S. 7579 2
2. "ATTENDING PHYSICIAN" MEANS THE PHYSICIAN WHO HAS PRIMARY RESPONSI-
BILITY FOR THE CARE OF THE PATIENT AND TREATMENT OF THE PATIENT'S TERMI-
NAL DISEASE.
3. "CAPACITY" OR "CAPACITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION" MEANS THE
ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE NATURE AND CONSEQUENCES OF
HEALTH CARE DECISIONS, INCLUDING THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF AND ALTERNA-
TIVES TO ANY PROPOSED HEALTH CARE, AND TO REACH AN INFORMED DECISION AND
TO COMMUNICATE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS TO A PHYSICIAN, INCLUDING COMMUNI-
CATION THROUGH PERSONS FAMILIAR WITH THE PATIENT'S MANNER OF COMMUNICAT-
ING IF THOSE PERSONS ARE AVAILABLE.
4. "CONSULTING PHYSICIAN" MEANS A PHYSICIAN WHO IS QUALIFIED BY
SPECIALTY OR EXPERIENCE TO MAKE A PROFESSIONAL DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS
REGARDING A PERSON'S TERMINAL ILLNESS.
5. "HEALTH CARE FACILITY" MEANS A GENERAL HOSPITAL, NURSING HOME, OR
RESIDENTIAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY AS DEFINED IN SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT
HUNDRED ONE OF THIS CHAPTER.
6. "HEALTH CARE PROVIDER" MEANS A PERSON LICENSED, CERTIFIED, OR
AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO ADMINISTER HEALTH CARE OR DISPENSE MEDICATION IN
THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS OR PRACTICE OF A PROFESSION.
7. "INFORMED DECISION" MEANS A DECISION BY A PATIENT WHO IS SUFFERING
FROM A TERMINAL ILLNESS TO REQUEST AND OBTAIN A PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDICA-
TION THAT THE PATIENT MAY SELF-ADMINISTER TO END THE PATIENT'S LIFE THAT
IS BASED ON AN UNDERSTANDING AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE RELEVANT FACTS
AND THAT IS MADE AFTER BEING FULLY INFORMED OF:
(A) THE PATIENT'S MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS;
(B) THE POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TAKING THE MEDICATION TO BE
PRESCRIBED;
(C) THE PROBABLE RESULT OF TAKING THE MEDICATION TO BE PRESCRIBED;
(D) THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE PATIENT MAY CHOOSE NOT TO OBTAIN THE
MEDICATION, OR MAY OBTAIN THE MEDICATION BUT MAY DECIDE NOT TO SELF-AD-
MINISTER IT; AND
(E) THE FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES OR ADDITIONAL TREATMENT OPPORTUNITIES,
INCLUDING PALLIATIVE CARE AND HOSPICE CARE.
8. "MEDICAL AID IN DYING" MEANS THE MEDICAL PRACTICE OF A PHYSICIAN
PRESCRIBING MEDICATION TO A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL THAT THE INDIVIDUAL MAY
CHOOSE TO SELF-ADMINISTER TO BRING ABOUT DEATH.
9. "MEDICALLY CONFIRMED" MEANS THE MEDICAL OPINION OF THE ATTENDING
PHYSICIAN THAT A PATIENT HAS A TERMINAL ILLNESS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A
CONSULTING PHYSICIAN WHO HAS EXAMINED THE PATIENT AND THE PATIENT'S
RELEVANT MEDICAL RECORDS.
10. "MEDICATION" MEANS MEDICATION PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN UNDER THIS
ARTICLE.
11. "MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL" MEANS A PHYSICIAN, NURSE PRACTITION-
ER, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT OR PSYCHOLOGIST, LICENSED OR CERTIFIED UNDER THE
EDUCATION LAW ACTING WITHIN HIS OR HER SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND WHO IS
QUALIFIED, BY TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION, OR BOARD CERTIF-
ICATION OR ELIGIBILITY, TO MAKE A DETERMINATION UNDER SECTION
TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE; PROVIDED THAT IN THE
CASE OF A NURSE PRACTITIONER OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, THE PROFESSIONAL
SHALL NOT HAVE A COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT OR COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIP
WITH OR BE SUPERVISED BY THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR CONSULTING PHYSI-
CIAN.
12. "PALLIATIVE CARE" MEANS HEALTH CARE TREATMENT, INCLUDING INTERDIS-
CIPLINARY END-OF-LIFE CARE, AND CONSULTATION WITH PATIENTS AND FAMILY
MEMBERS, TO PREVENT OR RELIEVE PAIN AND SUFFERING AND TO ENHANCE THE
S. 7579 3
PATIENT'S QUALITY OF LIFE, INCLUDING HOSPICE CARE UNDER ARTICLE FORTY OF
THIS CHAPTER.
13. "PATIENT" MEANS A PERSON WHO IS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER
UNDER THE CARE OF A PHYSICIAN.
14. "PHYSICIAN" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL LICENSED TO PRACTICE MEDICINE IN
NEW YORK STATE.
15. "QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL" MEANS A PATIENT WITH A TERMINAL ILLNESS,
WHO HAS CAPACITY, HAS MADE AN INFORMED DECISION, AND HAS SATISFIED THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ARTICLE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDI-
CATION.
16. "SELF-ADMINISTER" MEANS A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL'S AFFIRMATIVE,
CONSCIOUS, AND VOLUNTARY ACT OF USING MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
17. "TERMINAL ILLNESS" MEANS AN ILLNESS THAT WILL, WITHIN REASONABLE
MEDICAL JUDGMENT, RESULT IN DEATH WITHIN SIX MONTHS, WHETHER OR NOT
TREATMENT IS PROVIDED.
S 2899-E. WRITTEN REQUEST FOR MEDICATION. 1. A PATIENT MAY MAKE A
WRITTEN REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO SELF-ADMINISTER MEDICATION FOR THE
PURPOSE OF ENDING HIS OR HER LIFE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE IF THE
PATIENT:
(A) HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN TO HAVE A TERMINAL
ILLNESS AND WHICH HAS BEEN MEDICALLY CONFIRMED BY A CONSULTING PHYSI-
CIAN; AND
(B) VOLUNTARILY EXPRESSES THE REQUEST FOR MEDICATION.
2. NO PERSON SHALL QUALIFY FOR MEDICAL AID IN DYING UNDER THIS ARTICLE
SOLELY BECAUSE OF AGE OR DISABILITY.
S 2899-F. REQUEST PROCESS. 1. ORAL AND WRITTEN REQUEST. A PATIENT
WISHING TO REQUEST MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL MAKE AN ORAL
REQUEST AND SUBMIT A WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE PATIENT'S ATTENDING PHYSI-
CIAN.
2. WRITTEN REQUEST SIGNED AND WITNESSED. (A) A REQUEST FOR MEDICATION
UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE SIGNED AND DATED BY THE PATIENT AND
WITNESSED BY AT LEAST TWO ADULTS WHO, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PATIENT,
ATTEST THAT TO THE BEST OF HIS OR HER KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF THE PATIENT
HAS CAPACITY, IS ACTING VOLUNTARILY, AND IS NOT BEING COERCED TO SIGN
THE REQUEST. THE WRITTEN REQUEST SHALL BE IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM
DESCRIBED IN SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY-NINE-L OF THIS ARTICLE.
(B) ONE OF THE WITNESSES SHALL BE AN ADULT WHO IS NOT:
(I) A RELATIVE OF THE PATIENT BY BLOOD, MARRIAGE OR ADOPTION;
(II) A PERSON WHO AT THE TIME THE REQUEST IS SIGNED WOULD BE ENTITLED
TO ANY PORTION OF THE ESTATE OF THE PATIENT UPON DEATH UNDER ANY WILL OR
BY OPERATION OF LAW; OR
(III) AN OWNER, OPERATOR OR EMPLOYEE OF A HEALTH CARE FACILITY WHERE
THE PATIENT IS RECEIVING TREATMENT OR IS A RESIDENT.
(C) THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, CONSULTING PHYSICIAN AND, IF APPLICABLE,
THE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL WHO PROVIDES A CAPACITY DETERMINATION OF
THE PATIENT UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE A WITNESS.
S 2899-G. ATTENDING PHYSICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES. 1. THE ATTENDING
PHYSICIAN SHALL:
(A) MAKE THE DETERMINATION OF WHETHER A PATIENT HAS A TERMINAL
ILLNESS, HAS CAPACITY, HAS MADE AN INFORMED DECISION AND HAS MADE THE
REQUEST VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT COERCION;
(B) INFORM THE PATIENT OF THE REQUIREMENT UNDER THIS ARTICLE FOR
CONFIRMATION BY A CONSULTING PHYSICIAN, AND REFER THE PATIENT TO A
CONSULTING PHYSICIAN UPON THE PATIENT'S REQUEST;
(C) REFER THE PATIENT TO A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL PURSUANT TO
SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE IF THE
S. 7579 4
ATTENDING PHYSICIAN BELIEVES THAT THE PATIENT LACKS CAPACITY TO MAKE AN
INFORMED DECISION;
(D) PROVIDE INFORMATION AND COUNSELING UNDER SECTION TWENTY-NINE
HUNDRED NINETY-SEVEN-C OF THIS CHAPTER;
(E) ENSURE THAT THE PATIENT IS MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION BY DISCUSS-
ING WITH THE PATIENT: (I) THE PATIENT'S MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS;
(II) THE POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TAKING THE MEDICATION TO BE
PRESCRIBED; (III) THE PROBABLE RESULT OF TAKING THE MEDICATION TO BE
PRESCRIBED; (IV) THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE PATIENT MAY CHOOSE TO OBTAIN
THE MEDICATION BUT NOT TAKE IT; AND (V) THE FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES OR
ADDITIONAL TREATMENT OPPORTUNITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PALLIA-
TIVE CARE AND HOSPICE CARE;
(F) DISCUSS WITH THE PATIENT THE IMPORTANCE OF:
(I) HAVING ANOTHER PERSON PRESENT WHEN THE PATIENT TAKES THE MEDICA-
TION; AND
(II) NOT TAKING THE MEDICATION IN A PUBLIC PLACE;
(G) INFORM THE PATIENT THAT HE OR SHE MAY RESCIND THE REQUEST FOR
MEDICATION AT ANY TIME AND IN ANY MANNER;
(H) FULFILL THE MEDICAL RECORD DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION
TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY-NINE-K OF THIS ARTICLE; AND
(I) ENSURE THAT ALL APPROPRIATE STEPS ARE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THIS ARTICLE BEFORE WRITING A PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDICATION.
2. UPON RECEIVING CONFIRMATION FROM A CONSULTING PHYSICIAN UNDER
SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY-NINE-I OF THIS ARTICLE AND SUBJECT
TO SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE, THE
ATTENDING PHYSICIAN WHO MAKES THE DETERMINATION THAT THE PATIENT HAS A
TERMINAL ILLNESS, HAS CAPACITY AND HAS MADE A REQUEST FOR MEDICATION AS
PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE, MAY PERSONALLY, OR BY REFERRAL TO ANOTHER
PHYSICIAN, PRESCRIBE OR ORDER APPROPRIATE MEDICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE PATIENT'S REQUEST UNDER THIS ARTICLE, AND AT THE PATIENT'S REQUEST,
FACILITATE THE FILLING OF THE PRESCRIPTION AND DELIVERY OF THE MEDICA-
TION TO THE PATIENT.
3. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTION OF THE PRESCRIBING OR ORDERING
PHYSICIAN AND THE CONSENT OF THE PATIENT, THE PATIENT MAY SELF-ADMINIS-
TER THE MEDICATION TO HIMSELF OR HERSELF. A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL OR
OTHER PERSON SHALL NOT ADMINISTER THE MEDICATION TO THE PATIENT.
S 2899-H. RIGHT TO RESCIND REQUEST; REQUIREMENT TO OFFER OPPORTUNITY
TO RESCIND. 1. A PATIENT MAY AT ANY TIME RESCIND HIS OR HER REQUEST FOR
MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PATIENT'S CAPACITY.
2. A PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDICATION MAY NOT BE WRITTEN WITHOUT THE
ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OFFERING THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL AN OPPORTUNITY TO
RESCIND THE REQUEST.
S 2899-I. CONSULTING PHYSICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES. BEFORE A PATIENT WHO
IS REQUESTING MEDICATION MAY RECEIVE A PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDICATION UNDER
THIS ARTICLE, A CONSULTING PHYSICIAN MUST:
1. EXAMINE THE PATIENT AND HIS OR HER RELEVANT MEDICAL RECORDS;
2. CONFIRM, IN WRITING, TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN: (A) THAT THE
PATIENT HAS A TERMINAL ILLNESS; (B) THAT THE PATIENT IS MAKING AN
INFORMED DECISION; (C) THAT THE PATIENT HAS CAPACITY, OR PROVIDE
DOCUMENTATION THAT THE CONSULTING PHYSICIAN HAS REFERRED THE PATIENT FOR
A DETERMINATION UNDER SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY-NINE-J OF THIS
ARTICLE; AND (D) THAT THE PATIENT IS ACTING VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT
COERCION.
S 2899-J. CONFIRMATION OF CAPACITY; REFERRAL. 1. IF THE ATTENDING
PHYSICIAN OR THE CONSULTING PHYSICIAN BELIEVES THAT THE PATIENT MAY LACK
CAPACITY, THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR CONSULTING PHYSICIAN SHALL REFER
S. 7579 5
THE PATIENT TO A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FOR A DETERMINATION OF
WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS CAPACITY. THE REFERRING PHYSICIAN SHALL ADVISE
THE PATIENT THAT THE REPORT OF THE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL WILL BE
PROVIDED TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, AND TO THE CONSULTING PHYSICIAN IF
HE OR SHE IS THE PHYSICIAN WHO REQUESTED THE DETERMINATION.
2. A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL WHO EVALUATES A PATIENT UNDER THIS
SECTION SHALL REPORT, IN WRITING, TO THE PHYSICIAN WHO REQUESTED THE
EVALUATION, HIS OR HER CONCLUSIONS ABOUT WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS CAPACI-
TY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. IF THE WRITTEN REPORT IS PROVIDED TO
THE CONSULTING PHYSICIAN, THE CONSULTING PHYSICIAN SHALL PROMPTLY
PROVIDE A COPY OF THE REPORT TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN. IF THE MENTAL
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL DETERMINES THAT THE PATIENT LACKS CAPACITY TO MAKE
AN INFORMED DECISION, THE PATIENT SHALL NOT BE DEEMED A QUALIFIED INDI-
VIDUAL, AND THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN SHALL NOT PRESCRIBE MEDICATION TO
THE PATIENT.
S 2899-K. MEDICAL RECORD DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS. AN ATTENDING
PHYSICIAN SHALL DOCUMENT OR FILE THE FOLLOWING IN THE PATIENT'S MEDICAL
RECORD:
1. THE DATES OF ALL ORAL REQUESTS BY THE PATIENT FOR MEDICATION UNDER
THIS ARTICLE;
2. THE WRITTEN REQUEST BY THE PATIENT FOR MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTI-
CLE;
3. THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN'S DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS, DETERMINATION OF
CAPACITY, AND DETERMINATION THAT THE PATIENT IS ACTING VOLUNTARILY AND
WITHOUT COERCION, AND HAS MADE AN INFORMED DECISION;
4. IF APPLICABLE, WRITTEN CONFIRMATION OF CAPACITY UNDER SECTION TWEN-
TY-EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE; AND
5. A NOTE BY THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN INDICATING THAT ALL REQUIREMENTS
UNDER THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN MET AND INDICATING THE STEPS TAKEN TO CARRY
OUT THE REQUEST, INCLUDING A NOTATION OF THE MEDICATION PRESCRIBED OR
ORDERED.
S 2899-L. FORM OF WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITNESS ATTESTATION. 1. A
REQUEST FOR MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
FOLLOWING FORM:
REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE
I, _________________________________, AM AN ADULT WHO HAS CAPACITY,
WHICH MEANS I UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE NATURE AND CONSEQUENCES OF
HEALTH CARE DECISIONS, INCLUDING THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF AND ALTERNA-
TIVES TO ANY PROPOSED HEALTH CARE, AND TO REACH AN INFORMED DECISION AND
TO COMMUNICATE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS TO A PHYSICIAN.
I AM SUFFERING FROM ______________________________________________,
WHICH MY ATTENDING PHYSICIAN HAS DETERMINED IS A TERMINAL ILLNESS, WHICH
HAS BEEN MEDICALLY CONFIRMED BY A CONSULTING PHYSICIAN.
I HAVE BEEN FULLY INFORMED OF MY DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS, THE NATURE
OF THE MEDICATION TO BE PRESCRIBED AND POTENTIAL ASSOCIATED RISKS, THE
EXPECTED RESULT, AND THE FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES OR TREATMENT OPPORTU-
NITIES INCLUDING PALLIATIVE CARE AND HOSPICE CARE.
I REQUEST THAT MY ATTENDING PHYSICIAN PRESCRIBE MEDICATION THAT WILL
END MY LIFE IF I CHOOSE TO TAKE IT, AND I AUTHORIZE MY ATTENDING PHYSI-
CIAN TO CONTACT ANOTHER PHYSICIAN OR ANY PHARMACIST ABOUT MY REQUEST.
INITIAL ONE:
( ) I HAVE INFORMED OR INTEND TO INFORM MY FAMILY OF MY DECISION.
( ) I HAVE DECIDED NOT TO INFORM MY FAMILY OF MY DECISION.
( ) I HAVE NO FAMILY TO INFORM OF MY DECISION.
S. 7579 6
I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE THE RIGHT TO RESCIND THIS REQUEST OR DECLINE
TO USE THE MEDICATION AT ANY TIME.
I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS REQUEST, AND I EXPECT TO DIE IF I
TAKE THE MEDICATION TO BE PRESCRIBED. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT ALTHOUGH
MOST DEATHS OCCUR WITHIN THREE HOURS, MY DEATH MAY TAKE LONGER, AND MY
ATTENDING PHYSICIAN HAS COUNSELED ME ABOUT THIS POSSIBILITY.
I MAKE THIS REQUEST VOLUNTARILY, AND WITHOUT BEING COERCED, AND I
ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY ACTIONS.
SIGNED: __________________________
DATED: ___________________________
DECLARATION OF WITNESSES
I DECLARE THAT THE PERSON SIGNING THIS "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END
MY LIFE":
(A) IS PERSONALLY KNOWN TO ME OR HAS PROVIDED PROOF OF IDENTITY;
(B) VOLUNTARILY SIGNED THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" IN
MY PRESENCE OR ACKNOWLEDGED TO ME THAT HE OR SHE SIGNED IT; AND
(C) TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, HAS CAPACITY AND IS NOT
BEING COERCED TO SIGN THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE".
I AM NOT THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR CONSULTING PHYSICIAN OF THE PERSON
SIGNING THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" OR, IF APPLICABLE,
THE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL WHO PROVIDES A CAPACITY DETERMINATION OF
THE PERSON SIGNING THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" AT THE
TIME THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" WAS SIGNED.
________________________ WITNESS 1, DATE: ________________
________________________ WITNESS 2, DATE: _________________
NOTE: ONLY ONE OF THE TWO WITNESSES MAY (I) BE A RELATIVE (BY BLOOD,
MARRIAGE OR ADOPTION) OF THE PERSON SIGNING THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION
TO END MY LIFE", (II) BE ENTITLED TO ANY PORTION OF THE PERSON'S ESTATE
UPON DEATH UNDER ANY WILL OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, OR (III) OWN, OPERATE,
OR BE EMPLOYED AT A HEALTH CARE FACILITY WHERE THE PERSON IS RECEIVING
TREATMENT OR IS A RESIDENT.
2. (A) THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" SHALL BE WRITTEN IN
THE SAME LANGUAGE AS ANY CONVERSATIONS, CONSULTATIONS, OR INTERPRETED
CONVERSATIONS OR CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN A PATIENT AND AT LEAST ONE OF HIS
OR HER ATTENDING OR CONSULTING PHYSICIANS.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE WRITTEN
"REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" MAY BE PREPARED IN ENGLISH EVEN
WHEN THE CONVERSATIONS OR CONSULTATIONS OR INTERPRETED CONVERSATIONS OR
CONSULTATIONS WERE CONDUCTED IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH IF THE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE FORM INCLUDES AN ATTACHED DECLARATION BY THE INTERPRET-
ER OF THE CONVERSATION OR CONSULTATION, WHICH SHALL BE IN SUBSTANTIALLY
THE FOLLOWING FORM:
INTERPRETER'S DECLARATION
I, _______[INSERT NAME OF INTERPRETER]______, AM FLUENT IN ENGLISH AND
[INSERT TARGET LANGUAGE].
S. 7579 7
ON [INSERT DATE], AT APPROXIMATELY [INSERT TIME], I READ THE "REQUEST
FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" TO [NAME OF PATIENT] IN [INSERT TARGET
LANGUAGE].
[NAME OF PATIENT] AFFIRMED TO ME THAT HE/SHE UNDERSTOOD THE CONTENT OF
THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" AND AFFIRMED HIS/HER DESIRE
TO SIGN THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" VOLUNTARILY AND
WITHOUT COERCION AND THAT THE REQUEST TO SIGN THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICA-
TION TO END MY LIFE" FOLLOWED DISCUSSIONS WITH HIS/HER ATTENDING AND
CONSULTING PHYSICIANS.
I DECLARE THAT I AM FLUENT IN ENGLISH AND [INSERT TARGET LANGUAGE] AND
FURTHER DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE FOREGOING IS TRUE AND
CORRECT AND THAT FALSE STATEMENTS MADE HEREIN ARE PUNISHABLE.
EXECUTED AT [INSERT CITY, COUNTY AND STATE] ON THIS [INSERT DAY OF
MONTH] OF [INSERT MONTH], [INSERT YEAR].
__________________________ [SIGNATURE OF INTERPRETER]
__________________________ [PRINTED NAME OF INTERPRETER]
__________________________ [ADDRESS OF INTERPRETER]
__________________________
(C) AN INTERPRETER WHOSE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED UNDER PARAGRAPH (B) OF
THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL NOT (I) BE RELATED TO THE PATIENT WHO SIGNS THE
"REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE" BY BLOOD, MARRIAGE OR ADOPTION,
(II) BE ENTITLED AT THE TIME THE "REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE"
IS SIGNED BY THE PATIENT TO ANY PORTION OF THE ESTATE OF THE PATIENT
UPON DEATH UNDER ANY WILL OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, OR (III) BE AN OWNER,
OPERATOR OR EMPLOYEE OF A HEALTH CARE FACILITY WHERE THE PATIENT IS
RECEIVING TREATMENT OR IS A RESIDENT.
S 2899-M. PROTECTION AND IMMUNITIES. 1. A PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST, OTHER
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL OR OTHER PERSON SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO CIVIL
OR CRIMINAL LIABILITY OR PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY ANY GOVERN-
MENT ENTITY FOR TAKING ANY REASONABLE GOOD-FAITH ACTION OR REFUSING TO
ACT UNDER THIS ARTICLE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: (A) ENGAGING IN
DISCUSSIONS WITH A PATIENT RELATING TO THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF
END-OF-LIFE OPTIONS IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THIS ARTICLE, (B)
PROVIDING A PATIENT, UPON REQUEST, WITH A REFERRAL TO ANOTHER HEALTH
CARE PROVIDER, (C) BEING PRESENT WHEN A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL SELF-ADMIN-
ISTERS MEDICATION, (D) REFRAINING FROM ACTING TO PREVENT THE QUALIFIED
INDIVIDUAL FROM SELF-ADMINISTERING SUCH MEDICATION, OR (E) REFRAINING
FROM ACTING TO RESUSCITATE THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL AFTER HE OR SHE
SELF-ADMINISTERS SUCH MEDICATION.
2. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL LIMIT CIVIL OR CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR
NEGLIGENCE, RECKLESSNESS OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT.
S 2899-N. PERMISSIBLE REFUSALS AND PROHIBITIONS. 1. (A) A PHYSICIAN,
NURSE, PHARMACIST, OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR OTHER PERSON SHALL NOT
BE UNDER ANY DUTY, BY LAW OR CONTRACT, TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROVISION
OF MEDICATION TO A PATIENT UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
(B) IF A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IS UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE PROVISION OF MEDICATION TO A PATIENT UNDER THIS ARTICLE AND THE
PATIENT TRANSFERS CARE TO A NEW HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, THE PRIOR HEALTH
CARE PROVIDER SHALL TRANSFER OR ARRANGE FOR THE TRANSFER, UPON REQUEST,
S. 7579 8
OF A COPY OF THE PATIENT'S RELEVANT MEDICAL RECORDS TO THE NEW HEALTH
CARE PROVIDER.
2.(A) A PRIVATE HEALTH CARE FACILITY MAY PROHIBIT THE PRESCRIBING,
DISPENSING, ORDERING OR SELF-ADMINISTERING OF MEDICATION UNDER THIS
ARTICLE WHILE THE PATIENT IS BEING TREATED IN OR WHILE THE PATIENT IS
RESIDING IN THE HEALTH CARE FACILITY IF:
(I) THE PRESCRIBING, DISPENSING, ORDERING OR SELF-ADMINISTERING IS
CONTRARY TO A FORMALLY ADOPTED POLICY OF THE FACILITY THAT IS EXPRESSLY
BASED ON SINCERELY HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OR MORAL CONVICTIONS CENTRAL
TO THE FACILITY'S OPERATING PRINCIPLES; AND
(II) THE FACILITY HAS INFORMED THE PATIENT OF SUCH POLICY PRIOR TO
ADMISSION OR AS SOON AS REASONABLY POSSIBLE.
(B) WHERE A FACILITY HAS ADOPTED A PROHIBITION UNDER THIS SUBDIVISION,
IF A PATIENT WHO WISHES TO USE MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE REQUESTS,
THE PATIENT SHALL BE TRANSFERRED PROMPTLY TO ANOTHER HEALTH CARE FACILI-
TY THAT IS REASONABLY ACCESSIBLE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND WILLING TO
PERMIT THE PRESCRIBING, DISPENSING, ORDERING AND SELF-ADMINISTERING OF
MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE WITH RESPECT TO THE PATIENT.
3. WHERE A HEALTH CARE FACILITY HAS ADOPTED A PROHIBITION UNDER THIS
SUBDIVISION, ANY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE FACILITY WHO
VIOLATES THE PROHIBITION MAY BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS OTHERWISE AVAILABLE
TO THE FACILITY, PROVIDED THE FACILITY HAS PREVIOUSLY NOTIFIED THE
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE PROHIBITION IN WRITING.
S 2899-O. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS AND CONTRACTS. 1. (A) A PATIENT WHO
REQUESTS MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT, BECAUSE OF THAT
REQUEST, BE CONSIDERED TO BE A PERSON WHO IS SUICIDAL, AND SELF-ADMINIS-
TERING MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE SUICIDE,
FOR ANY PURPOSE.
(B) ACTION TAKEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE
CONSTRUED FOR ANY PURPOSE TO CONSTITUTE SUICIDE, ASSISTED SUICIDE,
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE, PROMOTING A SUICIDE ATTEMPT, MERCY KILLING, OR HOMI-
CIDE UNDER THE LAW, INCLUDING AS AN ACCOMPLICE OR ACCESSORY OR OTHER-
WISE.
2. (A) NO PROVISION IN A CONTRACT, WILL OR OTHER AGREEMENT, WHETHER
WRITTEN OR ORAL, TO THE EXTENT THE PROVISION WOULD AFFECT WHETHER A
PERSON MAY MAKE OR RESCIND A REQUEST FOR MEDICATION OR TAKE ANY OTHER
ACTION UNDER THIS ARTICLE, SHALL BE VALID.
(B) NO OBLIGATION OWING UNDER ANY CONTRACT SHALL BE CONDITIONED OR
AFFECTED BY THE MAKING OR RESCINDING OF A REQUEST BY A PERSON FOR MEDI-
CATION OR TAKING ANY OTHER ACTION UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
3. (A) A PERSON AND HIS OR HER BENEFICIARIES SHALL NOT BE DENIED BENE-
FITS UNDER A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY FOR ACTIONS TAKEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THIS ARTICLE.
(B) THE SALE, PROCUREMENT OR ISSUANCE OF A LIFE OR HEALTH INSURANCE OR
ANNUITY POLICY, OR THE RATE CHARGED FOR A POLICY MAY NOT BE CONDITIONED
UPON OR AFFECTED BY A PATIENT MAKING OR RESCINDING A REQUEST FOR MEDICA-
TION UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
4. AN INSURER SHALL NOT PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION IN COMMUNICATIONS MADE
TO A PATIENT ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE
ABSENT A REQUEST BY THE PATIENT OR BY HIS OR HER ATTENDING PHYSICIAN
UPON THE REQUEST OF SUCH PATIENT. ANY COMMUNICATION SHALL NOT INCLUDE
BOTH THE DENIAL OF COVERAGE FOR TREATMENT AND INFORMATION AS TO THE
AVAILABILITY OF MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
5. THE SALE, PROCUREMENT, OR ISSUE OF ANY PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE
INSURANCE POLICY OR THE RATE CHARGED FOR THE POLICY SHALL NOT BE CONDI-
S. 7579 9
TIONED UPON OR AFFECTED BY WHETHER THE INSURED DOES OR DOES NOT TAKE OR
PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTION UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
S 2899-P. SAFE DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICATIONS. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
MAKE REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE SAFE DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICATIONS
PRESCRIBED, DISPENSED OR ORDERED UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
S 2899-Q. DEATH CERTIFICATE. 1. IF OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED BY LAW, THE
ATTENDING PHYSICIAN MAY SIGN THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL'S DEATH CERTIF-
ICATE.
2. THE CAUSE OF DEATH LISTED ON A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL'S DEATH CERTIF-
ICATE WHO DIES AFTER SELF-ADMINISTERING MEDICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE
WILL BE THE UNDERLYING TERMINAL ILLNESS.
S 2899-R. REPORTING. 1. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ANNUALLY REVIEW A
SAMPLE OF THE RECORDS MAINTAINED UNDER SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED
NINETY-NINE-K OF THIS ARTICLE. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ADOPT REGULATIONS
ESTABLISHING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR PHYSICIANS TAKING ACTION UNDER
THIS ARTICLE TO DETERMINE UTILIZATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE.
THE INFORMATION COLLECTED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A
PUBLIC RECORD AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL
AND COLLECTED AND MAINTAINED IN A MANNER THAT PROTECTS THE PRIVACY OF
THE PATIENT, HIS OR HER FAMILY, AND ANY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ACTING IN
CONNECTION WITH SUCH PATIENT UNDER THIS ARTICLE, EXCEPT THAT SUCH INFOR-
MATION MAY BE DISCLOSED TO A GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY AS AUTHORIZED OR
REQUIRED BY LAW RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE, PROTECTION OF
PUBLIC HEALTH OR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
2. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL PREPARE A REPORT ANNUALLY CONTAINING RELE-
VANT DATA REGARDING UTILIZATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE AND
SHALL POST SUCH REPORT ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE.
S 2899-S. PENALTIES. 1. NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO
LIMIT PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE OR CIVIL LIABILITY RESULTING FROM CONDUCT
IN VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE, NEGLIGENT CONDUCT, OR INTENTIONAL MISCON-
DUCT BY ANY PERSON.
2. CONDUCT IN VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE
CRIMINAL LIABILITY UNDER STATE LAW, INCLUDING, WHERE APPROPRIATE AND
WITHOUT LIMITATION, OFFENSES CONSTITUTING HOMICIDE, FORGERY, COERCION,
AND RELATED OFFENSES, OR FEDERAL LAW.
S 2899-T. SEVERABILITY. IF ANY PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE OR ANY APPLI-
CATION OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE, IS HELD TO BE INVALID, OR TO
VIOLATE OR BE INCONSISTENT WITH ANY FEDERAL LAW OR REGULATION, THAT
SHALL NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OR EFFECTIVENESS OF ANY OTHER PROVISION OF
THIS ARTICLE, OR OF ANY OTHER APPLICATION OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS ARTI-
CLE, WHICH CAN BE GIVEN EFFECT WITHOUT THAT PROVISION OR APPLICATION;
AND TO THAT END, THE PROVISIONS AND APPLICATIONS OF THIS ARTICLE ARE
SEVERABLE.
S 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
