Requires that one of the requests be made in writing and be witnessed by uninvolved observers.
Strongly encourages involvement of the family, with requests for the family to be notified and in agreement.
May require that the patient be a resident of the state for at least six months.
Allows multiple methods of communication in addition to verbal communication.
Requires that the patient have multiple opportunities to withdraw his or her request at any time.
Stipulates that any health care or administrative personnel not wishing to participate can decline with impunity, in which case a referral may/should be made to another physician or facility.
May stipulate that the means of death can be by prescription only, or may provide for means mutually agreed upon by the patient and the doctor.
May require that the doctor be present when the prescription is administered.
May require video or audio taping of the requests.
Stipulates that aid in dying may be offered by no one other than the physician whose aid has been requested orally and in writing.
Requires that a report of assisted death, stating the underlying cause, be made to the County Health Department; the patient's name is not to be used.
Stipulates that insurance benefits would not be affected.
Provides civil and criminal immunity to physician, pharmacist, and people who are present to assist the patient. Criminal penalties would attach if coercion were found or if the guidelines were not followed."
http://www.hemlock.org/changing_laws.htm
The organization holds conferences and survey's the general public as well as physicians to ascertain and show support for the legalization of physician assisted suicide. They have helped to introduce legislation in more than 20 states for physician aid in dying.
The Hemlock Society publishes a quarterly newsletter named, TimeLines. The newsletter is comprised of news about the current activities of the Hemlock Society. It reports on happenings surrounding the right-to-die movement, includes information on their programs, the progress of any political or legislative processes that they are involved with and new books and publications on related topics are reviewed. Check their web site for newsletter prices and information on subscribing.
