The proposed bill establishes Chapter 764 of the Florida Statutes, titled "Personal Autonomy," which introduces the Florida End-of-Life Options Act. This legislation allows qualified patients—defined as adults with mental capacity who are residents of Florida and diagnosed with a terminal condition—to request medication to end their lives peacefully. The bill outlines specific criteria for these requests, including the requirement for two oral requests and one written request, with waiting periods and opportunities to rescind the request. It mandates that the attending physician and a consulting physician confirm the patient's terminal condition and mental capacity before proceeding. Additionally, the bill emphasizes informed consent, requiring that the written request be signed by the patient and witnessed by at least two individuals who meet specific criteria to avoid conflicts of interest.

The bill also sets forth responsibilities for healthcare providers, including recordkeeping and reporting requirements to the Department of Health, which will publish an annual report on the act's implementation. It prohibits health insurers from discriminating against individuals based on their participation in the act and outlines penalties for violations, including unauthorized alterations to requests or coercion of patients. Furthermore, the legislation clarifies that a patient's request for medication does not constitute evidence of neglect and establishes that governmental entities can recover costs incurred due to a person terminating their life in a public place. The act is designed to create a structured and ethical framework for end-of-life decisions while safeguarding patient rights and ensuring proper medical oversight, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1700 Filed: 782.08