Senate Bill 1114 introduces the "Our Care, Our Options Act," which allows qualified individuals—specifically, adults aged 18 and older who are mentally capable and diagnosed with a terminal disease expected to result in death within six months—to request a prescription for medication to end their lives. The bill outlines a detailed process for making such requests, which includes both an oral and a written request, with a minimum waiting period of 15 days between the initial oral request and the reiteration of that request. The attending provider, who must be a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant, is required to confirm the individual's mental capability and ensure that the request is made voluntarily, free from coercion or undue influence. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health Services develop standard forms for reporting these requests.
The legislation also establishes protections for healthcare providers who choose to participate in this process, allowing them to document requests and transfer medical records if they are unable or unwilling to fulfill a request. It prohibits healthcare facilities from restricting providers from practicing medical aid in dying outside of their employment or contract with the facility. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to protect individuals from insurance discrimination based on their requests for medication under this act, ensuring that such requests do not affect their insurance coverage or rates. The bill also outlines penalties for actions such as coercion or altering requests, while providing immunity for good faith actions taken under its provisions.