This bill seeks to amend Title 36 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding Chapter 33, which establishes a legal framework for medical aid in dying. It introduces definitions for key terms such as "adult," "attending physician," "capacity," and "medical aid in dying," and outlines the process for a qualified individual—defined as a terminally ill adult with capacity—to request a prescription for self-administered medication to end their life. The bill specifies the requirements for a valid request, including the need for two witnesses and the involvement of both an attending and consulting physician to confirm the diagnosis and ensure voluntary action without coercion. Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of the attending physician, including ensuring informed decision-making, providing referrals for end-of-life care, and documenting interactions in the medical record. It establishes protections for healthcare providers participating in this process, shielding them from liability if they comply with the bill's standards. The legislation also clarifies that actions taken under this article do not constitute suicide or assisted suicide and requires the attending physician or healthcare facility director to sign the death certificate, listing the cause of death as the underlying terminal illness. Furthermore, it introduces new criminal penalties for misconduct related to medication requests and ensures that if any part of the act is invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

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