HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1674        FILED ON: 1/15/2015

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1991

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_________________

PRESENTED BY:

Louis L. Kafka

_________________

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act affirming a terminally ill patient’s right to compassionate aid in dying.

_______________

PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1674        FILED ON: 1/15/2015

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1991

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 1998 OF 2013-2014.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_______________

In the One Hundred and Eighty-Ninth General Court
(2015-2016)

_______________

An Act affirming a terminally ill patient’s right to compassionate aid in dying.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 1: The General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after Chapter 201F the following new chapter:-

CHAPTER 201G

MASSACHUSETTS COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL ACT

Section 1.  Definitions.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

“Adult” means an individual who is 18 years of age or older.

“Aid in Dying” means the medical practice of a physician prescribing lawful medication to a qualified patient, which the patient may choose to self-administer to bring about a humane and dignified death.

“Attending physician” means the physician who has primary responsibility for the care of a terminally ill patient.

“Capable” means having the capacity to make informed, complex health care decisions; understand the consequences of those decisions; and to communicate them to health care providers, including communication through persons familiar with the patient’s manner of communicating if those persons are available.

“Consulting physician” means a physician who is qualified by specialty or experience to make a professional diagnosis and prognosis regarding a terminally ill patient’s condition.

“Counseling” means one or more consultations as necessary between a state licensed psychiatrist or psychologist and a patient for the purpose of determining that the patient is capable and not suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment.

“Guardian” means a person who has qualified as a guardian of an incapacitated person pursuant to court appointment and includes a limited guardian, special guardian and temporary guardian, but excludes one who is merely a Guardian ad litem (as defined in Chapter 190B, Article V, Section 5-101).  Guardianship does not include a Health Care Proxy (as defined by Chapter 201D of the Massachusetts General Laws).

“Health care provider” means a person licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to administer health care or dispense medication in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession, and includes a health care facility. 

“Incapacitated person” means an individual who for reasons other than advanced age or minor, has a clinically diagnosed condition that results in an inability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions to such an extent that the individual lacks the ability to meet essential requirements for physical health, safety, or self-care, even with appropriate technological assistance.  This term shall follow as described by Chapter 190B, Article V, Section 5-101)

“Informed decision” means a decision by a qualified patient to request and obtain a prescription for medication pursuant to this chapter that is based on an understanding and acknowledgment of the relevant facts and that is made after being fully informed by the attending physician of:

(a)His or her medical diagnosis;

(b)His or her prognosis;

(c)The potential risks associated with taking the medication to be prescribed;

(d)The probable result of taking the medication to be prescribed; and

(e)The feasible alternatives or additional treatment opportunities, including but not limited to palliative care as defined in Ch. 111 § 227.

“Medically confirmed” means the medical opinion of the attending physician has been confirmed by a consulting physician who has examined the patient and the patient’s relevant medical records.

“Palliative care” means a health care treatment as defined in palliative care as defined in Ch. 111 § 227, including interdisciplinary end-of-life care and consultation with patients and family members, to prevent or relieve pain and suffering and to enhance the patient’s quality of life, including hospice.”

“Patient” means an individual who has received health care services from a health care provider for treatment of a medical condition.

“Physician” means a doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed to practice medicine in Massachusetts by the board of registration in medicine.

“Qualified patient” means a capable adult who is a resident of Massachusetts, has been diagnosed as being terminally ill, and has satisfied the requirements of this chapter.

“Resident” means an individual who demonstrates residency in Massachusetts by means that include but are not limited to:

(a) Possession of a Massachusetts driver’s license;

(b) Proof of registration to vote in Massachusetts;

(c) Proof that the individual owns or leases real property in Massachusetts;

(d)Proof that the individual has resided in a Massachusetts health care facility for at least 3 months;

(e)Computer-generated bill from a bank or mortgage company, utility company, doctor, or hospital;

(f)A W-2 form, property or excise tax bill, or Social Security Administration or other pension or retirement annual benefits summary statement dated within the current or prior year;

(g)A Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement; or

(h)Filing of a Massachusetts tax return for the most recent tax year;

“Self-administer” means a qualified patient’s act of ingesting medication obtained pursuant to this chapter.

“Terminally ill” means having a terminal illness or condition which can reasonably be expected to cause death within 6 months, whether or not treatment is provided.

Section 2. Terminally ill patient’s right to request aid in dying and obtain prescription for medication pursuant to this chapter.

(1)A terminally ill patient may request aid in dying and a prescription for medication they can chose to self-administer if the patient:

(a)is a competent adult;

(b)is a resident of Massachusetts;

(c)has been determined by the patient’s attending physician and by a consulting physician to be terminally ill; and

(d)has voluntarily expressed the wish to receive medication which the patient may choose to self-administer to bring about a humane and dignified death.

(2) A person may not qualify under this chapter if they have a guardian.

(3) A person may not qualify under this chapter solely because of age or disability.

Section 3. Form of the written request. Request process -- witness requirements.

(1) A patient wishing to receive a prescription for medication pursuant to this chapter shall submit a written request to the patient's attending physician in substantially the form set form in Section 4.

(2) A valid written request must be witnessed by at least two individuals who, in the presence of the patient, attests that to the best of their knowledge and belief that patient is:

(a) competent;

(b) acting voluntarily; and

(c) not being coerced to sign the request.

(3) At least one of the witnesses shall be a person who is not:

(a) a relative of the patient by blood, marriage, or adoption;

(b) a person who at the time the request is signed would be entitled to any portion of the

estate of the qualified patient upon death under any will or by operation of law; and

(c) an owner, operator, or employee of a health care facility where the qualified patient is

receiving medical treatment or is a resident.

(4) The patient's attending physician at the time the request is signed shall not serve as a witness.

(5) If the patient is a patient in a long-term care facility at the time the written request is made, one of the witnesses shall be an individual designated by the facility.

Section  4.  Form of Written Request and Witness Declaration.

REQUEST FOR MEDICATION PURSUANT TO THE MASSACHUSETS COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL ACT

  I,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , am an adult of sound mind and a resident of the State of Massachusetts. I am suffering from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , which my attending physician has determined is a terminal illness or condition which can reasonably be expected to cause death within 6 months. This diagnosis has been medically confirmed as required by law.

  I have been fully informed of my diagnosis, prognosis, the nature of medication to be prescribed and potential associated risks, the expected result, and the feasible alternatives, including comfort care, hospice care, and pain control.

  I request that my attending physician prescribe medication that I may self-administer to end my life in a humane and dignified manner and to contact any pharmacist to fill the prescription.

INITIAL ONE:

. . . . . I have informed my family of my decision and taken their opinions into consideration. 

. . . . . I have decided not to inform my family of my decision.                                                                    . . . . . I have no family to inform of my decision.

  I understand that I have the right to rescind this request at any time. I understand the full import of this request and I expect to die if and when I take the medication to be prescribed. I further understand that although most deaths occur within three hours, my death may take longer and my physician has counseled me about this possibility. I make this request voluntarily and without reservation, and I accept full moral responsibility for my actions.                                          Signed:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                                                           Dated:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DECLARATION OF WITNESSES                                                                          

By initialing and signing below on the date the person named above signs, we declare that the person making and signing the above request:                                                                                                           Witness 1                        Witness 2

Initials                            Initials                                               

1. Is personally known to us or has provided proof of identity;

2. Signed this request in our presence on the date of the person's signature;

3. Appears to be of sound mind and not under duress, fraud, or undue influence; and

4. Is not a patient for whom either of us is the attending physician.

Printed Name of Witness 1: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Signature of Witness l/Date:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Printed Name of Witness 2:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Signature of Witness 2/Date:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Section 5.  Right to rescind request -- requirement to offer opportunity to rescind.

(1) A qualified patient may at any time rescind the qualified patient's request for medication.

(2) A prescription for medication under this chapter may not be written without the attending physician offering the patient an opportunity to rescind the request for medication.

Section 6.  Attending physician responsibilities.

(1) The attending physician shall:    

(a) make the initial determination of whether an adult patient:

(i) is a resident of this state;

(ii) is terminally ill;

(iii) is competent; and

(iv) has voluntarily made the request for aid in dying.

(b) ensure that the patient is making an informed decision by discussing with the patient:

(i) his or her medical diagnosis;

(ii) his or her prognosis;

(iii) the potential risks associated with taking the medication to be prescribed;

(iv) the probable result of taking the medication to be prescribed; and

(v) the feasible alternatives or additional treatment opportunities, including but not

limited to palliative care as defined in Ch. 111 § 227.

(c) refer the patient to a consulting physician to medically confirm the diagnosis and prognosis and for a determination that the patient is competent and is acting voluntarily;

(d) refer the patient for counseling pursuant to section 8;

(e) recommend that the patient notify the patient's next of kin;

(f) counsel the patient about the importance of:

(i) having another person present when the patient takes the medication prescribed

pursuant to this chapter; and

(ii) not taking the medication in a public place;

(h) inform the patient that the patient may rescind the request for medication at any time and in any manner;

(i) verify, immediately prior to writing the prescription for medication, that the patient is

making an informed decision;

(j) fulfill the medical record documentation requirements of section 14;

(k) ensure that all appropriate steps are carried out in accordance with this chapter before

writing a prescription for medication for a qualified patient; and

(l) (i) dispense medications directly, including ancillary medications intended to facilitate the desired effect to minimize the patient's discomfort, if the attending physician is authorized under law to dispense and has a current drug enforcement administration certificate; or

(ii) with the qualified patient's written consent:

(A) contact a pharmacist, inform the pharmacist of the prescription, and

(B) deliver the written prescription personally, by mail, or by otherwise permissible electronic communication to the pharmacist, who will dispense the medications directly to either the patient, the attending physician, or an expressly identified agent of the patient. Medications dispensed pursuant to this paragraph (l) shall not be dispensed by mail or other form of courier.

(2) The attending physician may sign the patient's death certificate which shall state, “Self-administered due to a terminal diagnosis of (the underlying terminal disease),” as the cause of death.

Section 7.  Consulting physician confirmation.

(1) Before a patient may be considered a qualified patient under this chapter the consulting physician shall:

(a) examine the patient and the patient's relevant medical records;

(b) confirm in writing the attending physician's diagnosis that the patient is suffering from a terminal illness; and

(c) verify that the patient:

(i) is capable;

(ii) is acting voluntarily; and

(iii) has made an informed decision.

Section 8.  Counseling referral.

(1) An attending physician shall refer a patient who has requested medication under this chapter to determine that the patient is not suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment.  The counselor must submit a final written report to the prescribing physician.

(2) The medication may not be prescribed until the person performing the counseling determines that the patient is not suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment. 

Section 9.  Informed decision required.

A qualified patient may not receive a prescription for medication pursuant to this chapter unless the patient has made an informed decision as defined in section 1.  Immediately before writing a prescription for medication under this chapter the attending physician shall verify that the qualified patient is making an informed decision.

Section 10.  Family notification recommended -- not required.

The attending physician shall recommend that a patient notify the patient's next of kin of the patient's request for medication pursuant to this chapter.  A request for medication under shall not be denied because a patient declines or is unable to notify the next of kin.

Section 11.  Right to rescind request -- requirement to offer opportunity to rescind.

(1) A qualified patient may at any time rescind the request for medication pursuant to this chapter without regard to the qualified patient's mental state.

(2) A prescription for medication pursuant to this chapter may not be written without the attending physician offering the qualified patient an opportunity to rescind the request for medication.

Section 12.  Medical record documentation requirements.

The following items must be documented or filed in the patient's medical record:

(1) the determination and the basis for determining that a patient requesting medication pursuant to this chapter is a qualified patient;

(2) all oral requests by a patient for medication;

(3) all written requests by a patient for medication made pursuant to sections 3 through 5;

(4) the attending physician's diagnosis, prognosis, and determination that the patient is competent, is acting voluntarily, and has made an informed decision;

(5) unless waived as provided in section 8, the consulting physician's diagnosis, prognosis, and verification that the patient is competent, is acting voluntarily, and has made an informed decision;

(6) the reasons for waiver of confirmation by a consulting physician, if a waiver was made;

(7) a report of the outcome and determinations made during counseling, if performed

(8) the attending physician's offer before prescribing the medication to allow the qualified patient to rescind the patient's request for the medication; and

(9) a note by the attending physician indicating:

(a) that all requirements under this chapter have been met; and

(b) the steps taken to carry out the request, including a notation of the medication prescribed.

Section 13. Disposal of unused medications.

Any medication dispensed under this chapter that was not self-administered shall be disposed of by lawful means.

Section 14. Data Collection.

Physicians are required to keep a record of the number of requests; number of prescriptions written; number of requests rescinded; and the number of qualified patients that took the medication under this chapter.  This data shall be reported to the Department of Public Health annually, which will subsequently be made available to the public.

Section 15. Effect on wills, contracts, insurance, annuities, statutes and regulations.

(1) Any provision in a contract, will, or other agreement, whether written or oral, to the extent the provision would affect whether a person may make or rescind a request for medication pursuant to this chapter, is not valid.

(2) A qualified patient's act of making or rescinding a request for aid in shall not:  provide the sole basis for the appointment of a guardian or conservator.

(3)  A qualified patient's act of self-administering medication obtained pursuant to this act shall not constitute suicide or have an effect upon any life, health, or accident insurance or annuity policy.

(4) Actions taken by health care providers and patient advocates supporting a qualified patient exercising his or her rights pursuant to this chapter, including being present when the patient self-administers medication, shall not for any purpose, constitute elder abuse, neglect, assisted suicide, mercy killing, or homicide under any civil or criminal law or for purposes of professional disciplinary action.

(5) State regulations, documents and reports shall not refer to the practice of aid in dying under this chapter as" suicide" or "assisted suicide." 

Section 16. Provider Participation

(1) A health care provider may choose whether to voluntarily participate in providing to a qualified patient medication pursuant to this act and is not under any duty, whether by contract, by statute, or by any other legal requirement, to participate in providing a qualified patient with the medication.

(2) A health care provider or professional organization or association may not subject an individual to censure, discipline, suspension, loss of license, loss of privileges, loss of membership, or other penalty for participating or refusing to participate in providing medication to a qualified patient pursuant to this chapter.

(3) If a health care provider is unable or unwilling to carry out a patient's request under this chapter and the patient transfers care to a new health care provider, the prior health care provider shall transfer, upon request, a copy of the patient's relevant medical records to the new health care provider.

(4)(a) Health care providers shall maintain and disclose to consumers upon request their written policies outlining the extent to which they refuse to participate in providing to a qualified patient any medication  pursuant to this act.

(b) The required consumer disclosure shall at minimum:

(i) include information about the Massachusetts Compassionate Care for the Terminally Ill Act;

(ii) identify the specific services in which they refuse to participate;

(iii) clarify any difference between institution-wide objections and those that may be raised by individual licensed providers who are employed or work on contract with the provider;

(iv) describe the mechanism the provider will use to provide patients a referral to another provider or provider in the provider’s service area who is willing to perform the specific health care service;

(v) describe the provider’s policies and procedures relating to transferring patients to other providers who will implement the health care decision;

(vi) inform consumers that the cost of such transfer will be borne by the transferring provider;

(vii) describe the internal and external consumer complaint processes available to persons affected by the provider’s objections.

(c) The consumer disclosure shall be provided:

(i) to any person upon the request;

(ii) to a patient or resident or their authorized appointed health care agents, guardians, surrogate decision-maker  upon admission or at the time of initial receipt of health care.

Section 17. Liabilities.

(1) Purposely or knowingly altering or forging a request for medication pursuant to this chapter without authorization of the patient or concealing or destroying a rescission of a request for medication is punishable as a felony if the act is done with the intent or effect of causing the patient's death.

(2) A person who coerces or exerts undue influence on a patient to request medication to end the patient's life, or to destroy a rescission of a request, shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than three years or in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(3) Nothing in this act limits further liability for civil damages resulting from other negligent conduct or intentional misconduct by any person.

(4) The penalties in this chapter do not preclude criminal penalties applicable under other law for conduct inconsistent with the provisions of this act.

Section 18. Claims by governmental entity for costs incurred.

A governmental entity that incurs costs resulting from a qualified patient self-administering medication in a public place while acting pursuant to this chapter may submit a claim against the estate of the person to recover costs and reasonable attorney fees related to enforcing the claim.

Section 19.  Construction.

Nothing in this chapter may be construed to authorize a physician or any other person to end a patient's life by lethal injection, mercy killing, assisted suicide, or active euthanasia.

Section 20.  Severability.

If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.