Bill Text: NY A02129 | 2015-2016 | General Assembly | Amended


Bill Title: Establishes the New York end of life options act; authorizes the prescription of aid-in-dying medication to individuals with terminal illnesses; terminal illness means incurable and irreversible illness that has been medically confirmed that will result in death within six months; form must be signed by the qualified individual and by two witnesses; no liability or sanctions where the health care provider participates in good faith.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-01-06 - referred to health [A02129 Detail]

Download: New_York-2015-A02129-Amended.html
                           S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
       ________________________________________________________________________
                                        2129--A
                              2015-2016 Regular Sessions
                                 I N  A S S E M B L Y
                                   January 15, 2015
                                      ___________
       Introduced  by  M.  of  A. ROSENTHAL, GOTTFRIED, STECK, HOOPER -- Multi-
         Sponsored by -- M.  of A. ARROYO -- read  once  and  referred  to  the
         Committee  on  Health  --  committee discharged, bill amended, ordered
         reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
       AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to  establishing  the
         "New York end of life options act"
         THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
       BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
    1    Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the  "New  York
    2  end of life options act".
    3    S  2. The public health law is amended by adding a new article 29-CCCC
    4  to read as follows:
    5                               ARTICLE 29-CCCC
    6                      NEW YORK END OF LIFE OPTIONS ACT
    7  SECTION 2994-AAA. DEFINITIONS.
    8          2994-BBB. RIGHT TO REQUEST AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION.
    9          2994-CCC. REQUEST PROCESS.
   10          2994-DDD. RIGHT TO RESCIND REQUEST; REQUIREMENT TO OFFER  OPPOR-
   11                      TUNITY TO RESCIND.
   12          2994-EEE. ATTENDING PHYSICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES.
   13          2994-FFF. DEATH CERTIFICATE.
   14          2994-GGG. CONSULTING PHYSICIAN CONFIRMATION.
   15          2994-HHH. COUNSELING REFERRAL.
   16          2994-III. INFORMED DECISION REQUIRED.
   17          2994-JJJ. FORM OF REQUEST.
   18          2994-KKK. STANDARD OF CARE.
   19          2994-LLL. EFFECT  ON  CONSTRUCTION OF WILLS, CONTRACTS AND STAT-
   20                      UTES.
   21          2994-MMM. INSURANCE OR ANNUITY POLICIES.
        EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                             [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                                  LBD06100-02-5
       A. 2129--A                          2
    1          2994-NNN. IMMUNITIES; PROHIBITIONS ON CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVID-
    2                      ERS; NOTIFICATION; PERMISSIBLE SANCTIONS.
    3          2994-OOO. NON-SANCTIONABLE ACTIVITIES.
    4          2994-PPP. PENALTIES.
    5          2994-QQQ. SEVERABILITY.
    6    S  2994-AAA. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE FOLLOWING WORDS
    7  AND PHRASES SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING MEANINGS:
    8    1. "ADULT" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
    9    2. "AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION" MEANS MEDICATION PRESCRIBED BY  A  PHYSI-
   10  CIAN TO A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL, WHICH THE PATIENT MAY CHOOSE TO SELF-AD-
   11  MINISTER  TO  BRING  ABOUT A PEACEFUL DEATH IF THEY FIND THEIR SUFFERING
   12  DUE TO A TERMINAL ILLNESS TO BE UNBEARABLE.
   13    3. "ATTENDING PHYSICIAN" MEANS THE PHYSICIAN WHO HAS PRIMARY RESPONSI-
   14  BILITY FOR THE CARE OF AN INDIVIDUAL AND TREATMENT OF  THE  INDIVIDUAL'S
   15  TERMINAL ILLNESS.
   16    4.  "CAPACITY"  MEANS THAT IN THE OPINION OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S ATTENDING
   17  PHYSICIAN, CONSULTING PHYSICIAN, PSYCHIATRIST, OR PSYCHOLOGIST THE INDI-
   18  VIDUAL HAS THE ABILITY TO MAKE AND COMMUNICATE AN INFORMED  DECISION  TO
   19  HEALTHCARE  PROVIDERS, INCLUDING COMMUNICATION THROUGH A PERSON FAMILIAR
   20  WITH THE INDIVIDUAL'S MANNER OF COMMUNICATING IF THAT PERSON  IS  AVAIL-
   21  ABLE.
   22    5.  "CONSULTING  PHYSICIAN"  MEANS  A  PHYSICIAN  WHO  IS QUALIFIED BY
   23  SPECIALTY OR EXPERIENCE TO MAKE A PROFESSIONAL DIAGNOSIS  AND  PROGNOSIS
   24  REGARDING AN INDIVIDUAL'S ILLNESS.
   25    6.  "COUNSELING"  MEANS ONE OR MORE CONSULTATIONS AS NECESSARY BETWEEN
   26  AN INDIVIDUAL AND A PSYCHIATRIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST LICENSED IN THIS  STATE
   27  FOR  THE  PURPOSE OF DETERMINING THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS COMPETENT AND IS
   28  NOT SUFFERING FROM A PSYCHIATRIC OR PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER OR DEPRESSION
   29  CAUSING IMPAIRED JUDGMENT.
   30    7. "HEALTHCARE PROVIDER" OR "PROVIDER" MEANS A PERSON LICENSED, CERTI-
   31  FIED, OR OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED OR PERMITTED BY LAW TO ADMINISTER  HEALTH-
   32  CARE  OR DISPENSE MEDICATION IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS OR PRAC-
   33  TICE OF A  PROFESSION,  NURSE  PRACTITIONERS  AND  PHYSICIAN  ASSISTANTS
   34  NOTWITHSTANDING, AND INCLUDES A HEALTHCARE FACILITY.
   35    8. "INFORMED DECISION" MEANS A DECISION BY A TERMINALLY ILL INDIVIDUAL
   36  TO  REQUEST AND OBTAIN A PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDICATION THAT THE INDIVIDUAL
   37  MAY SELF-ADMINISTER TO END THE INDIVIDUAL'S LIFE THAT  IS  BASED  ON  AN
   38  UNDERSTANDING  AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE RELEVANT FACTS AND THAT IS MADE
   39  AFTER BEING FULLY INFORMED BY THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OF:
   40    (A) THE INDIVIDUAL'S MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS;
   41    (B) THE POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TAKING THE  MEDICATION  TO  BE
   42  PRESCRIBED;
   43    (C) THE PROBABLE RESULT OF TAKING THE MEDICATION TO BE PRESCRIBED;
   44    (D) THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY MAY NOT CHOOSE TO OBTAIN THE MEDICATION,
   45  OR MAY OBTAIN THE MEDICATION BUT MAY DECIDE NOT TO TAKE IT; AND
   46    (E)  THE  FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES OR ADDITIONAL TREATMENT OPPORTUNITIES,
   47  INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO COMFORT CARE, HOSPICE CARE AND PAIN MANAGE-
   48  MENT.
   49    9. "MEDICALLY CONFIRMED" MEANS THE MEDICAL OPINION  OF  THE  ATTENDING
   50  PHYSICIAN  HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A CONSULTING PHYSICIAN WHO HAS EXAMINED
   51  THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE INDIVIDUAL'S RELEVANT MEDICAL RECORDS.
   52    10. "PHYSICIAN" MEANS A DOCTOR OF MEDICINE OR OSTEOPATHY  LICENSED  TO
   53  PRACTICE MEDICINE IN THIS STATE.
   54    11.  "QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL"  MEANS  A TERMINALLY ILL ADULT POSSESSING
   55  CAPACITY WHO HAS SATISFIED THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ARTICLE.
       A. 2129--A                          3
    1    12. "SELF-ADMINISTER"  MEANS  A  QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL'S  AFFIRMATIVE,
    2  CONSCIOUS  ACT OF USING THE MEDICATION TO BRING ABOUT THEIR OWN PEACEFUL
    3  AND HUMANE DEATH.
    4    13.  "TERMINAL  ILLNESS"  MEANS  AN INCURABLE AND IRREVERSIBLE ILLNESS
    5  THAT HAS BEEN MEDICALLY CONFIRMED AND WILL,  WITHIN  REASONABLE  MEDICAL
    6  JUDGMENT, RESULT IN DEATH WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
    7    S  2994-BBB.  RIGHT TO REQUEST AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION. 1. A QUALIFIED
    8  INDIVIDUAL POSSESSING CAPACITY MAY MAKE A DOCUMENTED REQUEST TO  RECEIVE
    9  A PRESCRIPTION FOR AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION IF:
   10    (A)  THE  QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL'S ATTENDING PHYSICIAN AND A CONSULTING
   11  PHYSICIAN HAVE DETERMINED THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL TO BE SUFFERING  FROM
   12  A TERMINAL ILLNESS; AND
   13    (B)  THE  QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL  HAS VOLUNTARILY EXPRESSED THE WISH TO
   14  RECEIVE A PRESCRIPTION FOR AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION.
   15    2. A PERSON MAY NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE SOLE-
   16  LY BECAUSE OF AGE OR DISABILITY.
   17    S 2994-CCC. REQUEST PROCESS. 1.  A  QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL  WISHING  TO
   18  RECEIVE  A  PRESCRIPTION  FOR  AID-IN-DYING  MEDICATION PURSUANT TO THIS
   19  ARTICLE SHALL SUBMIT A WRITTEN REQUEST AND MAKE AN ORAL REQUEST TO THEIR
   20  ATTENDING PHYSICIAN.
   21    2. A VALID WRITTEN REQUEST  FOR  AID-IN-DYING  MEDICATION  UNDER  THIS
   22  ARTICLE MUST BE:
   23    (A) IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM DESCRIBED IN SECTION TWENTY-NINE HUNDRED
   24  NINETY-FOUR-JJJ OF THIS ARTICLE;
   25    (B)  SIGNED  AND DATED BY THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL SEEKING THE MEDICA-
   26  TION; AND
   27    (C) WITNESSED BY AT LEAST TWO OTHER INDIVIDUALS WHO, IN  THE  PRESENCE
   28  OF  THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL, ATTEST THAT TO THE BEST OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE
   29  AND BELIEF THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL:
   30    (I) POSSESSES CAPACITY;
   31    (II) IS ACTING VOLUNTARILY; AND
   32    (III) IS NOT BEING COERCED TO SIGN THE REQUEST.
   33    3. ONE OF THE WITNESSES MUST BE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NOT:
   34    (A)  RELATED  TO  THE  QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL  BY  BLOOD,  MARRIAGE  OR
   35  ADOPTION;
   36    (B)  AT THE TIME THE REQUEST IS SIGNED, ENTITLED TO ANY PORTION OF THE
   37  QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL'S ESTATE UPON DEATH  OF  THE  QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL
   38  UNDER A WILL OR ANY OPERATION OF LAW; OR
   39    (C) AN OWNER, OPERATOR, OR EMPLOYEE OF A HEALTHCARE FACILITY WHERE THE
   40  QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL IS RECEIVING MEDICAL TREATMENT OR WHERE THE QUALI-
   41  FIED INDIVIDUAL RESIDES.
   42    4. NEITHER THE QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL'S  ATTENDING  PHYSICIAN  NOR  ANY
   43  CONSULTING  PHYSICIAN  MAY  BE  A  WITNESS  TO  THE SIGNING OF A WRITTEN
   44  REQUEST.
   45    S 2994-DDD. RIGHT TO RESCIND REQUEST; REQUIREMENT TO OFFER OPPORTUNITY
   46  TO RESCIND. 1.  A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL MAY AT  ANY  TIME  RESCIND  THEIR
   47  REQUEST  FOR  AID-IN-DYING  MEDICATION  WITHOUT  REGARD TO THE QUALIFIED
   48  INDIVIDUAL'S MENTAL STATE.
   49    2. A PRESCRIPTION FOR AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION UNDER THIS  ARTICLE  MAY
   50  NOT  BE  WRITTEN  WITHOUT THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OFFERING THE QUALIFIED
   51  INDIVIDUAL AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESCIND THE REQUEST.
   52    S 2994-EEE. ATTENDING PHYSICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES. THE ATTENDING PHYSI-
   53  CIAN SHALL:
   54    1. MAKE THE INITIAL DETERMINATION OF WHETHER AN ADULT MAKING A REQUEST
   55  UNDER THIS ARTICLE:
   56    (A) HAS CAPACITY;
       A. 2129--A                          4
    1    (B) HAS A TERMINAL ILLNESS; AND
    2    (C)  HAS  VOLUNTARILY  MADE  THE  REQUEST  FOR AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION
    3  PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE;
    4    2. ENSURE TO THE GREATEST  DEGREE  POSSIBLE  THAT  THE  INDIVIDUAL  IS
    5  MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION BY DISCUSSING WITH THE INDIVIDUAL:
    6    (A) THE INDIVIDUAL'S MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS;
    7    (B)  THE POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TAKING THE AID-IN-DYING MEDI-
    8  CATION TO BE PRESCRIBED;
    9    (C) THE PROBABLE RESULT OF TAKING THE AID-IN-DYING  MEDICATION  TO  BE
   10  PRESCRIBED;
   11    (D) THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY CAN CHOOSE TO OBTAIN THE MEDICATION, BUT
   12  NOT TAKE IT; AND
   13    (E)  THE  FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES OR ADDITIONAL TREATMENT OPPORTUNITIES,
   14  INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED  TO  COMFORT  CARE,  HOSPICE  CARE,  AND  PAIN
   15  MANAGEMENT;
   16    3.  REFER THE INDIVIDUAL TO A CONSULTING PHYSICIAN FOR MEDICAL CONFIR-
   17  MATION OF THE DIAGNOSIS, AND FOR A  DETERMINATION  THAT  THE  INDIVIDUAL
   18  POSSESSES CAPACITY AND IS ACTING VOLUNTARILY;
   19    4.  REFER  THE  INDIVIDUAL  TO COUNSELING, IF APPROPRIATE, PURSUANT TO
   20  SECTION TWENTY-NINE HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR-HHH OF THIS ARTICLE;
   21    5. ENSURE TO  THE  GREATEST  DEGREE  POSSIBLE  THAT  THE  INDIVIDUAL'S
   22  REQUEST  DOES  NOT  ARISE  FROM  COERCION  OR UNDUE INFLUENCE BY ANOTHER
   23  PERSON;
   24    6. COUNSEL THE INDIVIDUAL ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF:
   25    (A) HAVING ANOTHER PERSON PRESENT  WHEN  THEY  TAKE  THE  AID-IN-DYING
   26  MEDICATION PRESCRIBED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE; AND
   27    (B) NOT TAKING THE AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION IN A PUBLIC PLACE;
   28    7.  INFORM  THE  INDIVIDUAL  THAT  THEY  MAY  RESCIND  THE REQUEST FOR
   29  AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION AT ANY TIME AND IN ANY MANNER;
   30    8. OFFER THE INDIVIDUAL AN OPPORTUNITY  TO  RESCIND  THE  REQUEST  FOR
   31  MEDICATION BEFORE PRESCRIBING THE AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION;
   32    9.  VERIFY,  IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO WRITING THE PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDICA-
   33  TION, THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION;
   34    10. ENSURE THAT ALL APPROPRIATE STEPS ARE CARRIED  OUT  IN  ACCORDANCE
   35  WITH THIS ARTICLE BEFORE WRITING A PRESCRIPTION FOR AID-IN-DYING MEDICA-
   36  TION; AND
   37    11.  PRESCRIBE AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION BY, WITH THE QUALIFIED INDIVID-
   38  UAL'S WRITTEN CONSENT, CONTACTING A PHARMACIST, INFORMING THE PHARMACIST
   39  OF THE PRESCRIPTION, AND FORWARDING  THE  WRITTEN  PRESCRIPTION  TO  THE
   40  PHARMACIST,  WHO  SHALL DISPENSE THE MEDICATIONS TO EITHER THE QUALIFIED
   41  INDIVIDUAL OR A PERSON EXPRESSLY DESIGNATED BY THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL.
   42    S 2994-FFF. DEATH CERTIFICATE. 1. UNLESS OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY  LAW,
   43  THE  ATTENDING  PHYSICIAN  MAY  SIGN  THE  QUALIFIED  INDIVIDUAL'S DEATH
   44  CERTIFICATE.
   45    2. THE CAUSE OF DEATH LISTED ON A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL'S DEATH CERTIF-
   46  ICATE WHO USES AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION WILL BE THE  UNDERLYING  TERMINAL
   47  ILLNESS.
   48    S  2994-GGG.  CONSULTING  PHYSICIAN  CONFIRMATION. BEFORE A PATIENT IS
   49  QUALIFIED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, A  CONSULTING  PHYSICIAN
   50  SHALL  EXAMINE  THE  PATIENT AND HIS OR HER RELEVANT MEDICAL RECORDS AND
   51  CONFIRM, IN  WRITING,  THE  ATTENDING  PHYSICIAN'S  DIAGNOSIS  THAT  THE
   52  PATIENT  IS  SUFFERING  FROM  A  TERMINAL  DISEASE,  AND VERIFY THAT THE
   53  PATIENT IS CAPABLE, IS ACTING VOLUNTARILY AND HAS MADE AN INFORMED DECI-
   54  SION.
   55    S 2994-HHH. COUNSELING REFERRAL. IF IN THE OPINION  OF  THE  ATTENDING
   56  PHYSICIAN  OR  THE  CONSULTING  PHYSICIAN AN INDIVIDUAL MAY BE SUFFERING
       A. 2129--A                          5
    1  FROM A PSYCHIATRIC  OR  PSYCHOLOGICAL  DISORDER  OR  DEPRESSION  CAUSING
    2  IMPAIRED  JUDGMENT,  EITHER  PHYSICIAN SHALL REFER THE PATIENT FOR COUN-
    3  SELING. NO AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION SHALL BE PRESCRIBED UNTIL THE  PERSON
    4  PERFORMING  THE  COUNSELING DETERMINES THAT THE PATIENT IS NOT SUFFERING
    5  FROM A PSYCHIATRIC  OR  PSYCHOLOGICAL  DISORDER  OR  DEPRESSION  CAUSING
    6  IMPAIRED JUDGMENT.
    7    S  2994-III. INFORMED DECISION REQUIRED. AN INDIVIDUAL MAY NOT RECEIVE
    8  A PRESCRIPTION FOR AID-IN-DYING  MEDICATION  PURSUANT  TO  THIS  ARTICLE
    9  UNLESS THEY HAVE MADE AN INFORMED DECISION AS DEFINED IN THIS ARTICLE.
   10    S  2994-JJJ. FORM OF REQUEST. 1. A REQUEST FOR AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION
   11  AS AUTHORIZED BY THIS ARTICLE MUST BE  IN  SUBSTANTIALLY  THE  FOLLOWING
   12  FORM:
   13                    REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE
   14                      IN A HUMANE AND DIGNIFIED MANNER
   15    I, _________________________________, AM AN ADULT OF SOUND MIND.
   16  I AM SUFFERING FROM ______________________________________________,
   17  WHICH MY ATTENDING PHYSICIAN HAS DETERMINED IS IN ITS TERMINAL PHASE AND
   18  WHICH HAS BEEN MEDICALLY CONFIRMED.
   19    I  HAVE  BEEN FULLY INFORMED OF MY DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS, THE NATURE
   20  OF THE AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION TO BE PRESCRIBED AND POTENTIAL ASSOCIATED
   21  RISKS, THE EXPECTED RESULT, AND THE FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES OR  ADDITIONAL
   22  TREATMENT  OPPORTUNITIES  INCLUDING  COMFORT CARE, HOSPICE CARE AND PAIN
   23  MANAGEMENT.
   24    I REQUEST THAT MY ATTENDING PHYSICIAN PRESCRIBE MEDICATION  THAT  WILL
   25  END MY LIFE IN A HUMANE AND DIGNIFIED MANNER IF I CHOOSE TO TAKE IT, AND
   26  I  AUTHORIZE  MY  ATTENDING PHYSICIAN TO CONTACT ANY PHARMACIST ABOUT MY
   27  REQUEST.
   28  INITIAL ONE:
   29        I HAVE INFORMED MY FAMILY OF MY DECISION AND TAKEN THEIR  OPINIONS
   30  INTO CONSIDERATION.
   31        I HAVE DECIDED NOT TO INFORM MY FAMILY OF MY DECISION.
   32        I HAVE NO FAMILY TO INFORM OF MY DECISION.
   33    I  UNDERSTAND  THAT  I  HAVE  THE RIGHT TO RESCIND THIS REQUEST AT ANY
   34  TIME.
   35    I UNDERSTAND THE FULL IMPORT OF THIS REQUEST, AND I EXPECT TO DIE IF I
   36  TAKE THE AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION TO BE PRESCRIBED. I FURTHER  UNDERSTAND
   37  THAT  ALTHOUGH  MOST  DEATHS OCCUR WITHIN THREE HOURS, MY DEATH MAY TAKE
   38  LONGER, AND MY ATTENDING PHYSICIAN HAS COUNSELED ME ABOUT THIS POSSIBIL-
   39  ITY.
   40    I MAKE THIS REQUEST VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT RESERVATION, AND I  ACCEPT
   41  FULL MORAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY ACTIONS.
   42  SIGNED: ___________________
   43  DATED: ___________________
   44    2. PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION TWENTY-NINE
   45  HUNDRED  NINETY-FOUR-CCC  OF  THIS  ARTICLE,  EACH WITNESS MUST COMPLETE
   46  DOCUMENTATION IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FOLLOWING FORM:
   47                          DECLARATION OF WITNESSES
   48    WE DECLARE THAT THE PERSON SIGNING THIS REQUEST:
   49    (A) IS PERSONALLY KNOWN TO US OR HAS PROVIDED PROOF OF IDENTITY;
   50    (B) SIGNED THIS REQUEST IN OUR PRESENCE;
   51    (C) IS AN INDIVIDUAL WHOM WE BELIEVE TO BE OF SOUND MIND AND NOT UNDER
   52  DURESS, FRAUD, OR UNDUE INFLUENCE; AND
       A. 2129--A                          6
    1    (D) IS NOT AN INDIVIDUAL FOR WHOM EITHER OF US IS THE ATTENDING PHYSI-
    2  CIAN.
    3    ______________________ WITNESS 1, DATE: _______
    4    ______________________ WITNESS 2, DATE: _______
    5    NOTE:  ONE  WITNESS  MAY  NOT  BE  A  RELATIVE  (BY BLOOD, MARRIAGE OR
    6  ADOPTION) OF THE PERSON SIGNING THIS REQUEST, MAY NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY
    7  PORTION OF THE PERSON'S ESTATE UPON DEATH, AND MAY NOT OWN, OPERATE,  OR
    8  BE  EMPLOYED  AT  A HEALTHCARE FACILITY WHERE THE PERSON IS A PATIENT OR
    9  WHERE THE PERSON RESIDES.
   10    S 2994-KKK. STANDARD OF CARE. PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL  PERSONNEL  SHALL
   11  PROVIDE  MEDICAL  SERVICES  UNDER THIS ARTICLE THAT MEET THE STANDARD OF
   12  CARE FOR END OF LIFE MEDICAL CARE.
   13    S 2994-LLL. EFFECT ON CONSTRUCTION OF WILLS, CONTRACTS  AND  STATUTES.
   14  1.  A  PROVISION IN A CONTRACT, WILL OR OTHER AGREEMENT, WHETHER WRITTEN
   15  OR ORAL, TO THE EXTENT THE PROVISION WOULD AFFECT WHETHER A  PERSON  MAY
   16  MAKE OR RESCIND A REQUEST FOR AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION, IS NOT VALID.
   17    2.  AN  OBLIGATION OWING UNDER ANY CURRENTLY EXISTING CONTRACT MAY NOT
   18  BE CONDITIONED OR AFFECTED BY  AN  INDIVIDUAL  MAKING  OR  RESCINDING  A
   19  REQUEST FOR AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION.
   20    S 2994-MMM. INSURANCE OR ANNUITY POLICIES. 1. THE SALE, PROCUREMENT OR
   21  ISSUANCE  OF  A LIFE, HEALTH OR ACCIDENT INSURANCE OR ANNUITY POLICY, OR
   22  THE RATE CHARGED FOR A POLICY MAY NOT BE CONDITIONED UPON OR AFFECTED BY
   23  A PERSON MAKING OR RESCINDING A REQUEST FOR AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION.
   24    2. A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL'S  ACT  OF  SELF-ADMINISTERING  AID-IN-DYING
   25  MEDICATION  MAY  NOT  HAVE  AN  EFFECT  UPON A LIFE, HEALTH, OR ACCIDENT
   26  INSURANCE OR ANNUITY POLICY OTHER THAN THAT OF A NATURAL DEATH FROM  THE
   27  UNDERLYING ILLNESS.
   28    S  2994-NNN. IMMUNITIES; PROHIBITIONS ON CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS;
   29  NOTIFICATION; PERMISSIBLE SANCTIONS. 1. A PERSON IS NOT SUBJECT TO CIVIL
   30  OR CRIMINAL LIABILITY OR PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINARY  ACTION  FOR  PARTIC-
   31  IPATING  IN  GOOD FAITH COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE, INCLUDING AN INDI-
   32  VIDUAL WHO IS PRESENT WHEN A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL  SELF-ADMINISTERS  THE
   33  PRESCRIBED AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION.
   34    2.  A  HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OR ASSOCIATION
   35  MAY NOT SUBJECT AN INDIVIDUAL TO CENSURE, DISCIPLINE,  SUSPENSION,  LOSS
   36  OF  LICENSE, LOSS OF PRIVILEGES, LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP OR OTHER PENALTY FOR
   37  PARTICIPATING OR REFUSING TO PARTICIPATE IN GOOD FAITH  COMPLIANCE  WITH
   38  THIS ARTICLE.
   39    3.  A REQUEST BY AN INDIVIDUAL FOR OR PROVISION BY AN ATTENDING PHYSI-
   40  CIAN OF MEDICATION IN GOOD FAITH COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF  THIS
   41  ARTICLE  DOES  NOT  CONSTITUTE NEGLECT OR ELDER ABUSE FOR ANY PURPOSE OF
   42  LAW, OR PROVIDE THE SOLE BASIS FOR THE  APPOINTMENT  OF  A  GUARDIAN  OR
   43  CONSERVATOR.
   44    4.  A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER MAY CHOOSE WHETHER TO PARTICIPATE IN PROVID-
   45  ING AID-IN-DYING MEDICATION TO A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL PURSUANT  TO  THIS
   46  ARTICLE. IF A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IS UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO CARRY OUT AN
   47  INDIVIDUAL'S  REQUEST  UNDER  THIS  ARTICLE AND THE INDIVIDUAL TRANSFERS
   48  CARE TO A NEW HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, THE PRIOR HEALTHCARE  PROVIDER  SHALL
   49  TRANSFER,  UPON  REQUEST,  A  COPY  OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S RELEVANT MEDICAL
   50  RECORDS TO THE NEW HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.
   51    5. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PREVENT A  HEALTHCARE  PROVIDER  FROM
   52  PROVIDING  AN INDIVIDUAL WITH HEALTHCARE SERVICES THAT DO NOT CONSTITUTE
   53  PARTICIPATION IN THIS ARTICLE.
   54    S 2994-OOO. NON-SANCTIONABLE ACTIVITIES. A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER MAY NOT
   55  BE SANCTIONED FOR:
       A. 2129--A                          7
    1    1. MAKING AN INITIAL DETERMINATION THAT AN INDIVIDUAL HAS  A  TERMINAL
    2  ILLNESS AND INFORMING THEM OF THE MEDICAL PROGNOSIS;
    3    2. PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW YORK END OF LIFE OPTIONS ACT TO
    4  A PATIENT UPON THE REQUEST OF THE INDIVIDUAL;
    5    3.  PROVIDING  AN INDIVIDUAL, UPON REQUEST, WITH A REFERRAL TO ANOTHER
    6  PHYSICIAN; OR
    7    4. CONTRACTING WITH AN INDIVIDUAL TO ACT OUTSIDE THE COURSE AND  SCOPE
    8  OF THE PROVIDER'S CAPACITY AS AN EMPLOYEE OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR OF A
    9  HEALTHCARE PROVIDER THAT PROHIBITS ACTIVITIES UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
   10    S  2994-PPP.  PENALTIES.  1. A PERSON WHO WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION OF THE
   11  QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL WILLFULLY ALTERS OR FORGES A REQUEST FOR MEDICATION
   12  OR CONCEALS OR DESTROYS A RESCISSION OF THAT REQUEST WITH THE INTENT  OR
   13  EFFECT  OF CAUSING THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL'S DEATH IS GUILTY OF A CLASS
   14  A FELONY.
   15    2. A PERSON WHO COERCES OR EXERTS UNDUE INFLUENCE ON A QUALIFIED INDI-
   16  VIDUAL TO REQUEST MEDICATION TO END THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL'S LIFE,  OR
   17  TO DESTROY A RESCISSION OF A REQUEST, IS GUILTY OF A CLASS A FELONY.
   18    3.  EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISIONS ONE AND TWO OF THIS SECTION, IT
   19  SHALL BE A CLASS A MISDEMEANOR FOR A PERSON WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION OF THE
   20  INDIVIDUAL TO WILLFULLY ALTER, FORGE, CONCEAL OR DESTROY AN  INSTRUMENT,
   21  THE  REINSTATEMENT OR REVOCATION OF AN INSTRUMENT, OR ANY OTHER EVIDENCE
   22  OR DOCUMENT REFLECTING THE INDIVIDUAL'S DESIRES AND INTERESTS  WITH  THE
   23  INTENT OR EFFECT OF AFFECTING A HEALTHCARE DECISION.
   24    4.  THIS  ARTICLE  DOES  NOT LIMIT FURTHER LIABILITY FOR CIVIL DAMAGES
   25  RESULTING FROM OTHER NEGLIGENT CONDUCT OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT BY  ANY
   26  PERSON.
   27    5.  THE  PENALTIES  IN THIS ARTICLE DO NOT PRECLUDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES
   28  APPLICABLE UNDER OTHER PROVISIONS OF LAW FOR CONDUCT THAT IS  INCONSIST-
   29  ENT WITH THIS ARTICLE.
   30    S  2994-QQQ. SEVERABILITY. IF ANY CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, SECTION
   31  OR PART OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE ADJUDGED  BY  ANY  COURT  OF  COMPETENT
   32  JURISDICTION  TO  BE  INVALID, SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT, IMPAIR OR
   33  INVALIDATE THE REMAINDER THEREOF, BUT SHALL BE CONFINED IN ITS OPERATION
   34  TO THE CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, SECTION OR  PART  THEREOF,  DIRECTLY
   35  INVOLVED  IN  THE  CONTROVERSY  IN  WHICH  SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL HAVE BEEN
   36  RENDERED.
   37    S 3. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day  next  succeeding
   38  the date upon which it shall have become a law.
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