The proposed "End-of-Life Option Act" in Minnesota allows terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request medical aid in dying. To qualify, individuals must be at least 18 years old, mentally capable, and not under guardianship or conservatorship. The process requires one oral and one written request to an attending provider, with specific witnessing requirements for the written request. The bill outlines the responsibilities of attending and consulting providers, licensed mental health consultants, and pharmacists, ensuring that individuals are fully informed about their options and that their requests are free from coercion. It also includes provisions for criminal penalties for violations and establishes reporting requirements to monitor the law's implementation, with an effective date of August 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill includes protections for individuals and providers acting in good faith, ensuring they are not subject to criminal liability or professional disciplinary actions. It prohibits deceptive practices by health care facilities regarding medical aid in dying and mandates timely transfer of care and medical records upon request. The bill classifies information submitted to the commissioner of health as private data and grants enforcement authority to the commissioner. It also clarifies that no contract can affect an individual's right to request or rescind a request for medical aid in dying medication, and it ensures that insurance policies cannot be conditioned on such requests. The classification of death records for individuals who self-administer medical aid in dying medication is addressed, ensuring these deaths are attributed to the underlying terminal disease. Most provisions of the bill are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 61A.031, 144.99, 609.215