House Bill 471 establishes the "Florida End-of-Life Options Act," creating a legal framework for individuals with terminal conditions to request medication to end their lives peacefully. The bill defines key terms such as "qualified patient," "attending physician," and "terminal condition," and outlines eligibility criteria, which include being an adult Florida resident with a medically confirmed terminal condition and mental capacity. The process for requesting medication involves two oral requests and one written request, with specified waiting periods and the option for patients to rescind their requests. The bill also details the responsibilities of healthcare providers, including recordkeeping and reporting to the Department of Health, which will adopt rules and publish an annual report.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect healthcare providers who choose not to participate in the act, ensuring they are not penalized for their decision. It mandates that death certificates list the underlying terminal condition as the cause of death rather than the prescribed medication and prohibits discrimination by health insurers against patients seeking end-of-life medication. The legislation also addresses the disposal of unused medication and establishes penalties for unauthorized alterations or coercion of medication requests. Overall, HB 471 aims to create a structured and compassionate option for individuals facing intolerable suffering while ensuring safeguards and accountability within the healthcare system. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 471 Filed: 782.08