February 15, 2023

Updates on Maryland, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Arizona

On February 15, our member Death with Dignity brought us a new update on the developments in the USA. Maryland and Oregon introduced new bills, Vermont and Rhode Island created companion bills to bills that were introduced last month, and in Washington and Arizona earlier introduced bills wind through the legislative process.

New bills in Maryland & Oregon

Maryland introduced the End–of–Life Option Act: SB845/HB933. This bill would legalize Death with Dignity in Maryland. With an openly supportive Governor we are extremely hopeful of progress for Maryland!

Oregon introduced an amendment to the Death with Dignity Act (SB891), which would expand access to qualified patients. It has been referred to the Judiciary Committee. This bill includes:

Expanding health care providers authorized to prescribe medication to include physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
Repealing the residency requirement.
Reducing the waiting period between oral requests from 15 days to 48 hours.
Allowing the attending provider to electronically send the prescription to a pharmacy.
Authorizing aid-in-dying medications to be delivered by mail.

Companion bills in Rhode Island & Vermont

Rhode Island: After last month the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (H2510) was introduced, a companion bill (S126) has been created and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Vermont: After last month the amendment S0026 (to remove the Vermont residency requirement) was introduced to the Vermont Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act, Vermont introduced this month H190, a companion bill to S0026. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Human Services.

Bill progress in Washington and Arizona

Arizona’s HB2583 had its second reading in the House on February 7. Its Senate counterpart, SB1646 also received a second reading on February 9th.

Washington’s amendment to their Death with Dignity Act, HB1281, passed in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness with a 11Y-6N vote. Its Senate counterpart, SB5179, also passed the Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care with a 6Y-4N and moved to the Rules Committee for a second reading.