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Bill > HB1011


IN HB1011

IN HB1011
End of life options.


summary

Introduced
01/08/2025
In Committee
01/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/24/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

End of life options. Allows individuals with a terminal illness who meet certain requirements to make a request to an attending provider for medication that the individual may self-administer to bring about death. Specifies requirements a provider must meet in order to prescribe the medication to a patient. Prohibits an insurer from denying payment of benefits under a life insurance policy based upon a suicide clause in the life insurance policy if the death of the insured individual is the result of medical aid in dying. Establishes a Level 1 felony if a person: (1) without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication with the intent or effect of causing the individual's death; or (2) knowingly or intentionally coerces or exerts undue influence on an individual to request medication to bring about death or to destroy a rescission of a request for medication to bring about death. Establishes a Class A misdemeanor if a person, without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication in order to affect a health care decision by the individual. Establishes certain criminal and civil immunity for health care providers.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for medical aid in dying in Indiana, allowing terminally ill adults to request medication to end their lives under strict conditions. The bill defines a "qualified patient" as an Indiana resident at least 18 years old who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness confirmed by both an attending and consulting provider, and who is capable of making an informed decision. To obtain medication, the patient must make an oral request, followed by a written request witnessed by two individuals, with at least 15 days between the initial and final requests. The attending provider must thoroughly counsel the patient about their diagnosis, prognosis, alternative treatments, and the nature of the medication, and offer multiple opportunities to rescind the request. The bill includes safeguards to prevent coercion, requiring that at least one witness not be a relative or have a financial interest in the patient's death. Healthcare providers are granted immunity from civil and criminal liability when acting in good faith, and insurers are prohibited from denying life insurance benefits based on a suicide clause if the death results from medical aid in dying. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for anyone who fraudulently alters or coerces a patient's request, with potential charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Level 1 felony. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions for annual statistical reporting while protecting patient privacy.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

First reading: referred to Committee on Public Health (on 01/08/2025)

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