What to know: How will new NYS right-to-die law work?

ALBANY — It took advocates nine years to get the state Legislature to approve the Medical Aid in Dying measure that Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday she plans to sign.

An amended bill that lawmakers are expected to pass in January allows terminally ill patients to self-administer life-ending medication.

What does the bill do?

The bill, known as Medical Aid in Dying, allows terminally ill patients to request that a doctor prescribe medication they can self-administer to hasten their death.

Who is eligible?

Terminally ill New York residents over 18 years old with less than six months to live.

What does a patient need to do?

A patient will need to submit an oral and written request, which must be witnessed by at least two adults.

Are there any restrictions?

Yes. Hochul negotiated a number of amendments to the bill that passed in June. There is a mandatory five-day waiting period between when the prescription is written and filled.

The initial evaluation of a patient must be done in person by a physician. The patient’s request must be recorded by video or audio. A patient also must undergo a mental health evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Anyone who might benefit financially from the patient's death can’t serve as a witness to the oral request or as an interpreter for the patient.

The amended bill also allows religiously oriented home hospice providers to opt out of offering medical aid in dying.

When does it take effect?

After state lawmakers pass the amended bill in January and Hochul signs it into law, it will take effect six months later — to allow the state Department of Health to implement regulations and allow health care facilities to train staff.