Historic Medical Aid in Dying Law takes effect in New York
The law stipulates patients must self-administer the life-ending medication.
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The Medical Aid in Dying Law went into effect Wednesday, giving terminally ill New Yorkers with a prognosis of six months or less to live the option to end their lives through prescribed medication.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the new end-of-life legislation into law on Feb. 6.
The New York State Department of Health says the law includes safeguards to prevent misuse.
Under the law, patients must make an oral request that is recorded by audio or video, as well as submit a signed written request witnessed by two people.
Both an attending physician and a consulting physician must determine that the patient has a terminal illness and the capacity to make medical decisions. Patients are also required to undergo a mental health evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess decision-making capacity.
Additional safeguards include a five-day waiting period between when the prescription is written and when it can be filled, a prohibition on anyone who could financially benefit from the patient's death from serving as a witness or interpreter, and a requirement that physicians discuss all feasible alternatives, including palliative and hospice care.
The law stipulates patients must self-administer the life-ending medication.
The DoH affirmed that participation in Medical Aid in Dying is voluntary and that health care providers who choose not to participate will not face penalties or professional disciplinary action.
The law has drawn opposition from some disability rights advocates, who argue it could place pressure on vulnerable New Yorkers.
The DoH launched a website with resources and professional guidance on the law.
