ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday she would sign an amended bill allowing terminally ill patients the ability to self-administer life-ending medication. It took advocates nine years to get the state Legislature to approve the measure. Lawmakers are expected to pass an amended bill in January.
What does the bill do?
The bill, known as Medical Aid In Dying allows terminally ill patients to request a doctor prescribe medication that they can self-administer to hasten their death.
Who is eligible?
Terminally ill New York residents over 18 years old with less than six months to live.
What does a patient need to do?
A patient will need to submit an oral and written request, which must be witnessed by at least two adults.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes. Hochul negotiated a number of amendments to the bill that passed in June. There is a mandatory five-day waiting period between when the prescription is written and filled.
The initial evaluation of a patient must be done in person by a physician. The patient’s request must be recorded by video or audio. A patient must also undergo a mental health evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Anyone who might benefit financially from the patient’s death can’t serve as a witness to the oral request or as an interpreter for the patient.
The amended bill also allows religiously-oriented home hospice providers to opt out of offering medical aid in dying.
When does it take effect?
After state lawmakers pass the amended bill in January, it will take effect six months to allow the state Department of Health to implement regulations and allow health care facilities to train staff.