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Status of Medical Aid in Dying
Medical aid in dying is currently authorized in Hawai‘i. Legislation is advancing to improve the Our Care, Our Choice Act.
The Hawai‘i Our Care, Our Choice Act was signed into law by Governor David Ige on April 5, 2018, and went into effect on January 1, 2019.
On January 20, 2023, three bills were simultaneously submitted for consideration:
In the Senate, SB 442-SD1 would authorize advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to prescribe and also authorize psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners , psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers to counsel. After passing the Senate Health Committee, it was heard and passed out of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee on February 22. It was the bill’s last Senate hearing.
In the House, HB 650 HD1 would reduce the waiting period, allow APRNs to counsel and prescribe, and provide an expedited pathway for terminally ill qualified patients who are not expected to survive the mandatory waiting period. This bill has already passed through the House Health Committee and the House Consumer Affairs Committee. It received its final hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs on February 24.
On April 28, 2023, the bill to improve Hawaii's Our Care, Our Choice Act passed out of the House and is now headed to the Governor's desk for signing.
Read the full bill summary.
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Find more videos from our PSA campaign here.
Take Action
- Attend an Event in Hawai‘i: Participate in virtual activities related to medical aid in dying and advance care planning.
- Volunteer With Us: Join other passionate and dedicated individuals to work to re-enact legislation that improves care and expands end-of-life choice.
- Follow us on Facebook.
- Sign our petition to show your support for improving the Our Care, Our Choice Act.
Education & Outreach
In January 2020 alone, Compassion & Choices participated in multiple events with volunteers and supporters, including a successful panel discussion on the one year anniversary of the Our Care, Our Choice Act’s implementation. Learn more about the Hawai‘i Our Care, Our Choice Act.
Tools and Resources
For Patients Learn about the Our Care, Our Choice Act. You can also access information about the law in five languages.
End-of-Life Planning Use our step-by-step guide to chart your journey or access the California advance directive directly here.
Recursos en Español 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.
Dementia Values & Priorities Tool Use our tool to document your preferences to make sure you get the care you want.