Bill > HF475

This bill creates the "Iowa Our Care, Our Options Act" which establishes a legal framework for medical aid in dying in Iowa. The key provisions include: - Defining key terms like "terminal illness," "mentally capable," and "qualified patient" to set the parameters for who can access medical aid in dying. - Outlining the process for a terminally ill patient to request and obtain medication to self-administer to end their life, including requirements for oral and written requests, waiting periods, and mental health evaluations. - Specifying the duties of the attending provider, consulting provider, and licensed mental health providers in evaluating a patient's request and prescribing/dispensing the medication. - Establishing reporting requirements for providers to the Department of Public Health, while keeping patient information confidential. - Prohibiting discrimination against terminally ill patients who choose medical aid in dying, and protecting providers who participate in good faith from civil or criminal liability. - Outlawing the coercion of patients to request or forgo medical aid in dying, and imposing criminal penalties for such actions. Overall, the bill aims to give terminally ill Iowans more autonomy and options at the end of life, while maintaining safeguards and protections for patients and providers.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89&ba=HF475