The "New Hampshire End of Life Freedom Act," also known as HB 254-FN, establishes a legal framework for individuals with terminal illnesses to access medical aid-in-dying medication. It introduces a new chapter, Chapter 137-M, which defines key terms such as "qualified individual," "medical aid in dying," and "informed decision." The bill stipulates that only adults with mental capacity, a terminal condition, and a prognosis of six months or less to live may request this medication. It mandates that attending health care providers ensure the individual is making an informed decision free from coercion and document their findings in the individual's health record. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of health care providers in the prescription process, including educating the individual on self-administration and ensuring the medication is taken in a private setting.
Furthermore, the bill provides legal protections for health care providers who participate in or refuse to participate in medical aid in dying, ensuring they will not face criminal or civil liability for good faith compliance with the law. It prohibits insurers from denying or altering benefits based on an individual's request for aid in dying and ensures that death certificates reflect the underlying terminal disease rather than categorizing the death as suicide or homicide. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with collecting data on the law's implementation, which will be reported annually while maintaining patient confidentiality. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and does not authorize new funding or positions, with minimal estimated costs for the state.