Bill > HB140

This bill establishes the End of Life Options Act in Delaware, which permits terminally ill adult residents to request and self-administer medication to end their life in a humane and dignified manner. The legislation allows qualified patients with a terminal illness (defined as an incurable condition expected to result in death within 6 months) to obtain a prescription for life-ending medication after meeting several stringent requirements. These include making two oral requests and one written request to their attending physician or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), demonstrating decision-making capacity, providing witness signatures, and receiving consultations with multiple healthcare providers. The bill requires extensive safeguards, including mandatory counseling about alternative treatments, verification of voluntary decision-making, and confirmation of the patient's residency and medical condition by multiple healthcare professionals. The legislation explicitly protects healthcare providers from civil or criminal liability when following the prescribed process, ensures that participation is voluntary for both patients and providers, and stipulates that the request does not constitute suicide or euthanasia. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health and Social Services collect and report statistical information about the implementation of this end-of-life option while maintaining patient confidentiality. The act is named the "Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Law" and will become effective either upon regulatory completion or by January 1, 2026.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141725