summary
Introduced
03/17/2025
03/17/2025
In Committee
03/18/2025
03/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT DIRECTING THE NORTH CAROLINA INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE TO STUDY THE LEGALIZATION OF MEDICAL AID IN DYING IN NORTH CAROLINA; AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THIS PURPOSE. Whereas, medical aid in dying (MAID) is a recognized end-of-life (EOL) option for terminally ill, mentally competent adults who have been diagnosed with a life expectancy of less than 6 months to hasten the dying process; and Whereas, since 1997, 10 states and the District of Columbia have legalized MAID to enable eligible adults who have been examined by at least two physicians to receive an aid in dying medication that these adults may choose to self-administer in the comfort of their own homes among family members and friends; and Whereas, many adults choose not to take the aid in dying medication even after completing the rigorous application process, but are nevertheless comforted by a renewed sense of autonomy and control in having the aid in dying medication on hand; and Whereas, data from the 11 United States jurisdictions that have legalized MAID indicates that over 90% of MAID applicants have medical insurance and are enrolled in hospice but nevertheless prefer to abbreviate the dying process through MAID; and Whereas, in the collective 50 years of data available from the 11 United States juridictions that have legalized MAID, there have been no recorded instances of misuse, abuse, or coercion and the MAID laws have been operating as envisioned since the time of enactment; and Whereas, the percentage of eligible adults who have availed themselves of this end-of-life option in each United States jurisdiction where MAID has been legalized has not exceeded 0.75%; Now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill directs the North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM) to conduct a comprehensive study on medical aid in dying (MAID), a legal end-of-life option for terminally ill, mentally competent adults to hasten their dying process. The study will extensively examine MAID practices in the 11 U.S. jurisdictions where it is currently legal, investigating aspects such as application processes, patient demographics, medication protocols, healthcare provider opt-out options, psychological impacts on patients and families, and potential safeguards against coercion. The NCIOM is required to hold at least one public hearing to gather community input and must submit a report with findings and recommendations to legislative oversight committees by April 1, 2027. The bill allocates $150,000 in non-recurring funds from the General Fund to support this study, with the funding becoming available on July 1, 2025. The study aims to comprehensively assess whether MAID should be legalized in North Carolina by exploring its potential advantages, disadvantages, implementation challenges, and societal implications, including its potential impact on suicide rates, healthcare systems, and end-of-life care options.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (20)
Pricey Harrison (D)*,
Julia Howard (R)*,
Donny Lambeth (R)*,
Lindsey Prather (D)*,
Amber Baker (D),
Cynthia Ball (D),
Mary Belk (D),
Gloristine Brown (D),
Allen Buansi (D),
Laura Budd (D),
Deb Butler (D),
Becky Carney (D),
Allison Dahle (D),
Julia Greenfield (D),
Frances Jackson (D),
Marcia Morey (D),
Garland Pierce (D),
Renée Price (D),
Brian Turner (D),
Harry Warren (R),
Last Action
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (on 03/18/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H410 |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H410v1.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H410v0.pdf |
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