Bill > H1991

This bill, titled the "Massachusetts Compassionate Care for the Terminally Ill Act," establishes a framework for terminally ill adults in Massachusetts to request and self-administer prescribed medication to end their lives. To qualify, a patient must be a capable adult resident of Massachusetts, diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to cause death within six months, and have made an informed decision after discussing their diagnosis, prognosis, potential risks, probable results, and feasible alternatives, including palliative care, with their attending physician. The attending physician must confirm these qualifications, and a consulting physician must also confirm the diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the patient's capability and voluntary action. The bill outlines a process for written requests, requiring at least two witnesses, one of whom must not be a relative or beneficiary of the patient, and prohibits individuals with guardians from qualifying. It also mandates counseling referrals to ensure the patient is not suffering from impaired judgment due to psychological disorders or depression, and allows patients to rescind their request at any time. Health care providers are not obligated to participate in this process and can refuse based on their policies, but must provide referrals if unable or unwilling to assist. The bill also details medical record documentation requirements, data collection by the Department of Public Health, and specifies that actions taken under this act do not constitute suicide or affect insurance policies, while also outlining penalties for altering requests or coercing patients. Importantly, the bill explicitly states it does not authorize lethal injection, mercy killing, assisted suicide, or active euthanasia.