New York governor signs law allowing medical aid in dying for terminally ill residents

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law allowing medical aid in dying for New Yorkers with terminal illnesses and an expected prognosis of six months or less. The law includes a five-day waiting period and mandatory mental health evaluations.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law on Feb. 6 that allows medical aid in dying for New Yorkers diagnosed with a terminal illness and expected to have six months or less to live. The governor said the measure includes safeguards to prevent coercion and to protect health professionals and religiously affiliated facilities from being forced to participate. The law sets a mandatory five-day waiting period between when a prescription is written and when it may be filled and requires mental health evaluations for patients seeking the aid. The measure is limited to New York residents. What is known: - The governor signed the law allowing medical aid in dying for qualifying terminally ill New York residents. - The law requires a five-day waiting period and mandatory mental health evaluations. - Health professionals and religiously affiliated facilities are not required to provide the aid, and the law applies only to state residents. - End of Life Choices New York welcomed the law and announced it will carry out a six-month education campaign. Summary: The law has been signed and is now on the books in New York. Advocacy groups have welcomed the move and one group plans a six-month education campaign. Undetermined at this time are any additional administrative steps or an official effective date reported in the article.