Increasing access to the provisions of the Washington death with dignity act.
Summary
Expands the health care providers authorized to perform the duties of the Death with Dignity Act (Act) to include advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Reduces the required 15-day waiting period between the first and second oral requests for medications to seven days and eliminates the 48-hour waiting period for the written request.
Permits medications dispensed under the Act to be delivered or mailed.
Prohibits health care providers from contractually prohibiting an employee from participating in the Act while outside of the scope of employment and not on the employing health care provider's premises.
Requires hospitals and hospices to submit their policies regarding access to end-of-life care and the Act to the Department of Health.
From the Engrossed Substitute House Bill Report (ESSB 5179), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗