Bill > HB3497

This bill, titled the "Death with Dignity Act," establishes provisions for terminally ill adults in Missouri to request and self-administer medication to end their lives. Key provisions include defining terms such as "adult," "attending physician" (the doctor primarily responsible for the patient's care), "competent" (having the ability to make and communicate an informed decision), "consulting physician" (a specialist who confirms the diagnosis), "counseling" (to assess for psychological impairment), "informed decision" (a decision based on full understanding of medical information and alternatives), and "terminal disease" (an incurable, irreversible illness expected to cause death within six months). The act outlines the process for a qualified patient, defined as a competent adult resident with a terminal disease, to make a written request for medication, which must be witnessed by two individuals, at least one of whom is not a relative or beneficiary. The attending physician must confirm the patient's terminal diagnosis, competence, voluntary action, and informed decision, and refer the patient for counseling if mental impairment is suspected. A minimum waiting period of fifteen days between the initial oral request and the written request, and forty-eight hours between the written request and the prescription, is mandated, with opportunities for the patient to rescind their request at any time. The bill also details requirements for medical record documentation, residency verification, handling of unused medication, and reporting to the Department of Health and Senior Services, while clarifying that it does not authorize lethal injection or active euthanasia and protects healthcare providers acting in good faith from civil or criminal liability. Furthermore, it prohibits contracts, wills, or insurance policies from being conditioned on a patient's decision to seek end-of-life medication and establishes that actions taken under this act are not considered suicide or homicide. Finally, it provides an affirmative defense against certain homicide charges if conduct is authorized by the act.