Bill > S03947

This bill relates to the medical aid in dying act and a terminally ill patient's request for and use of medication for medical aid in dying. The key provisions of the bill: - Establishes a new Article 28-F in the Public Health Law to allow for "medical aid in dying" - the practice of a physician prescribing medication that a qualified terminally ill patient may choose to self-administer to end their life. - Defines requirements and procedures for a patient to request and obtain this medication, including making oral and written requests, having the request witnessed, and being evaluated by attending and consulting physicians to confirm terminal illness, decision-making capacity, and voluntariness. - Specifies the responsibilities of attending and consulting physicians, including providing information to the patient, referring to mental health professionals if needed, and properly documenting the process. - Protects health care providers from civil, criminal, or professional liability for participating in good faith or refusing to participate in providing medical aid in dying. - Addresses the relation of this law to other laws and contracts, such as insurance policies, to ensure patients are not penalized for utilizing this option. - Establishes reporting requirements for the Department of Health to monitor implementation of the law.