The Iowa Our Care, Our Options Act establishes a legal framework for medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients in Iowa, affirming the right of mentally capable adults to make autonomous decisions regarding their end-of-life medical treatment. The Act outlines a structured process for patients to request medication for self-administration, requiring two oral requests and one written request to an attending provider, along with specific waiting periods and documentation. It emphasizes informed decision-making, ensuring patients are fully aware of their medical condition and treatment options, and mandates that providers confirm a patient's terminal illness and mental capability before prescribing the medication.

The legislation includes provisions for reporting requirements, safe disposal of unused medications, and the use of interpreters, while ensuring confidentiality of collected information. It protects healthcare providers from liability when complying with the Act and establishes penalties for unauthorized alterations or coercion related to medication requests. Additionally, the bill requires healthcare providers to offer comprehensive information about end-of-life options and clarifies the implications of a patient's request for life-ending medication on legal documents. Overall, the Act aims to integrate medical aid in dying into standard end-of-life care, promoting respectful conversations between patients and healthcare providers.