An Act Concerning Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients

SB 1076

The Legislation Allows: 

a terminally ill, mentally capable adult with a prognosis of six months or less to live the option to request, obtain and take medication — should they choose —  to die peacefully in their sleep if their suffering becomes unbearable.

The bill is modeled after the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, which has been in practice for more than 20 years without a single instance of abuse or coercion.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, a person must be:

• An adult aged 21 or older
• Terminally ill with a prognosis of six (6) months or less to live
• Mentally capable and making an informed healthcare decision 

Individuals are not eligible for medical aid in dying solely because of age or disability. 

Key Provisions

• The individual must be able to self-administer the medication. Self-administration does not include administration by intravenous (IV) injection or infusion by any person, including the doctor, family member or patient themselves.
• Two physicians must confirm that the person is terminally ill with a prognosis of six months or less to live, mentally capable and not being coerced. 
• A terminally ill person can withdraw their request for medication, not take the medication once they have it or otherwise change their mind at any point. 
• The attending physician must inform the requesting individual about all of their end-of-life care options, including hospice and palliative care. 
• Medication cannot be prescribed until mental capacity to make a healthcare decision is confirmed by a licensed mental health specialist.     
• Physicians who participate and comply with all aspects of the law are given civil and criminal immunity. 
• Life insurance payments cannot be denied to the families of those who use the law.
• No physician, health provider or pharmacist is required to participate.
• Unused medication must be disposed of according to specified state and federal guidelines.

Additional Regulatory Requirements

• Two written requests are required, with a 15-day waiting period between the first and second request. Two people must witness each written request.
• Prescribing physicians must comply with medical-record documentation requirements and make records available to the state department of health.

Additional Information About the Bill:

Legislation: SB 1076

The bill currently has ten bill sponsors.

• Rep. Josh Elliott, 88th Dist.
• Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
• Rep. Jason Doucette, 13th Dist.
• Rep. Keith Denning, 42nd Dist.
• Rep. Jeff Currey, 11th Dist.
• Rep. Kara Rochelle, 104th Dist.
• Rep. Jennifer Leeper, 132nd Dist.
• Rep. Joseph P. Gresko, 121st Dist.
• Sen. Saud Anwar, 3rd Dist.
• Rep. John-Michael Parker, 101st Dist.

 

For more information:

Tim Appleton
Connecticut Campaign Director at Compassion & Choices
Email: [email protected]