The Medical Aid in Dying Law went into effect Wednesday, giving terminally ill New Yorkers with a prognosis of six months or less to live the option to end their lives through prescribed medication.<\/p>\n
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the new end-of-life legislation into law on Feb. 6.<\/p>\n
The New York State Department of Health says the law includes safeguards to prevent misuse.<\/p>\n
Under the law, patients must make an oral request that is recorded by audio or video, as well as submit a signed written request witnessed by two people. <\/p>\n
Both an attending physician and a consulting physician must determine that the patient has a terminal illness and the capacity to make medical decisions. Patients are also required to undergo a mental health evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess decision-making capacity.<\/p>\n
Additional safeguards include a five-day waiting period between when the prescription is written and when it can be filled, a prohibition on anyone who could financially benefit from the patient’s death from serving as a witness or interpreter, and a requirement that physicians discuss all feasible alternatives, including palliative and hospice care. <\/p>\n
The law stipulates patients must self-administer the life-ending medication.<\/p>\n
The DoH affirmed that participation in Medical Aid in Dying is voluntary and that health care providers who choose not to participate will not face penalties or professional disciplinary action.<\/p>\n
The law has drawn opposition from some disability rights advocates, who argue it could place pressure on vulnerable New Yorkers.<\/p>\n