Virginia adults could request medicine to end their lives

An attending health care provider may prescribe medicine for a qualifying patient to take themselves to end their life. The patient must be at least 18, live in Virginia, and have an incurable, irreversible disease expected to cause death within six months. A consulting provider must confirm the disease unless the patient is receiving hospice care. The patient must request the medicine and meet the article's requirements. The provider must assess whether the request is informed and voluntary, explain risks and alternatives, and refer the patient for a capacity review if uncertain about the patient's ability to decide. Before the first oral request, the patient must have an advance directive stating their wishes. They generally must make a second oral request at least 15 days later and submit a written request; the wait may be shortened if the provider attests that the patient is reasonably expected to die within 15 days.

The proposal bars insurers from changing certain coverage or insurance terms because of a patient's request, and says the request is not a defense to certain insurance claims. These provisions address people with terminal diseases and their health and other listed insurance policies or annuity contracts. Health coverage otherwise available to a person with a terminal disease may not be denied or changed based on the availability of medical aid in dying or the person's request or lack of a request. The proposal also says that a request and use of the medicine cannot serve as a defense in a claim for life, health, or accident insurance benefits.

A health care facility may prohibit the practice on its premises, and people who coerce a patient's choice with intent and effect to cause the patient's death could face a Class 2 felony. These provisions cover patients, people who try to influence their choice, health care providers, and health care facilities. A facility must adopt a written policy and give written notice to providers and the public before prohibiting the practice on its premises. Providers may act away from those premises, outside their work or contract duties. A provider who cannot or will not fulfill a request must document that and transfer records if asked, as allowed by law.