On May 20, 2013, Act 39, Vermont Patient Choice and Control at the End of Life Act went into effect when Governor Shumlin signed it into law. The law is currently in effect, giving terminally ill, mentally capable Vermont residents with six months or less to live the option to request a prescription medication to end unbearable suffering. Patient Choices Vermont leads Vermont-based efforts to implement the law. The law was further improved in 2022.

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed H. 190, immediately removing the residency requirement from the state's medical aid in dying law. This signing is the culmination of over a year of hard work by our partners at Patient Choices Vermont and our incredible legal team.

Tools and Resources

For Patients Access the Vermont Advance Directive  

End-of-Life Planning Use our step-by-step guide to chart your journey.  

Los recursos en Español Los recursos en Español.  

COVID-19 Toolkit Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 and end of life care.  

Resources for Providers Find resources tailored to the needs of healthcare providers.