The proposed House Bill 471 establishes Chapter 764 of the Florida Statutes, known as the "Florida End-of-Life Options Act," which provides a legal framework for individuals with terminal conditions to request medication for a peaceful end to their lives. The bill defines key terms such as "qualified patient," "attending physician," and "terminal condition," and outlines eligibility criteria, including 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 specific waiting periods and the option for patients to rescind their requests at any time. The bill also mandates healthcare providers to maintain records and report to the Department of Health, which will publish an annual report on the act's implementation.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that protect healthcare providers from penalties for refusing to participate in the End-of-Life Options Act, provided they act in good faith. It establishes penalties for individuals who alter or forge medication requests or coerce patients, clarifies that actions taken under this chapter do not constitute suicide or homicide, and allows for the recovery of costs incurred by governmental entities when a person terminates their life in a public place. The legislation also requires healthcare facilities to inform employees of their participation policies and allows them to prohibit participation on their premises while ensuring that providers cannot be sanctioned for off-premises involvement. Overall, the bill aims to create a comprehensive framework for end-of-life care that safeguards the rights of patients and healthcare providers.

Statutes affected:
H 471 Filed: 782.08