Bill > SB570

This bill establishes the End of Life Options Act in Pennsylvania, providing a legal framework for terminally ill patients to request medication to end their lives in a compassionate manner. The legislation allows qualified patients who are 18 or older, residents of Pennsylvania, and diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to cause death within six months to request end-of-life medication. To qualify, patients must be capable of making an informed decision and must follow a strict process that includes multiple oral and written requests, waiting periods, and medical confirmations from attending and consulting providers. The bill requires patients to be fully informed about their medical condition, potential risks, and alternative care options. Healthcare providers are not required to participate, and the law includes robust protections to prevent coercion, including requirements for witness verification and mental health counseling if capability is in question. The legislation also provides immunity for healthcare providers who participate in good faith and includes provisions to protect patients' rights, such as the ability to rescind the request at any time. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that actions taken under this law do not constitute suicide, assisted suicide, or euthanasia, and includes safeguards to protect patients from undue influence or unauthorized alterations to their requests.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=570