The bill amends the Washington Death with Dignity Act by updating definitions and requirements for accessing the act. Key changes include the insertion of new definitions such as "irremediable pain or suffering," which refers to pain or symptoms from a terminal disease that cannot be effectively managed, and "advanced practice registered nurse," replacing the term "practitioner." Additionally, the bill clarifies the process for a qualified patient to request medication to end their life, allowing exemptions from the seven-day waiting period if the attending qualified medical provider determines that the patient is not expected to survive or self-administer the medication within that timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill specifies the selection process for attending and consulting qualified medical providers, ensuring that if a non-physician is chosen as the attending provider, a physician must be selected as the consulting provider. It also establishes that if the attending provider is a physician assistant, the consulting provider cannot have a direct supervisory relationship with them. These amendments aim to streamline the process while ensuring that patients have access to necessary medical support in a dignified manner.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.245.010, 70.245.090, 70.245.230