HB 1415 Summary

• Creates chapter 23-06.7 of the North Dakota Century Code establishing a medical assistance in dying program for terminally ill adults meeting strict eligibility requirements.

• Requires patients to make two oral requests at least 15 days apart and submit a written request 48 hours before prescription; must be witnessed by two individuals with specific restrictions on who can serve as witnesses.

• Mandates attending and consulting physicians confirm the patient has a terminal disease (medically incurable and irreversible with death expected within six months), is capable of making decisions, and is acting voluntarily; allows pharmacists or physicians to dispense the medication.

• Provides immunity from civil, criminal, and professional liability for persons acting in good faith compliance with the chapter; permits healthcare providers to prohibit participation on their premises with advance written notice.

• Establishes penalties including class A felony for altering or forging requests or coercing patients, and requires the Department of Health to collect and publish de-identified annual statistical reports on dispensing records.