1, 2015.

• Requires two written requests from the patient at least 15 days apart, each witnessed by two disinterested parties, and confirmation of the terminal diagnosis by a consulting physician.

• Mandates evaluation of patient competency and mental health, including psychiatric/psychological counseling if depression or impaired judgment is suspected.

• Protects healthcare providers and facilities from liability for good-faith participation in the process and allows them to decline participation with proper notice and record transfer.

• Prohibits forging or coercing aid-in-dying requests, classifies improper possession of the medication as a Class D felony, and prevents participants from inheriting from the deceased patient.