House Bill No. [insert bill number], known as the "Montana Patient and Physician Protections in Care Act," establishes a legal framework for medical aid in dying for individuals with terminal illnesses who are capable of making end-of-life decisions. The bill outlines specific requirements for prescribing medical aid in dying medication, including a 48-hour waiting period before the prescription can be filled, a determination of the individual's capacity, and the necessity for informed consent. It mandates that healthcare providers inform patients of all reasonable care options and requires patients to complete a detailed form to request the medication. Additionally, the bill protects healthcare providers from civil or criminal liability for their participation or refusal to participate in medical aid in dying.

The legislation also includes provisions for reporting to the Department of Public Health and Human Services, which will produce an annual statistical report on medical aid in dying, ensuring that the data remains non-identifiable. It clarifies that deaths resulting from self-administered medication will not be classified as suicide or homicide, and insurance policies cannot be affected by an individual's decision regarding medical aid in dying. The bill establishes penalties for coercing individuals into requesting medication and allows government entities to claim costs incurred from self-administration in public places against the deceased's estate. Overall, the bill aims to provide clarity and protections for both patients and healthcare providers involved in the medical aid in dying process.