Status of Medical aid in dying

Medical aid in dying is authorized in Washington. The Legislature has approved a bill to improve the law, which was approved by Governor Inslee. 

In 2008, Washington voters overwhelmingly supported the Death with Dignity Act, a ballot initiative that authorized medical aid in dying. The law went into effect in 2009.

Governor Jay Inslee signed ESSB 5179, the amended Death with Dignity Act, on April 6, 2023, which means more eligible terminally ill Washingtonians will be able to access their medical aid in dying. Key improvements include:

  • Expanding the pool of qualified providers to support patients who would like to access medical aid in dying by authorizing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Physician Assistants to serve as clinicians.
  • Reducing the waiting period from 15 days to 7 days, cutting the length of time a patient has to needlessly suffer in half; And
  • Requiring health systems to post their medical aid in dying policies, so patients will get honest and transparent information.

This amazing accomplishment came in partnership with our tireless advocates and supporters, End of Life Washington and our legislative champions, Representative Skyler Rude and Senator Jamie Pedersen.

Tools and Resources

simple blue medical cross graphic.For Patients Learn whether you are eligible for the Washington Death with Dignity Act.

 

 

tools for end of life planning and decision making.End-of-Life Planning Use our step-by-step guide to chart your journey or access the Washington advance directive directly here.

 

 

advance care planning and resources in Spanish, espanol.Recursos en Español Recursos en Español.

 

 

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

 

 

tools for end of life planning and decision making.Resources for Providers Find resources tailored to the needs of healthcare providers.

 

 

tools for documenting end-of-life for dementia.Dementia Values & Priorities Tool Use our tool to document your preferences to make sure you get the care you want.