Assisted-Suicide Law Has Strict Criteria

The patient makes two oral requests to the attending physician separated by at least 15 days.

The patient provides a written request to the attending physician, signed in the presence of two witnesses.

The attending physician and a consulting physician must confirm the patient's diagnosis and prognosis.

The attending physician and a consulting physician determine whether the patient is capable of making and communicating health care decisions for himself or herself.

The patient must be referred for psychological exam if either physician believes the patient's judgment is impaired by a psychiatric or psychological disorder.

The attending physician must inform the patient of feasible alternatives to assisted suicide including comfort care, hospice care, and pain control.

The attending physician must request that the patient notify his or her next-of-kin of the prescription request. A patient can rescind a request at any time and in any manner.