The bill is dangerous for several reasons:

THE FATAL FLAWS OF "Medical Aid in Dying" Bills

• The bill mandates that all patients seeking treatment for terminal illness be informed of the availability of lethal drugs as an option, regardless of the conscience concerns of medical professionals.

• Doctors and/or APRNs could prescribe lethal overdoses to patients with a 6-month life expectancy with no account for incorrect diagnoses.

• No medical personnel needs to be present when the drugs are taken. It would be impossible to know if the drugs were taken voluntarily or even knowingly.

• Doctors and/or APRNs need not have a previous relationship with the patient but should be able to determine that the patient, who may have a new, serious diagnosis, is not depressed or being coerced by a third party. One of the written form witnesses may be a prospective heir.

• The 6-month prognosis applies to persons with incurable but manageable chronic diseases who indicate they may stop routine therapies, such as insulin or heart failure medications.

• Doctors and/or APRNs who do not wish to prescribe medicine to end life may face professional censure and would be obligated to participate by providing a referral to a doctor who will prescribe.

• The cause of death on the death certificate must be listed as the underlying diagnosis, NOT overdose of lethal drugs, thereby creating medical fraud.

• Numerous disabilities groups and hospice groups, as well as medical professionals are opposed to the bill.