HB 4461 Summary

• Enacts the "Death with Dignity Act" to allow terminally ill Michigan residents to request life-ending medication from physicians, with death expected within 6 months.

• Requires patients to be at least 18 years old, capable of making health care decisions, residents of Michigan, and must make both oral and written requests at least 15 days apart, with a 48-hour waiting period after the written request.

• Mandates attending and consulting physicians confirm the terminal disease diagnosis, patient capability, and voluntary informed decision; requires psychiatric evaluation if there is concern about depression or impaired judgment.

• Provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for physicians and health care providers acting in good faith compliance, though facilities may prohibit participation on their premises if they provide advance notice.

• Creates felony penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and $375,000 fines for forging requests, coercing patients, or concealing rescissions; repeals existing Michigan laws against assisted suicide.