The "New Hampshire End of Life Freedom Act," also known as HB 254-FN, establishes a legal framework for medical aid in dying for individuals with terminal illnesses. It introduces a new chapter, Chapter 137-M, which defines key terms such as "qualified individual" and "attending health care provider." The bill allows mentally capable adults with a terminal condition and a prognosis of six months or less to request medical aid-in-dying medication, ensuring that the request is made voluntarily and without coercion. It mandates a thorough evaluation by health care providers, a 48-hour waiting period before the prescription can be filled, and the presence of another person during self-administration of the medication. The bill also includes provisions for safe disposal of medications, reporting requirements, and protections for health care providers who choose to participate or not participate based on their conscience.

The legislation emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and safety measures, including penalties for coercion or interference with a qualified individual's decision regarding medical aid in dying. It clarifies that deaths resulting from self-administration of the prescribed medications will not be classified as suicide or homicide, but rather attributed to the underlying terminal disease on death certificates. Additionally, the bill protects individuals from insurance discrimination based on their requests for medical aid in dying. The effective date for the act is set for January 1, 2026, and it does not authorize new funding or positions, with implementation costs expected to be minimal.