Bill > S00138

This bill establishes the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which provides a legal framework for terminally ill patients in New York to request medication that will allow them to end their own life. The bill defines a comprehensive set of requirements and protections for patients, physicians, and healthcare providers involved in this process. Key provisions include: patients must be adults (18 or older) with a terminal illness confirmed by two physicians, have decision-making capacity, and make a voluntary, informed request; physicians must provide extensive counseling about alternatives like palliative care and ensure the patient understands the process; the request must be documented with specific written forms and witnessed by two unrelated adults; healthcare providers have the right to opt out of participating; and the patient's death certificate will list the underlying terminal illness as the cause of death, not the medication. The bill also provides legal protections for healthcare providers who participate in good faith and ensures that actions taken under this law are not considered suicide. Additionally, the bill requires annual reporting to the legislature about the implementation of the law, while maintaining patient privacy. The legislation aims to give terminally ill patients more control over their end-of-life choices while establishing strict safeguards to prevent potential abuse.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S138