This bill seeks to amend Title 36 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding Chapter 33, which introduces a comprehensive framework for medical aid in dying. It includes
new definitions such as "qualified individual," "medical aid in dying," and "capacity," which clarify eligibility and procedural requirements. The bill outlines the roles and responsibilities of attending and consulting physicians, emphasizing the need for informed consent and documentation in medical records. It also
specifies procedures for medication requests, including a written request witnessed by two individuals and the use of telemedicine, while providing
protections for healthcare providers against civil or criminal liability.
Additionally, the bill updates current statutes by detailing the legal implications of actions like altering medication requests and coercing individuals, while
removing outdated language related to assisted suicide. It mandates that death certificates for individuals who self-administer medication must cite the underlying terminal illness as the cause of death, and allows for cost recovery by governmental entities in cases of death in public places. The bill also includes provisions for a detailed request form, witness declarations, and interpreter services, ensuring transparency and respect for individual autonomy, along with a
severability clause to uphold the act's validity.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: