Frequently Asked Questions

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The California End of Life Option Act allows certain terminally ill adults to request and obtain prescription medications that they may choose to self-administer to peacefully end their lives. The law is intended for individuals who have a terminal disease and meet specific legal and medical eligibility requirements.

Participation is entirely voluntary. Patients may explore the option, complete the qualification process, obtain the medication, and still decide not to take it. The decision remains with the patient at every step.

For more information, check out this link: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/End-of-Life-Option-Act-.aspx

To qualify under California's End of Life Option Act, a person must generally:

• Be 18 years of age or older. 
• Be a California resident.
• Have the capacity to make medical decisions. 
• Be diagnosed with a terminal disease that is expected to lead to death within six months. 
• Be able to make an informed decision regarding their medical care. 
• Be capable of self-administering the medication. 
• Complete the required medical evaluation and documentation process. 

Eligibility is determined by qualified healthcare professionals in accordance with California law.

The process typically includes several steps:

1. After a verbal request, you would have a preliminary evaluation by a participating healthcare provider. 
2. A qualified healthcare provider will review of medical records and confirmation that you meet the legal eligibility requirements. 
3. You must complete the required written request form. 
4. You would then have a discussion about your diagnosis, prognosis, alternatives, and informed consent with a participating prescribing physician. 
5. After a waiting period of at least 48 hours, you would then have a subsequent evaluation by the prescribing physician, and another evaluation by a consulting physician. 
6. Prescriptions are then sent out to a compounding pharmacy once all requirements have been satisfied. 
7. Once prescriptions are received, self-administration can be planned by the patient.

The exact timeline varies depending on individual circumstances, provider availability, and completion of required documentation.

A person may not qualify for Medical Aid in Dying if they do not meet one or more of California's legal requirements. Examples may include:

• Not having a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less. 
• Being unable to make informed medical decisions. 
• Evidence that the decision is not voluntary. 
• Being unable to self-administer the medication. 
• Failure to complete the required legal and medical process. 

Each situation is unique, and eligibility is determined by qualified healthcare professionals based on the requirements of California law.

In general, California law does not require patients to obtain permission from family members, friends, or other individuals in order to pursue Medical Aid in Dying. The decision belongs to the patient.

However, many patients choose to involve loved ones for emotional support and practical planning. Patients should discuss questions about privacy, documentation, and disclosure with their healthcare team, as individual circumstances may vary.

You have the right to take MAiD medications in specific healthcare facilities. An amendment to the End of Life Option Act clarifies your rights as of April 19. 2023. To view the Provider Information Notice (PIN) Summary PIN 23-09-ASC, click here.

Yes. Many patients who pursue Medical Aid in Dying are also receiving hospice care. Hospice and Medical Aid in Dying are separate services, but they can often work together to support patient comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Your SoCal Patient Advocacy healthcare team can explain how hospice services may fit into your overall care plan

No. Under California law, the patient must be able to self-administer the medication. Self-administration is a legal requirement for participation in the Medical Aid in Dying process.

SoCal Patient Advocacy healthcare providers can explain what self-administration means and whether a patient meets this requirement.

Many eligible patients obtain the medication and ultimately decide not to use it. Simply having access to the medication can provide a sense of comfort and control.

If medication is not used, patients and families should follow guidance from their healthcare team and pharmacy regarding safe storage and disposal.

Each individual's experience is unique and may be influenced by their medical condition and other factors. Before prescribing medication, SoCal Patient Advocacy healthcare providers discuss what patients and families can generally expect, including preparation, timing, comfort measures, and the importance of following medical instructions carefully. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and involve their support system as appropriate.

Yes. Participation in the Medical Aid in Dying process is entirely voluntary. Patients may stop the process at any point, choose not to complete the required steps, or decide not to take the medication after receiving it. The decision always remains with the patient.