Do you have a policy on this Colorado Law? The law is below. Because of Medico-Legal concerns, I would recommend you have a policy on this issue. It is a facility decision but in my opinion you have the right to not take part in assisted suicide if you want to take that stance. It is very possible that this issue will arise for you at some point in the next few years. Having a policy now will help.
Eligibility Criteria
Under Colorado’s End-of-Life Options Act (originally passed in 2016 and now updated by SB 24-068, 2024), a patient must meet all of the following eligibility requirements to access medical aid-in-dying:
1. Age
- Must be 18 years or older.
2. Diagnosis
- Must have a terminal illness that:
- Is incurable and irreversible.
- Will, within reasonable medical judgment, lead to death within 6 months.
3. Decision-Making Capacity
- Must be mentally capable of making an informed health care decision at the time of both requests and prescription.
- “Capacity” means the ability to:
- Understand relevant information about the medical aid-in-dying process.
- Appreciate the consequences of the decision.
- Communicate the decision to health care providers.
4. Voluntary Request
- Must voluntarily express the wish to receive medical aid-in-dying medication.
- Requests cannot be made on behalf of the patient by a surrogate, guardian, or health care proxy.
5. Self-Administration
- Must be able to self-administer the medication (ingestion only).
- No one else can administer the drug to the patient.
6. Multiple Requests
- Two oral requests to the attending provider, separated by at least 7 days (reduced from 15 days in SB 24-068).
- This 7-day waiting period may be waived if the patient is likely to die within 48 hours.
- One written request using the state’s official form, signed in front of two witnesses.
7. Second Provider Confirmation
- A consulting provider (physician or APRN) must:
- Examine the patient.
- Confirm the diagnosis, prognosis, and mental capacity.
8. Informed Decision
- Before prescribing, the attending provider must counsel the patient about:
- Medical diagnosis and prognosis.
- Potential risks and probable result of taking the medication.
- Feasible alternatives (comfort care, hospice, pain control, palliative care).
- Right to change their mind at any time.
9. Residency
- SB 24-068 removed the Colorado residency requirement — out-of-state individuals can now qualify if they meet all other criteria.