Bill > HB453

This bill establishes the "Marilyn Teitelbaum Death with Dignity Act", which creates a legal framework for terminally ill, competent adult residents of Missouri to request medication that allows them to end their own life in a humane and dignified manner. The legislation provides comprehensive guidelines for patients, physicians, and healthcare providers, including detailed definitions of key terms like "terminal disease", "competent", and "informed decision". The bill requires multiple safeguards, such as mandatory counseling, multiple physician consultations, waiting periods, and witness requirements to ensure the patient's request is voluntary and well-considered. Patients must be state residents with a confirmed terminal illness expected to cause death within six months, and they must make both oral and written requests with at least fifteen days between the initial and final request. The law explicitly states that these actions do not constitute suicide or assisted suicide, and provides protections for healthcare providers who choose to participate or decline to participate in the process. The bill also includes provisions protecting patients' insurance and preventing discrimination, and requires the state health department to collect and report statistical data annually while maintaining patient confidentiality.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB453&year=2025&code=R