summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Health care; decision-making; end of life; penalties. Allows an adult diagnosed with a terminal disease to request and an attending health care provider to prescribe self-administered aid in dying medication for the purpose of ending the patient's life. The bill requires that a patient's request for self-administered aid in dying medication to end his life be given orally on two occasions and in writing, signed by the patient and one witness, and that the patient be given an express opportunity to rescind his request at any time. The bill makes it a Class 2 felony (i) to willfully and deliberately alter, forge, conceal, or destroy a patient's request, or rescission of request, for self-administered aid in dying medication to end his life with the intent and effect of causing the patient's death; (ii) to coerce, intimidate, or exert undue influence on a patient to request self-administered aid in dying medication for the purpose of ending his life or to destroy the patient's rescission of such request with the intent and effect of causing the patient's death; or (iii) to coerce, intimidate, or exert undue influence on a patient to forgo self-administered aid in dying medication for the purpose of ending the patient's life. The bill also grants immunity from civil or criminal liability and professional disciplinary action to any person who complies with the provisions of the bill and allows health care providers to refuse to participate in the provision of self-administered aid in dying medication to a patient for the purpose of ending the patient's life.
AI Summary
This bill allows an adult diagnosed with a terminal disease, defined as an incurable and irreversible disease expected to cause death within six months, to request and an attending health care provider to prescribe a self-administered aid-in-dying medication for the purpose of ending their life. The process requires two oral requests, at least 15 days apart unless the patient is expected to die sooner, and a written request signed by the patient and one witness who is not a beneficiary of the patient's estate or a relative. The patient must be informed of their diagnosis, prognosis, the risks and benefits of the medication, and feasible alternatives like comfort care. Health care providers are granted immunity from civil or criminal liability and professional disciplinary action for complying with the bill's provisions, and they also have the right to refuse participation. However, the bill establishes severe penalties, including a Class 2 felony, for actions such as altering or destroying a patient's request or rescission, or coercing a patient to request or forgo aid in dying, with the intent to cause death. Health care entities can prohibit medical aid in dying on their premises through a written policy.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Education and Health Amendment - Education and Health Amendment (on 02/06/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB359 |
| Education and Health Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB359/text/SB359AS1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB359) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1128500.PDF |
| Education and Health Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB359/text/SB359ASC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/20/2026 1:39 pm) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1091861.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB359/text/SB359 |
Loading...