NY A00136

Allows adults (18+) with a terminal illness expected to cause death within six months to request medication to end their own life, provided they have decision-making capacity and make a voluntary, informed request

Requires two physicians (attending and consulting) to confirm the terminal diagnosis, and mandates referral to a mental health professional if either physician questions the patient's decision-making capacity

Establishes strict procedural safeguards including a written request signed by the patient and witnessed by two adults who cannot be relatives, heirs, health care facility employees, or the patient's health care agents

Protects participating physicians, pharmacists, and health care providers from civil, criminal, or professional liability for good-faith actions under the act, while allowing private health care facilities to opt out based on religious or moral beliefs

Requires death certificates to list the underlying terminal illness as cause of death (not suicide), and mandates annual reporting by the Health Commissioner on utilization and compliance