The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 5712, seeks to amend current statutes regarding the documentation of the cause of death for individuals who self-administer medication prescribed for the purpose of ending their life. Specifically, the bill mandates that when a death certificate is being completed, if the individual responsible is aware that a lethal drug or overdose contributed to the death, they must include this information in the cause of death section. Furthermore, if such means are included in the chain of events leading to death, the manner of death must be indicated as "suicide."

The intent of this legislation is to ensure transparency and provide notice to the next of kin regarding the circumstances of a family member's death, particularly in cases involving assisted suicide. The bill emphasizes the importance of accurately documenting the cause and manner of death to inform family members about the nature of the death, thereby addressing potential concerns and clarifying the circumstances surrounding the individual's passing.