The bill introduces the "Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act," which establishes a legal framework allowing terminally ill patients in Rhode Island to request and self-administer medication to hasten their death. It outlines specific requirements for physicians, including the necessity of a bona fide physician-patient relationship, thorough documentation of the patient's requests, and confirmation of the patient's terminal condition and capability to make informed decisions.

The act provides immunity for physicians from civil or criminal liability when they comply with these provisions and protects healthcare providers who choose not to participate in the process. It ensures that patients are informed of all feasible end-of-life options, including palliative care, comfort care, and hospice care.

The legislation clarifies that actions taken under this act do not constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing, or homicide under the law. It mandates the safe disposal of unused medications prescribed under this chapter and prohibits any discrimination in life insurance policies based on actions taken in accordance with the act.

Additionally, the act specifies that a healthcare facility may prohibit a physician from writing a prescription for a lethal dose of medication intended for use on its premises, provided the facility has notified the physician of its policy. The act will take effect upon passage.