MA S1486

Allows mentally capable adult Massachusetts residents with a terminal illness (expected death within 6 months) to request prescription medication to end their life peacefully through self-administration

Requires patients to make one oral request followed by a written request at least 15 days later, with verification by both an attending physician and consulting physician confirming the diagnosis and mental capacity

Mandates a mental health evaluation by a licensed professional to ensure the patient is not suffering from a psychiatric disorder or depression causing impaired judgment, and is not being coerced

Protects participating health care providers from criminal liability, licensing sanctions, or professional discipline, while allowing providers and health care entities to opt out of participating

Establishes criminal penalties including up to 3 years imprisonment for coercing a patient or forging/altering requests, and requires the Department of Public Health to collect annual data and issue public reports