SB3499 - End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act

• Creates a legal framework allowing Illinois residents with terminal diseases (6 months or less to live) to request and self-administer physician-prescribed medication to end their life in a peaceful manner.

• Requires qualifying patients to make an initial oral request, provide a written request witnessed by 2 witnesses, and repeat the oral request at least 5 days later; attending and consulting physicians must confirm terminal diagnosis and mental capacity.

• Establishes protections requiring physicians to inform patients of all end-of-life alternatives (comfort care, palliative care, hospice), conduct mental health evaluations if necessary, and document all procedures in medical records.

• Permits health care entities to prohibit aid-in-dying practices by their employees but requires timely transfer of patient care and medical records if a patient wishes to pursue the option elsewhere.

• Provides legal immunity for health care professionals and entities acting in good faith compliance with the Act; prohibits insurers from denying benefits or coercing patients based on aid-in-dying availability; requires physicians to report prescriptions and deaths to the Department of Public Health; effective 6 months after enactment.