HB 2739 Amendment Summary

• Amends definition of "health care provider" to require state licensure or certification and removes clinical social workers from eligibility to provide psychological screening and counseling

• Raises minimum age for accessing life-ending medication from 18 to 21 years old and clarifies patient must self-administer the medication or properly dispose of it

• Requires attending physicians to refer patients to palliative care specialists for consultation on end-of-life alternatives

• Adds sunset provision repealing the Act on December 31, 2021, requires both terminal disease and self-administration be listed on death certificates, and removes property ownership as evidence of state residency

• Clarifies health care providers may conscientiously object and are not required to inform patients or make referrals, and protects emergency responders from liability for unknowingly providing aid to patients who self-administered medication