ESSB 5179 — Increasing access to the provisions of the Washington death with dignity act.

What this bill does

Expands the health care providers authorized to perform the duties of the Death with Dignity Act (Act) to include advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Reduces the required 15-day waiting period between the first and second oral requests for medications to seven days and eliminates the 48-hour waiting period for the written request. Permits medications dispensed under the Act to be delivered or mailed. Prohibits health care providers from contractually prohibiting an employee from participating in the Act while outside of the scope of employment and not on the employing health care provider's premises. Requires hospitals and hospices to submit their policies regarding access to end-of-life care and the Act to the Department of Health.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• House — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · March 24, 2023
  53 yea · 43 nay · 2 not voting
• Senate — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · February 27, 2023
  28 yea · 20 nay · 1 not voting

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