The Illinois legislature passed a bill recently that would allow doctors to prescribe fatal doses of medication to terminally ill patients.
Physicians would be required to first discuss all available alternatives, including comfort care, hospice and pain management. Patients would have to be capable of self-administering the medication and complete a focused request process, including two verbal requests and one written request witnessed by two individuals who affirm that the decision is voluntary and that the patient is of sound mind.
Doctors are required to discuss all end-of-life care options, including medical aid in dying. Life insurance benefits may not be denied to beneficiaries of patients who choose to use the law.
The bill has been sent to Governor Pritzker for signature. We will update this information if the bill becomes law.
