ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Law is now in effect for end-of-life options for terminally ill residents.
The New York State Department of Health announced the law took effect Aug. 5 after guidance and proposed reporting requirements were established for health care facilities and physicians.
The law allows terminally ill New Yorkers with fewer than six months to live to request medication for Medical Aid in Dying. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation into law Feb. 6.
The health department has also launched a new Medical Aid in Dying website with public information and professional guidance about the law.
Click here for more information.
From New York State Department of Health
The following information is from the New York State Department of Health:
“There are significant protections built into the law to ensure it is not misused or inappropriately applied. These protections include the following:
“An oral request by the patient for Medical Aid in Dying, recorded by video or audio. “A signed, written request by the patient for Medical Aid in Dying, with two witnesses. “A determination by an attending physician and a consulting physician that the patient has a terminal illness or condition and has decision-making capacity. “A mandatory mental health evaluation of the patient seeking medical aid in dying by a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine decision-making capacity. “A mandatory waiting period of 5 days between when a prescription is written and when it can be filled. “A prohibition against anyone who may benefit financially from the death of a patient from being eligible to serve as a witness or an interpreter for the patient. “A requirement that the attending physician fully inform the patient of feasible alternatives and appropriate treatment options, including palliative care and hospice care. “A requirement that the patient must self-administer the medication.”
The new year is expected to make medical aid in dying available to terminally-ill New Yorkers with less than six months to live.