Connecticut Aid in Dying Bill Summary

• Allows competent adults with terminal illnesses expected to cause death within 6 months to request medication for aid in dying, effective October 1, 2023.

• Requires two written requests at least 15 days apart, both witnessed by at least two persons who meet specific criteria (not relatives, healthcare facility employees, or the attending physician).

• Mandates evaluation by attending physician and consulting physician to confirm terminal illness diagnosis, patient competency, and voluntary decision-making; requires separate counseling by psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker to rule out depression or impaired judgment.

• Prohibits the act from constituting suicide, murder, or assisted suicide; provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for healthcare providers and others participating in good faith; restricts contract provisions and insurance policies from being conditioned on the request.

• Establishes criminal penalties including Class B felony for undue influence resulting in death, Class D felony for undue influence without death, and Class C felony for unauthorized possession or sale of prescribed medication.